Neck & cervical instability
Craniocervical Instability (CCI)
Instability where the skull meets the spine.
Explore craniocervical instability (cci)Neck & cervical instability · Rochester, NY
Atlantoaxial Instability (AAI)
Excess movement between the top two neck vertebrae.
Understanding atlantoaxial instability (aai)
Atlantoaxial instability means the first and second vertebrae of the neck move more than they should. It can occur with connective tissue conditions, Down syndrome, inflammatory disease, or after trauma, and it requires medical diagnosis and monitoring.
Symptoms you may notice
- Neck pain or a feeling of instability
- Headache at the base of the skull
- Neurological symptoms in some cases
- Symptoms that change with head position
Why an individual evaluation matters
AAI is a medical diagnosis, usually made with imaging. Anyone with confirmed or suspected AAI should be under medical care, and some activities and manual treatments are inappropriate. Never seek forceful neck manipulation with known instability.
Where One Life’s care may fit
One Life does not treat AAI itself. With your diagnosis and imaging, Dr. Jon can discuss whether any gentle, specific upper cervical care is appropriate in coordination with your medical team — or whether referral is the right answer.
Explore our upper cervical approachWhen to seek medical care
Seek urgent medical care for new weakness, numbness, trouble walking, coordination problems, or bladder or bowel changes.
This is not a complete list of warning signs. If you think you may be experiencing an emergency, call 911 rather than wait for an office appointment.
Educational information, not a diagnosis or individualized medical advice. Care recommendations and results vary. Discuss treatment risks, benefits, and alternatives with your provider.
MedlinePlus: Neck injuries and disordersYOUR FIRST VISIT
A thoughtful start, not a one-size-fits-all plan.
01
We listen first.
Tell us about your health, your concerns, and what you want to get back to doing.
02
We look at the whole picture.
Your history and a specific examination help us understand your needs and whether we’re a good fit.
03
We make a plan, together.
Understand your findings and the next steps in a care plan built around you.
Questions about atlantoaxial instability (aai)
Is neck adjustment safe with AAI?
Forceful manipulation is not appropriate with known instability. Any care decision requires your imaging, diagnosis, and medical team’s input.
How is AAI diagnosed?
Usually with imaging such as X-rays, CT, or MRI, ordered by a physician.
KEEP EXPLORING
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