Head & balance
Headaches
Recurring head pain, tension, or headaches with neck discomfort.
Explore headachesNeck & cervical instability · Rochester, NY
Chiari Malformation
A structural condition where brain tissue extends into the spinal canal.
Understanding chiari malformation
Chiari malformation is a structural condition at the junction of the brain and spinal cord, usually diagnosed by MRI. Symptoms can include headache (often worsened by coughing or straining), neck pain, dizziness, and neurological symptoms. It is managed by neurologists and neurosurgeons.
Symptoms you may notice
- Headache worsened by coughing or straining
- Neck pain
- Dizziness or balance problems
- Numbness, weakness, or swallowing difficulty in some cases
Why an individual evaluation matters
Chiari is a medical condition requiring specialist care. If you have a Chiari diagnosis, bring your imaging and specialist notes to any musculoskeletal consultation. Forceful neck manipulation is inappropriate with this condition.
Where One Life’s care may fit
One Life does not treat Chiari malformation. With your diagnosis and imaging, Dr. Jon can discuss whether any gentle upper cervical care is appropriate alongside your specialist care — and will refer out when it is not.
Explore our upper cervical approachWhen to seek medical care
Seek urgent medical care for new weakness, trouble swallowing or breathing, severe worsening headache, 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.
NINDS: Chiari malformationYOUR 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 chiari malformation
Can chiropractic care help Chiari?
It does not treat the malformation. Any manual care must be cautious and coordinated with your neurologist or neurosurgeon.
What should I bring?
Your MRI reports and specialist notes, so any care decision respects your diagnosis.
KEEP EXPLORING
Related concerns
Neck & cervical instability
Craniocervical Instability (CCI)
Instability where the skull meets the spine.
Explore craniocervical instability (cci)Special populations
Ehlers-Danlos & Hypermobility
Connective tissue conditions that make joints extra flexible.
Explore ehlers-danlos & hypermobilityYOUR NEXT CHAPTER
You have one life. Feel more like you.
Let’s start with a conversation about your health and your goals.