The Impact of Advanced Orthogonal Care on Pediatric Migraine – A Case Report

Dr. Chris Slininger, DC, DCCJP • May 26, 2025

A research article by Dr. Moses Bernard, Dr. Joel Alcantara, and Dr. G. Stanford Pierce

Breaking the Cycle of Pain for Young Migraine Sufferers


Migraines in children and adolescents are not only common—they can be profoundly disruptive. Affecting up to 28% of teenagers, migraines often go underrecognized and undertreated, especially when traditional diagnostics fail to reveal clear causes. In this compelling case report, Dr. Moses Bernard, Dr. Joel Alcantara, and Dr. G. Stanford Pierce present the care of a 16-year-old girl with a decade-long history of chronic migraine headaches who experienced significant relief through Advanced Orthogonal upper cervical chiropractic care.


Each of these doctors brings valuable expertise to the field. Dr. Bernard and Dr. Pierce are leading figures in the Advanced Orthogonal technique, both practicing in St. Petersburg, FL. Dr. Alcantara, a key figure in pediatric chiropractic research, has contributed extensively to advancing evidence-based care for children. Together, their collaborative insights into pediatric migraine highlight an important yet underutilized avenue for care.

How the Case Was Managed


The teenage patient had suffered from migraines since kindergarten, with episodes increasing in intensity and frequency after a head injury in ninth grade. Her headaches were severe, occurred weekly, and were accompanied by photophobia, phonophobia, dizziness, and fatigue. Despite extensive imaging, emergency room visits, dental consultations, and trials of over 15 medications, her symptoms persisted.


She was evaluated using the Advanced Orthogonal (AdvO) protocol, which revealed misalignment of the atlas vertebra and abnormal upper cervical positioning. Radiographs and digital analysis guided a precise, sound wave-based correction of her atlas subluxation. Over the course of a year, she received five atlas corrections across 16 visits.

Key Findings and Implications


The outcomes were remarkable: her headache intensity became manageable without medication, and the frequency dropped to 2–4 migraines per month. Most significantly, her emergency room visits ceased, and her quality of life—including school attendance—improved. Continued care over five years with occasional visits helped her maintain long-term stability.


This case illustrates the profound impact of correcting upper cervical misalignment in young migraine sufferers. Notably, the AdvO procedure was able to produce positive change even after conventional and pharmacological care failed to yield results. The success of this case suggests that atlas subluxation may play a more central role in chronic pediatric migraines than is commonly acknowledged, and that precise, non-invasive correction through upper cervical care may be a powerful intervention.


A New Perspective on Pediatric Migraine


At Cerebral Chiropractic Center, we use the same Advanced Orthogonal technique featured in this case study. This approach begins with advanced imaging and analysis to identify the exact position of the atlas vertebra (C1). Using a table-mounted sound wave device, a gentle and precisely vectored mechanical impulse is delivered just above the skin over the transverse process of the atlas. There’s no twisting, popping, or cracking—just a painless, highly targeted correction that restores alignment at the craniocervical junction.


This precision is especially vital in pediatric and adolescent care, where structural balance can influence not only symptoms like migraines but also long-term neurological development. The more we explore complex neurological conditions like chronic migraines, the more we recognize the need for tailored, technology-assisted solutions that address the root cause.


Whether care is limited to upper cervical correction or part of a broader integrative plan, our goal at Cerebral Chiropractic Center is always the same: restore balance, relieve suffering, and support long-term wellness from the top down.


Read the Full Article


To explore this case in detail, we invite you to read the full report by Dr. Moses Bernard, Dr. Joel Alcantara, and Dr. G. Stanford Pierce: The Care of a Teenage Girl with Migraine Headaches with the Advanced Orthogonal Procedure: A Case Report.  [Access the full article here.]

Ready to Help Your Child Thrive Again?


If migraines are disrupting your child’s life, upper cervical care at Cerebral Chiropractic Center in St. Petersburg, FL, may offer the breakthrough you’ve been seeking. Schedule a consultation to learn how our precision-based approach can make a lasting difference.


<<Back toThe White Papers

More Articles

Resolution of Chronic Migraines in a 15-Year-Old Male Following Chiropractic Care

By Dr. Chris Slininger, DC, DCCJP • May 26, 2025
This case study reports on a 15-year-old boy with daily headaches and chronic migraines that improved dramatically under Kale upper cervical care. After two years, migraines dropped from once every 3 weeks to only 5 total episodes. Upper cervical care may be a safe, effective option for adolescents with migraines.

Resolution of Chronic Migraines Following Atlas Orthogonal Chiropractic Care

By Dr. Chris Slininger, DC, DCCJP • May 26, 2025
This case report describes a 53-year-old patient with 12 years of migraines who experienced full symptom resolution through Atlas Orthogonal care. Precision X-ray analysis and vector-guided atlas correction resulted in immediate and lasting relief from migraine, neck pain, and neurological symptoms.

Cone-beam Computerized Tomography for the Bio-mechanical Assessment of the Occipito-atlanto-axial Articulation in a 75-year-old Woman with Migraines Undergoing Blair Technique

By Dr. Chris Slininger, DC, DCCJP • May 26, 2025
This article highlights the use of cone-beam CT to assess upper cervical misalignment in a migraine patient. Guided by Blair protocol, two atlas corrections over 10 weeks led to reduced pain and medication use. Upper cervical care continues to advance through precision imaging and individualized correction.

Conservative Management of Cervicogenic Dizziness with Underlying Upper Cervical Instability and POTS

By Dr. Chris Slininger, DC, DCCJP • April 20, 2025
Dr. Robert Trager and colleagues present a case where upper cervical chiropractic care played a key role in resolving chronic dizziness linked to cervicogenic dizziness, upper cervical instability, and POTS. The patient improved significantly through conservative management including manual therapy, stability exercises, and autonomic support.

Craniofacial Changes after Combined Atlas-Orthogonal and Biomimetic Oral Appliance Therapy

By Dr. Chris Slininger, DC, DCCJP • December 30, 2024
Dr. G. Dave Singh, Dr. Chris Chapman, and Dr. Myles Preble demonstrated that combining upper cervical chiropractic care with biomimetic oral appliance therapy can significantly improve craniofacial alignment. The study highlights how integrating these therapies enhances structural stability and supports neurological health through a multidisciplinary approach.

Effect of Atlas Vertebrae Realignment in Subjects with Migraine: An Observational Pilot Study

By Dr. Chris Slininger, DC, DCCJP • December 30, 2024
Dr. Woodfield and his colleagues conducted a groundbreaking study showing how atlas realignment may reduce migraine days and improve quality of life. The research highlights the potential of precise upper cervical care to address migraines at their root, offering insights into a non-invasive approach that could transform migraine management.

The Role of the Craniocervical Junction in Neurological and Neurodegenerative Conditions

By Dr. Chris Slininger DC, DCCJP • December 27, 2024
Dr. Michael Flanagan’s research highlights how misalignments in the craniocervical junction disrupt cerebrospinal fluid flow, contributing to neurodegenerative conditions. This article explores these dynamics and how upper cervical care restores alignment, optimizes cerebrospinal fluid flow, improves cerebral blood flow, and supports brain health.

Headache and Migraine Breakthrough

By Dr. Chris Slininger, DC, DCCJP • June 25, 2024
Pain, Throbbing, Aching, Pressure, and Tension In The Head There has been a breakthrough in understanding why headaches and migraines occur and how to fix them. More studies have shown that problems in the upper neck play a big role in causing headaches. A specialized method of correcting the upper neck can reduce or eliminate the symptoms without drugs or injections. Headaches are not normal even though they are common. The amount of times a person gets a headache does not make it normal. It actually just means the problem is more severe and there is usually a root cause to the problem that has not been uncovered yet. Most people do not know the root cause of their headaches. This leaves many people simply managing symptoms with medication or just coping with the pain. Currently, the most common treatment for headaches is prescription drugs, and treatment like Botox injections is on the rise, even though it only provides temporary relief. In recent years, there has been a greater understanding of one of the more common root causes of headaches and migraines. Headache and migraine pain often originate from nerves in your upper neck. More specifically, it is in an area called the brainstem. (See figure 1) This brainstem is the transition point between the brain and the spinal cord. It is located at the base of your skull into the upper part of the neck. Inside of this brainstem is a group of nerves called the trigeminal nucleus, which is the pain center for the head, face, and neck. If this trigeminal nucleus of the brainstem gets irritated, it causes the head, and sometimes the face, to hurt. One of the most common causes of this type of nerve interference is an upper neck misalignment. An upper neck misalignment occurs when the bones of the upper neck get out of place from a fall, concussion , car accident, or some sort of head or neck injury. Unfortunately, not many doctors, chiropractors, or neurologists are trained to evaluate this specific problem, leaving many people suffering from headaches for years. The key to addressing these types of headaches and migraines is to find the root of the problem instead of masking the symptoms. If a person is found to have upper neck nerve irritation from a misalignment, then they would be a candidate for our specialized type of care used to realign the upper neck with a gentle correction. Once the upper neck has been properly realigned, the bones no longer irritate the nerves and the headaches begin to subside. This specialized type of care is called Upper Cervical Care . With so many people suffering from headaches, there is good news. This specialized treatment is available the Cerebral Chiropractic Center in St. Petersburg, FL, which opens February 2024. Dr. Chris Slininger, the founder of Cerebral Chiropractic Center, is a craniocervical specialist who has been practicing in the Tampa Bay Area for the last 10 years. Upper Cervical Care is a powerful, precise, and gentle approach to long term relief. If you are serious about recovery, schedule a free consultation. You will meet with Dr. Slininger to learn more about headaches and migraines and to see if you could be a candidate for treatment.