Usually, the head and neck connect seamlessly with the cervical spine. This connection supports and holds the head upright while allowing normal movement. In someone with craniocervical instability, however, this connection is unstable and allows for too much movement. This can cause pain and reduce quality of life.
Craniocervical instability, also known as spinal instability, affects the junction of the base of the head and upper cervical spine. This junction includes the C1 and C2 vertebrae along with surrounding ligaments and connective tissues. Together, they move the head and neck forward, backward and side-to-side.
When these body parts are damaged and unstable, you can have shoulder, head, jaw and neck pain in mild cases. In more severe cases, weakness, numbness and mobility problems may be present. Craniocervical instability can also damage nearby body parts, including the brainstem and vagus nerve.
Through the UK HealthCare Comprehensive Spine Center, patients with craniocervical instability can get the care they need to treat and alleviate their condition.
The symptoms of craniocervical instability can vary. They depend on how severe the condition is and whether it involves myelopathy. Myelopathy, caused by spinal cord compression or irritation, can disrupt the signals between the brain and body. Craniocervical instability includes symptoms such as:
- Balance problems
- Imbalances in gait or posture
- Lack of coordination
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Neck, shoulder, jaw or head pain
- Numbness or tingling
- Weakness in the extremities
If you have craniocervical instability, you may find yourself trying to adapt your movements to avoid discomfort. This can lead to other symptoms, including sleep difficulties and daytime fatigue.
Less commonly, craniocervical instability can contribute to the development of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), a neurological condition.
Several conditions can lead to damage of the ligaments and connective tissues at the craniocervical junction, leading to craniocervical instability. Potential causes include:
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Spinal osteoarthritis or degenerative spinal disease
- Trauma, including severe falls or car accidents
- Post-infectious (diskitis and osteomyelitis)
- Achondroplasia and dwarfism: a growth disorder that causes disproportionate limb growth
- Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and other connective tissue disorders
In cases of trauma, craniocervical instability occurs when an injury stretches or weakens the ligaments supporting the head and neck. This can lead to abnormal movement. Genetic conditions, on the other hand, often cause ligament laxity (weakened or loosened ligaments) as part of the condition.
Your journey to better spine health begins at home. Before you visit UK HealthCare for spine pain, we review your medical records. We may contact you with follow-up questions. We then discuss your case as a team. Based on these conversations, we determine which specialists will best meet your needs.
Next, we schedule your appointment. To provide you with the best care possible, you may need to meet with multiple providers. This helps us meet all your care needs in a timely manner.
During your first visit, we answer questions and provide information to help you better understand your condition. We also work to find out what is causing your symptoms and develop a treatment plan.
In most cases, we start with non-surgical treatment, such as lifestyle changes and physical therapy. Spine issues that don’t improve with this approach may require other treatment, including pain management and surgical intervention.
When coming to your first appointment, plan to do the following:
- Arrive early. You may need to fill out paperwork when you arrive. Getting to your appointment early gives you time to complete paperwork without feeling rushed.
- Bring a current list of medicines or supplements you take. You should also list any surgeries you’ve had, symptoms you’ve experienced and other past health issues.
- Dress comfortably. Working toward a diagnosis takes time. Comfortable clothes help you stay relaxed and attentive throughout your visit. They also make it easier to perform your physical exam.
- Eat and drink as directed. You may need to have imaging or other tests during your first visit. If you need to adjust your eating, drinking or medicines before a test, a team member will call to explain what you need to do leading up to your visit.
- Have your insurance information on hand. UK HealthCare accepts most insurers, and financial assistance is available.
- Bring a family member or friend with you. This person can help take notes and ask questions you may not think of asking.