Posture, Balance, and the Atlas

Written By Dr. Riley Block

Good posture isn’t just about standing tall—it’s about how your body balances itself from the top down.

Your atlas (C1) plays a critical role in posture and balance. It sits directly under your skull, supporting the weight of your head. Even a small shift in this bone can change how your body distributes weight, forcing muscles to compensate and joints to adapt. Over time, that compensation can lead to tension, fatigue, and uneven wear on the spine.

Because the brain relies on accurate input from the spine and inner ear to maintain balance, an atlas misalignment can cause mixed signals—leading to poor posture, dizziness, or that “off-center” feeling many people can’t quite describe.

NUCCA corrections restore the proper relationship between your head and neck, allowing the body to naturally realign itself from the top down. As posture normalizes, balance improves, and the muscles that were overworking finally get a chance to relax.

When your head is on straight, everything else falls into place—literally.

Dr. Riley Block

Dr. Riley Block is passionate about helping families live life in alignment—naturally. She focuses on gentle, specific chiropractic care that supports the body’s ability to heal and function as God designed it to.

With a background in upper cervical chiropractic and pediatric care, Dr. Riley has a heart for serving moms, kids, and families. Her approach combines precision with compassion—taking time to truly listen, educate, and empower every patient who walks through the door.

When she’s not in the office, you’ll find Dr. Riley outdoors exploring the Black Hills, spending time with her family, or experimenting with new healthy recipes in the kitchen. Her mission is simple: to restore hope, health, and connection—one spine at a time.

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