What is Craniocervical Instability (CCI)?

The parts of the body involved are the head to the upper part of the neck.

Craniocervical instability is when the part that connects your head to the top of your neck isn’t strong enough to hold the head and upper neck in its proper place.  The parts that hold them together, like the muscles and ligaments, or in some cases a broken vertebrae,  aren’t able to do their job well.  The stability of this region relies on ligaments, joints, and supporting structures. When these elements are weakened, it leads to misalignment and abnormal movement in the craniocervical region.

The consequences involve potential strain on the involved parts like the neck muscles, ligaments, spinal cord and nerve roots, which may affect the normal functioning of the nervous and blood circulation system.

Symptoms of craniocervical instability can manifest in various ways, with the top five commonly observed being:

1. Neck Pain and Stiffness: Persistent discomfort or stiffness in the neck is a prevalent symptom, often exacerbated by movement.
2. Headaches: Individuals may experience chronic or worsening headaches, particularly at the base of the skull or in the upper cervical region.
3. Dizziness or Vertigo: Instability in the craniocervical junction can contribute to a sense of dizziness or imbalance, affecting daily activities.
4. Visual Disturbances: Some individuals may encounter visual disturbances, such as blurred vision or difficulty focusing, due to the involvement of nerves associated with eye movement.
5. Sensorimotor Deficits: Instability can lead to sensory and motor deficits, including tingling sensations or weakness in the arms and hands.

In essence, craniocervical instability signifies an imbalance in the vital relationship between the head and neck, impacting the involved parts, systems and biomechanics in this crucial junction.  Above all, the craniocervical junction is vital for several life functions.