@gently My message was about knowing if there was instability before having someone work on C1 or C2. I didn’t have to do much to rupture my C5/C6 disc and it ruptured when I was stretching just by turning my head. I had been injured with a whiplash years earlier and the disc had been weakened, but I didn’t have a way to know that. The key to keeping alignment is working out the muscle spasms that are moving the bones. I did have one thrust adjustment by a chiropractor years ago on my neck and it caused pain and it seems too aggressive to me. My concerns are that maneuver could be causing wear and tear on my aging spine. My PT has a doctorate and lots of experience with gentler methods. My comment on the provider was only my personal choice and not a comparison of training between careers. The main point was to caution about safety and provide a talking point for the patient with their provider. Inside of the cervical vertebrae are vertebral arteries on each side. That is part of the blood supply to the brain. Twisting or bending the neck requires some movement of these arteries. Instability of the spine may put the arteries at risk if there is too much displacement with movements. I have experienced vertigo when my vertebrae were rotated which did affect circulation a little bit by leaving them stretched and when I looked upward, it would have bent them. The vertigo was resolved by getting my spine back in alignment.

I am working with a cranial specialist with neck and jaw alignment. When C1 is off, it changes the jaw alignment causing it to not track straight on opening. The jaw also has discs that may become displaced, and a sleeping position tucking the chin may cause C1 to twist again. My specialist is coordinating with the physical therapist.