Main Main principles Importance of head joints function

Importance of head joints function

1) The first cervical vertebra - Atlas

2) The second cervical vertebra - Axis

3) Vertebral arteries

4) Spinal cord

The first two cervical vertebrae, Atlas (C1) and Axis (C2), together with the base of the skull, form three joints in the head: the paired atlanto-occipital joint, the paired atlanto-axial joint, and the median atlanto-axial joint of Cruveilhier. In medicine, this area is referred to as the craniovertebral junction (from Latin Cranium – skull, and Vertebrae – vertebrae) or the atlas-axial-occipital complex.

These joints allow the head to balance and perform rotational, tilting, and gliding movements. When the upper cervical vertebrae become misaligned, the function of these joints is disrupted, leading to shifts in the center of gravity of the head and body, compensatory distortions of the spine, and disturbances in various connections between the head and body.

Any deviations in the function of the joints, or misalignment of the upper cervical vertebrae from their anatomically and physiologically correct position, can directly or indirectly cause negative consequences for all systems of the body: the musculoskeletal system, the neurovegetative (parasympathetic) system, the cardiovascular system and blood vessels, as well as the lymphatic system.
Vertebral misalignment and dysfunction of the head joints mainly occur during childbirth and infancy, when the child is learning to walk. Later, these issues can be exacerbated by life circumstances: whiplash or sports injuries, head impacts, falls, severe stress, frequent and prolonged poor posture for the neck, and so on.

Due to the impact of stress factors, excessive compressive force develops in the neck muscles that control the head joints. As a result, the function of these joints may be partially or completely blocked.

According to our observations, 7 out of 10 people experience negative symptoms due to upper cervical dysfunction.

To better understand the scale of the problem, it is necessary to take a closer look at what happens in this narrow area:

The circulatory system (arteries, veins, and vessels of various calibers) supplies the brain with oxygen and nutrients;

The main trunk of the central nervous system, with many branches, passes through this area, allowing the brain to control the entire body (the trunk exits through the foramen magnum at the base of the skull, passes through the Atlas (C1) and Axis (C2) vertebrae, and branches out throughout the body);

The muscles and tissues of the neck and skull, located in close proximity to the head joints, contain a large number of nociceptors (small nerve endings) that can provoke head and/or neck pain when exposed to irritating factors (especially increased tension in the muscles);

The balance of the head in space is maintained, and the regulation of its center of gravity relative to the axis of the spine is ensured, which affects the center of gravity and condition of the musculoskeletal system, as well as overall posture.

Consequences of head joints dysfunction

When the head joints are blocked due to excessive compressive force from the muscles, the patient may experience:

Partial or complete loss of the joints' ability to stabilize the weight of the head in space (resulting in the sensation that the head is excessively heavy, leading to a desire to support it with, for example, a hand);

A shift in the center of gravity of the head away from the spine's axis, causing various posture disorders, including spinal curvature and scoliosis;

Increased tension in the deep spinal muscles that support the skeleton (especially the autochthonous muscles) to prevent a "biomechanical collapse" of the skeleton;

Prolonged muscle tension leads to shortening and reduced blood flow to the muscles, which can result in fibrous areas (fibromyalgia) and inflammation. As a result, muscles lose their softness, elasticity, and ability to stretch;

Muscles that lose elasticity and become stiff irritate nociceptors (pain-sensitive nerve endings), leading to chronic pain not only in the neck but also in other parts of the body;

Further deterioration of the muscles controlling the head joints increases the compressive force between the skull base and cervical vertebrae;

This situation may worsen health problems, potentially leading to compression of cranial nerves and blood vessels that supply the brain, as well as cranial neuralgia with various disruptions to craniosacral rhythm;

This condition opens the door to numerous neurogenic symptoms, including headaches of various types, neck and shoulder pain, joint pain, nosebleeds, nerve palsy, reduced cerebral blood flow, tinnitus, heaviness in the eyes, jaw clicking, and more;

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics disturbances (CSF is the liquid medium surrounding the brain and spinal cord) may impair the removal of excess heat from the brain and increase intracranial pressure, leading to widespread mental function impairments: excessive fatigue, psychological burnout, hyperactivity, attention deficit, lack of enthusiasm, etc., as well as spatial disorientation (due to overstretching of the dura mater - the brain's protective membrane), which can cause dizziness, Ménière's syndrome, unsteady gait, derealization, and more;

The effects of head joint blockage are not limited to the head and neck but also impact other areas of the musculoskeletal system, triggering muscle tension and chronic pain in the back and limbs;

Attempts by the patient to treat localized pain in the back or another part of the body without addressing the underlying cause of the pain are almost always doomed to failure.

Therefore, in treating ailments, it is recommended to use the process of elimination, starting with an assessment of the condition of the head joints.

Head joints dysfunction tends to worsen with age. It is typically associated with such a wide range of symptoms that it should not be ignored.

Protecting your health is much easier when you have information about the main causes of diseases. Schedule a diagnosis and treatment at Body Balance Clinic, and you will discover that most health problems are solvable.

The best way to care for your health is to take preventive measures to avoid illness, which is better than taking medications after symptoms have appeared.

Head joints dysfunction and effect on posture

The primary function of the head joints is to evenly distribute the weight of the head across the entire skeleton. When the Atlas (C1) and Axis (C2) vertebrae are balanced relative to the skull base and there is no excessive muscle compressive force, the weight of the head is evenly distributed along the spinal axis.

However, when there is dysfunction in the head joints, regardless of the cause, the weight of the head—amounting to 5-6 kg—applies an asymmetrical load on the spine over many years. This constant, unbalanced, and one-sided load leads to posture defects and osteochondrosis.

Misalignment of the cervical vertebrae, Atlas and Axis, typically occurs during birth and infancy. Later in life, this condition can worsen due to various factors such as whiplash or sports injuries, head impacts, falls, severe stress, and prolonged periods in awkward neck positions.

The fact that one side of the body experiences more load than the other (due to a disrupted center of gravity) is why symptoms predominantly appear on one side of the body in most people.

When head joint dysfunction occurs, the center of gravity of the head no longer aligns with the spine's axis.

As mentioned earlier, misalignment of the cervical vertebrae leads to a shift in the head's center of gravity, which can trigger a chain reaction resulting in asymmetry throughout the entire skeleton, from head to toe. For example, one shoulder may be higher than the other, accompanied by pain in the neck and shoulder blade, scoliosis, and pelvic tilt, which increases the risk of disc herniation (discopathy), back pain (radiculopathy), and pain in the hips, knees, and feet. This imbalance can even be visually detected at home using two scales, which may show a weight difference of up to 20 kg between one leg and the other.

At Body Balance Clinic, doctors often observe that, depending on the type of Atlas and Axis vertebrae misalignment and how the body responds to it, the natural physiological curves of the spine may be affected. Lordosis (the forward curve of the cervical and lumbar spine) or kyphosis (the backward curve of the thoracic and sacral spine) can be altered: straightened, exaggerated, or even reversed.

As the primary balancers of the skull, the head joints have a direct impact on skeletal balance on all sides and are directly responsible for distorting vertical posture. Body Balance Clinic regularly finds evidence of this. The recovery stories of each clinic patient are direct proof of the significant influence craniovertebral dysfunction has on the balance of the entire body.

Consequences of Atlas and Axis vertebrae displacement for the muscular system

The symptoms caused by dysfunction in the head joints can vary widely, including neck tension and pain, headaches, dizziness, shoulder pain, back pain, numbness in the hands, limited or painful neck movement, and torticollis.

This occurs because the blockage of the head joints leads to constant unilateral tension in the neck muscles and ligaments, which does not go unnoticed. If this unilateral tension is not addressed over many years, it can result in fibrosis.

Fibrosis is a condition where muscle tissue becomes so spasmodically dense that blood and nutrients can no longer reach certain areas of the muscle. Fibrosis also deprives the affected muscle of its ability to stretch. As a result, the deep muscles pathologically shorten and become "rigid" due to chronic lack of blood flow, causing the person to suffer from various symptoms.

Advice to get a massage or to strengthen the back and neck muscles with exercises, without addressing the underlying problem (subluxation of the head joints and a disrupted center of gravity), may only bring temporary relief by improving microcirculation in the problem area, specifically in the muscle areas not affected by fibrosis. However, in such cases, the treatment process can drag on for many years and often yields questionable results.

We believe it is better to address the root of the problem! The first step should be to eliminate the imbalance in the head joints that caused the symptoms.

Impact on other vertebrae

Depending on the type of misalignment of the Atlas and Axis cervical vertebrae, all the lower vertebrae in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions may be affected. As a result of the body's biomechanical imbalance, the muscular system goes into spasm, disrupting the microcirculation and nourishment of the spine. Simultaneously, the static load on the intervertebral discs and vertebral bodies is unevenly distributed. All of this leads to their wear, tear, and degradation.

After restoring the balance of the Atlas and Axis cervical vertebrae at Body Balance Clinic, all other vertebrae are released from forced misalignment thanks to the "domino effect." After correction, the spine regains its natural anatomical curves, eliminating compensatory mechanisms and improving balance throughout the body.

As many patients report, after treatment at Body Balance Clinic, the need for new sessions with a chiropractor or osteopath simply disappears. People feel great and do not feel the need for additional muscle work.

The influence of head joints imbalance on the entire body due to center of gravity shifts

As long as defects exist in the head joints, unilateral muscle tension will inevitably develop. One side of the body may even appear more developed than the other. The longer a person lives with the problem, the higher the risk of complications. If one shoulder is higher than the other or the pelvis is tilted, complaints are inevitable sooner or later. In addition to pulling sensations and pain, there may be spinal joint blockages with nerve root compression.

Doctors can relieve pain by administering cortisone or performing a nerve block. However, since a nerve block is a procedure that interrupts the transmission of pain signals, it cannot restore the spine.

Pain relief should be approached cautiously. It is like treating tooth decay with painkillers until all the teeth are destroyed. Frequent use of nerve blocks in the long term can worsen health, as the center of gravity is not restored, and the biomechanical collapse of the spine is not addressed.

Compression of the radial and ulnar nerves can lead to shooting pains, tingling, and numbness in the hands. Pressure on the vagus nerve can cause disruptions in the functioning of internal organs it controls (such as sphincter spasms, stomach issues, etc.). Dysfunction in the neck leads to a range of disorders, even in seemingly unrelated areas of the body.

Shortened, swollen, and hardened muscles from a shifted center of gravity can compress lymphatic structures, as well as capillaries and veins. This leads to reduced blood flow and the accumulation of metabolic waste products, causing acidosis. The state of acidity in the body creates a vicious cycle, increasing inflammation, making muscles even stiffer, and further worsening microcirculation.

Of course, there are other factors that can affect the symmetry of the body's vertical posture. However, subluxation of the head joints can be decisive. Experience shows that in most cases, after "correction," the skeleton takes on a more proper and natural shape.

How does posture change after correction at Body Balance Clinic?

Many patients experience significant improvements in posture after undergoing correction at Body Balance Clinic. The adjustment of the Atlas (C1) and Axis (C2) vertebrae often results in a restoration of the natural alignment of the spine. This can lead to a more balanced and symmetrical posture, as the center of gravity is realigned. The skeletal structure regains its natural curves, such as lordosis and kyphosis, which may have been altered due to the previous misalignment. These changes can reduce or eliminate compensatory muscle tensions, leading to improved overall body balance and a significant reduction in pain and discomfort.

Only a body with a correct center of gravity can remain viable and free from complaints throughout life. Schedule a correction at Body Balance Clinic to restore cervical function and live without pain and discomfort.

Are your complaints really psychosomatic?

How many patients have been prescribed antidepressants or even referred to a psychiatrist, with doctors insisting that their problems are "all in their head" and have a psychosomatic origin?

Given that the craniovertebral zone remains a largely unexplored area in medicine, it’s quite possible that your doctor simply isn’t aware—and therefore doesn’t inform you—that dysfunction in the head joints might be the root cause of your symptoms.

As a result, individuals can suffer from pain for extended periods while specialists assure them that there is no physical basis for their complaints. Issues like poor posture, problems and tensions in the musculoskeletal system, headaches, numbness in the hands, dizziness, fibromyalgia, inflammation, and many other conditions may just be the tip of the iceberg.