Cranio-Cervical Instability

What is Cranio-Cervical Instability?

Cranio-cervical instability occurs when the joints connecting the skull to the upper cervical spine (C1 and C2 vertebrae) become unstable, causing abnormal movement. This can compress the brainstem or spinal cord, leading to neurological issues, headaches, and neck pain. Mr. Irfan Malik offers tailored treatments to stabilize the cranio-cervical junction and alleviate symptoms.

Symptoms

• Neck pain: Chronic or severe pain at the base of the skull.
• Headaches: Often occurring at the back of the head and increasing with neck movement.
• Neurological symptoms: Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs.
• Dizziness: Vertigo or balance issues.
• Limited neck movement: Difficulty turning or tilting the head.

When to See a Consultant

You should see a specialist if you experience:

• Severe neck pain: Persistent pain that worsens with movement.
• Neurological issues: Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the limbs.
• Dizziness or headaches: Symptoms that impact daily life.
• History of trauma: Recent injury to the neck, especially if it involves whiplash.

Causes of Cranio-Cervical Instability

• Spine Trauma: Injuries such as whiplash can weaken the ligaments of the cranio-cervical junction.
• Connective tissue disorders: Conditions like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome can make ligaments more prone to damage.
• Degenerative changes: Age-related weakening of ligaments in the upper spine