Neck & cervical instability
Atlantoaxial Instability (AAI)
Excess movement between the top two neck vertebrae.
Explore atlantoaxial instability (aai)Neck & cervical instability · Rochester, NY
Craniocervical Instability (CCI)
Instability where the skull meets the spine.
Understanding craniocervical instability (cci)
Craniocervical instability describes excessive movement between the skull and the top of the spine. It can follow trauma or occur with connective tissue disorders, and it can cause a wide range of symptoms. Diagnosis requires specialized imaging and medical evaluation.
Symptoms you may notice
- A heavy-headed or unstable feeling
- Headache and neck pain
- Dizziness or balance problems
- Neurological or whole-body symptoms in some cases
Why an individual evaluation matters
CCI is a serious medical condition managed by specialists. If you suspect or have been diagnosed with CCI, work with your medical team on imaging and management. Forceful neck manipulation is inappropriate with suspected instability.
Where One Life’s care may fit
One Life does not treat CCI. Dr. Jon can review your diagnosis and imaging and discuss honestly whether any gentle upper cervical care has a place alongside your medical care — and will say so when it does not.
Explore our upper cervical approachWhen to seek medical care
Seek urgent medical care for new weakness, numbness, trouble walking or swallowing, 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
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Understand your findings and the next steps in a care plan built around you.
Questions about craniocervical instability (cci)
Can chiropractic care fix CCI?
No. CCI is managed medically, sometimes surgically. Any manual care must be cautious, specific, and coordinated with your specialists.
What should I bring to a consultation?
Your imaging reports, specialist notes, and diagnosis. These determine whether any care is appropriate at all.
KEEP EXPLORING
Related concerns
Neck & cervical instability
Cervical Instability
A neck that feels unstable, weak, or hard to hold up.
Explore cervical instabilityNeck & cervical instability
Chiari Malformation
A structural condition where brain tissue extends into the spinal canal.
Explore chiari malformationYOUR NEXT CHAPTER
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