Can you cure cervical instability?
Cervical instability is a medical condition in which loose ligaments in your upper cervical spine may lead to neuronal damage and a large list of adverse symptoms. If you have cervical instability, you may be experiencing migraines, vertigo, or nausea. Fortunately, this condition is treatable, though not curable.
What is a craniocervical junction?
The craniocervical (craniovertebral) junction represents the complex transitional zone between the cranium and the spine and comprises a complex balance of different elements: it should be considered anatomically and radiologically a distinct entity from both the cranium and, in particular, the cervical spine.
What is craniocervical surgery?
Craniocervical junction surgery is an operation performed on the bones in the junction between the skull and the spine. The craniocervical junction includes the bone that forms the base of the skull, called the occipital bone, and the first two bones in the spine, called the atlas and the axis.
When does cervical spinal stenosis require surgery?
Spinal stenosis surgery helps to reopen your spinal canal, the channel in your backbone that houses your spinal cord and other nerves. A doctor does the surgery when the space in the canal narrows because of arthritis, bone spurs, or other problems. When that happens, the nerves can be pinched or squeezed.
How can I sleep with cervical instability?
How to sleep with cervical radiculopathy
- Sleeping on your back: This is the optimal sleeping position as it is the easiest to properly brace your head and position your neck.
- Sleeping on your side: This position is not as preferred as laying on your back, but it is better than on your stomach.
Where is cervical medullary junction?
The CMJ involves the structures that are located just above, through, and below the foramen magnum, the opening in the occipital bone through which many vital structures enter and leave the brain cavity.
What are the symptoms of craniocervical instability?
Symptoms of Craniocervical Instability:
- neck pain.
- central or mixed sleep apnea.
- facial pain or numbness.
- balance problems.
- muscle weakness.
- dizziness and vertigo.
- vision problems.
- reduced gag reflux and difficulty swallowing.
How long does it take to heal from neck surgery?
It may take 4 to 6 weeks to get back to your usual activities. How long it takes depends on what kind of surgery you had. Your doctor may advise you to work with a physiotherapist to strengthen the muscles around your neck and back.
How do doctors treat a craniocervical junction injury?
To relieve pressure on the brain, spinal cord, or nerves, doctors use traction or manipulate the head, then immobilize the neck, but sometimes surgery is needed. The craniocervical junction consists of the bone that forms the base of the skull (occipital bone) and the first two bones in the spine (which are in the neck): the atlas and axis.
What are craniocervical junction disorders?
Craniocervical junction disorders are abnormalities of the bones that join the head and neck. (Cranio- means skull, and cervical means neck.)
What is the treatment for cervical compression syndrome?
If neural structures are compressed, treatment consists of reduction (traction or changes in head position to realign the craniocervical junction and thus relieve neural compression). After reduction, the head and neck are immobilized.
How do you get cervical junction disorders?
Craniocervical junction disorders may occur later in life. They can result from injuries or certain disorders. Injuries may affect bone, ligaments, or both. They are usually caused by motor vehicle or bicycle accidents, falls, or often diving.