7 Warning Signs Your Atlas Is Out of Alignment

From chronic neck tension to unexplained dizziness, atlas misalignment hides in plain sight. Use this checklist to find out if your C1 needs a reset.

By
Dr. LaChance
By
Katie Redmon
April 28, 2025
5 minute read
Illustration highlighting symptoms caused by atlas misalignment

The Silent Trouble‑Maker: Why (the Atlas) C1 Bone in your Spine Matters

The atlas, the first cervical vertebra, plays a crucial role in supporting the skull and facilitating head movement.

When misaligned, it can lead to a cascade of issues affecting the entire body. This misalignment can compress nerves, restrict blood flow, and strain muscles, leading to symptoms that are often mistaken for other conditions. For instance, a misaligned atlas can cause chronic neck pain, headaches, and even affect balance and coordination.

Understanding the importance of the atlas in maintaining overall spinal health is essential for diagnosing and treating related ailments effectively.

Top 7 Red‑Flags of Atlas (C1 Neck Bone) Misalignment

Here are some key indicators, or "red flags," that you might have overlooked. These signs clearly suggest it's time to visit a local chiropractor for an evaluation by a certified professional.

  1. Persistent neck stiffness—especially after waking.
  2. Frequent tension headaches that OTC meds barely touch.
  3. Vertigo or dizziness when standing up quickly.
  4. One‑shoulder backpack syndrome—bags always slip off the same side.
  5. Jaw clicking or TMJ pain.
  6. Uneven shoe wear suggesting hip imbalance.
  7. Brain fog after long desk sessions.

How Wave UCC Fixes It—Step by Step

     
  1. 3‑D X‑Ray Analysis pinpoints direction & degree.
  2. Low‑Force Adjustment restores the ideal center of gravity.
  3. Post-adjustment resting period to lock in your new posture.

Simple Self‑Checks You Can Do Today

You may need to do this more than once, but the first time you do it may offer the best signs you need to see an upper cervical chiropractor.

  1. Stand in front of a mirror
  2. Close your eyes
  3. March in place (10 steps)
  4. Then open your eyes

Things to look for after you open your eyes: 

  • Are you rotated or drifting to one side?
    • That’s a clue that you may be out of alignment!
  • Do you experience a sensation like the real world is "moving" in front of your eyes?
    • Does this sensation occur even for a split second?
  • Is your head tilting to one side? 
    • Make sure you have a consistent reference point and repeat the exercise a few times to be sure.
  • Are your shoulders drooping? 
    • Is one shoulder higher than the other? 

Success Snapshot: Monica’s Migraine Relief

Monica reduced migraine episodes from 15 to 4 per month after correcting a 3‑degree atlas tilt.

Take the next step:

Schedule a posture scan—it’s fast, non‑invasive, and eye‑opening.

Related Products

Before-and-after posture scan showing atlas correction

Share this:

Latest Articles

Explore Our Latest Insights

Discover how chiropractic care transforms lives.

June 24, 2025

From Brain Fog to Balance Issues: How Nervous System Realignment Restores Clarity and Stability

Learn key signs of nervous system realignment needs, from brain fog to balance issues, and explore gentle upper cervical solutions.

Heading 1

Heading 2

Heading 3

Heading 4

Heading 5
Heading 6

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.

Block quote

Ordered list

  1. Item 1
  2. Item 2
  3. Item 3

Unordered list

  • Item A
  • Item B
  • Item C

Text link

Bold text

Emphasis

Superscript

Subscript

Young man receiving chiropractic consultation in modern clinic hallway with treatment table and computer monitor, focusing...
June 25, 2025

Vertigo and Dizziness: Could Your Neck Be the Hidden Cause?

Learn how upper neck problems can spark vertigo and dizziness, the symptoms to watch for, and gentle, imaging-guided corrections that bring lasting relief.

Heading 1

Heading 2

Heading 3

Heading 4

Heading 5
Heading 6

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.

Block quote

Ordered list

  1. Item 1
  2. Item 2
  3. Item 3

Unordered list

  • Item A
  • Item B
  • Item C

Text link

Bold text

Emphasis

Superscript

Subscript

June 24, 2025

TMJ Pain & Jaw Dysfunction Relief: How Upper Cervical Chiropractic Targets the Root Cause

Learn how upper cervical chiropractic can ease TMJ pain by correcting C1/C2 misalignment for natural, non-surgical jaw dysfunction relief.

Heading 1

Heading 2

Heading 3

Heading 4

Heading 5
Heading 6

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.

Block quote

Ordered list

  1. Item 1
  2. Item 2
  3. Item 3

Unordered list

  • Item A
  • Item B
  • Item C

Text link

Bold text

Emphasis

Superscript

Subscript

Fullscript® is a trusted partner of 375+ brands in health and wellness

Order healthcare’s best supplements

Visit our Fullscript® store online to order top-quality supplements and wellness products — delivered directly to your door.

Visit Online Store

Real Reviews by Patients from the Tampa Bay Area

Get in Touch

We're here to assist you with your needs.

Office

Wave Upper Cervical Chiropractic
2643 Narnia Way, Suite 101
Land O’ Lakes, FL 34638
View in Google Maps

Connect