01/04/2026
"There are various causes of cervical spine instability. Some are traumatic or sudden and others are gradual. Instability can develop after a whiplash injury, most often due to car accidents. However, iatrogenic injuries (caused by medical treatment) are documented as well, for example, as a complication after chiropractic maneuvers or hyperextension of the neck during surgery. Any traumatic event to the head and/or neck, especially one that causes a quick twisting of the head, can lead to instability. Chronic poor or suboptimal positioning , especially from looking down at computer screens, tablets, and phones, may contribute to instability as well."
An underlying condition can lead to instabilities, like connective tissue disorders ie: Ehlers-Danlos syndromes.
SYMPTOMS
☑️Headaches and neck pain
☑️Muscle spasm
☑️Brain Fog
☑️Sleep apnea
☑️Dysautonomia symptoms
☑️Heavy head
☑️Trouble swallowing
☑️Cracking, popping noise
☑️Dizziness
☑️Trouble hearing, tinnitus
☑️Drop attacks
☑️Balance issues, poor coordination
☑️Tingling and numbness of face, arms, and legs
☑️Paralysis, numbness, pins and needle sensation, tingling
☑️Light and sound sensitivity
☑️Cognitive, mental, and personality changes
☑️Burning sensation along the spine
☑️Tremor
ADDITIONAL PROBLEMS FROM UPPER CERVICAL INSTABILITY
- Myelopathy
- Brain stem compression
- Jugular Vein compression
- Intracranial hypertension
- Vagus Nerve dysfunction
- Vertebrobasilar invagination
- CSF flow changes
TREATMENTS
Treatments vary depending on the severity of symptoms. Often, immobilization with a cervical collar is recommended for several weeks-months, and physical therapy implemented. The autonomic dysfunction can take a long time to reverse, unfortunately.
Symptom chart from:
Russek LN. Presentation and physical therapy management of upper cervical instability in patients with symptomatic generalized joint hypermobility: International expert consensus recommendations. 2023 Jan 18;9:1072764.
