With more than two decades of clinical experience, Dr. David Nygaard has found that specific correction of the upper cervical area can restore a healthy brain-body connection, providing relief from numerous complex health conditions.
Prior to becoming a chiropractor, Dr. Nygaard obtained a BS in Special Education, an MS in Guidance and Counseling, and an MBA with an emphasis in Human Resources.
In 1990, he resigned his corporate position and decided to pursue his lifelong dream of becoming a chiropractor. He attended Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport Iowa—and in 1995 (at age 40!) he earned his Doctor of Chiropractic degree.
Dr. Nygaard completed his clinical requirements a semester early, and as a result was able to participate in an off-campus internship in the office of Dr. Roy Sweat, founder of the Atlas Orthogonal technique and clinical protocols. Dr. Sweat’s pioneering work is responsible for the upper cervical analysis and treatment system used at Atlas Brain and Body.
After graduation—and with Dr. Sweat’s encouragement and support—Dr. Nygaard went to work as a field consultant, teaching other doctors how to implement Atlas Orthogonal in their offices, including instruction in clinical protocols and office procedures.
Today Dr. David Nygaard is one of less than 250 chiropractors worldwide who are Board Certified in Atlas Orthogonal. In his many years serving the Asheville community, he has perfected his technique, bringing in additional modalities to support the upper cervical adjustment, including spinal disc decompression and myofascial release.
Dr. Nygaard has traveled to 36 countries. He’s worked with developmentally disabled adults, overseen the clinical component of two Employee Assistant Programs (EAPs) team of mental health and addiction therapists, and served as the community and public relations manager for a Fortune 500 drug and alcohol hospital.
He is the co-author of two articles that were published in chiropractic journals, one of which was in the only peer referenced journal of its time, the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research.
Since early childhood, Dr. Nygaard has been active in sports and the outdoors. In his younger years he played baseball and basketball, and enjoyed cross country skiing, running, and canoeing. His most recent passion is disc golf.
Dr. Nygaard has been active in the Mankind Project since 2001. He has a special interest in their commitment to social justice and has volunteered with Journeyman Asheville, a non-profit that provides mentoring and rites of passage experiences to adolescent boys at risk.
Dr. Nygaard is a true animal lover, having rescued and fostered both cats and dogs. There is always a friendly dog at the office as part of the healing atmosphere.
Chiropractic Assistant
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