Your Trusted Source For Chiropractic Care in Annapolis
Atlas Chiropractic focuses on one small but powerful part of your spine, the top vertebra known as the atlas. This bone sits just beneath the skull and surrounds the brainstem, which is central to balance, posture, and how your nervous system communicates with the rest of the body. When the atlas shifts out of its normal position, it can create stress and tension not just in the neck, but throughout the entire spine, muscles, and joints. That is why problems like migraines, vertigo, chronic neck pain, and postural issues often have a connection to this one area.
Instead of using forceful twisting or cracking, Atlas Chiropractic relies on precise measurements and gentle corrections to restore balance. Our goal is to help your body work the way it was designed to, by removing interference at the very top of the spine and allowing the rest of the system to follow. Many people seek out this type of care after trying other approaches and still not feeling like they are getting to the root of the problem. It is a focused, detailed way of caring for the spine that can make a noticeable difference in how you feel day to day.
Your Annapolis Chiropractor
Meet Dr. Schwartz
Dr. Marc Schwartz practices in Annapolis, Maryland, as a board-certified chiropractor specializing in Atlas Orthogonal and Activator Methods.
For more than 25 years, he’s provided compassionate, comprehensive care to patients in Maryland and the Washington metropolitan area, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and throughout the United States.
Education & Experience
Born and raised in the Washington D.C. area, Dr. Schwartz completed his bachelor’s degree in nutrition research at the University of Maryland. Later, Dr. Schwartz attended Life College of Chiropractic where he earned his Doctor of Chiropractic.
In 1993, he became Advanced Certified in Activator Methods and then Board Certified in Atlas Orthogonal.
Dr. Schwartz received a Doctor of Quantum Neurology in 2011. He maintains membership with the International Society of Police Surgeons.
What Atlas Chiropractic Is
Atlas Chiropractic is a specialized form of upper cervical care that centers on the alignment of the top vertebra in your spine. Rather than adjusting every area on each visit, we identify exactly how the atlas has shifted and apply a targeted correction to encourage it back into a healthier position. This work is highly individualized and guided by careful analysis instead of guesswork.
Because the atlas influences the position of the head and neck, even a small misalignment can change how the rest of the spine stacks and moves. When the atlas is corrected, the body often begins to unwind old patterns of tension, allowing the muscles and joints to move more freely and comfortably. This is one reason many patients notice improvements not only in their neck, but throughout the back, shoulders, and hips as well.
How the Adjustment Works
At your first visit, we spend time getting a clear picture of how your atlas is positioned. This can include imaging, posture checks, and other exams that help us see how your head, neck, and shoulders line up with the rest of your body. Once we understand your unique pattern, we plan a specific adjustment that is tailored to your measurements.
The actual atlas adjustment is very gentle. Most patients describe it as light pressure in a focused area rather than anything forceful or dramatic. There is no twisting or popping of the neck. After the adjustment, we recheck your posture, balance, and sometimes repeat parts of the exam so you can see how your body is responding. Follow-up visits continue to build on that progress while we watch for improvements in comfort, movement, and overall function.
Who Atlas Chiropractic Helps
Atlas care can be a good option for people dealing with migraines, tension headaches, neck pain, vertigo, dizziness, and issues related to poor posture or imbalance. It is also often helpful for those who have tried traditional chiropractic care but are looking for a more focused, measurement-based approach. Some patients come in with specific diagnoses, while others simply feel “off” and want to understand what is happening at the top of their spine.
Because this type of care is more specialized, it tends to draw people from a wider area than a typical chiropractic office. In addition to serving families here in Annapolis, we regularly see patients who travel from Washington DC, Baltimore, and Northern Virginia for Atlas Chiropractic. Many of them have been searching for answers for a long time and appreciate the level of detail and personal attention that goes into this style of care.
Why Patients Choose Atlas Correction
Patients are often drawn to atlas correction because it aims to work with the body, not against it. By focusing on the top of the spine and letting the body reorganize around that correction, we can often reduce stress, support better nerve communication, and create more lasting change. Over time, this can translate into fewer flare-ups, more comfortable movement, and a greater sense of stability and ease.
Start Your Wellness Journey Today
Whether you're new to chiropractic care or looking for a provider who offers a more holistic approach, Atlas Chiropractic is here to help.
Located in the heart of Annapolis, we’re proud to support our community with exceptional care that goes beyond the basics.
Take the first step toward a healthier, more balanced life. Contact us today with Dr. Marc Schwartz and see what personalized chiropractic care can do for you.