Cervical Instability: The Hidden Cause Behind Your Chronic Neck Issues

Are you suffering from the following and lost for answers? You may have cervical instability and we have the cure

Cervical instability refers to excessive or abnormal movement between two or more vertebrae
in the cervical spine (neck region), which can cause pain, nerve compression, dizziness,
headaches, or even neurological symptoms.

What is Cervical Instability?

“Most commonly brought on by poor posture from desk work, repetitive motions and cell phone
use”- PB.
Cervical instability occurs when the ligaments, muscles, or joints that stabilize the neck are
weakened or damaged, leading to:

• Loss of normal alignment
• Vagus nerve compression
• Abnormal movement between vertebrae
• Strain on nerves, spinal cord, or blood vessels

It can be chronic or result from trauma, and may affect posture, balance, and coordination.

Forward head position compresses the spinal chord at the c1-c2 level. Due to recent studies
and historical data collected we are now able to see the strong correlation between poor
cervical posture and the negative effects on the human body at its systems (Endocrine,
Respiratory, Cardiovascular, Immune, Circulatory, Digestive and Reproductive).

How Phone Use Causes Cervical Instability (Tech Neck)

Chronic use of smartphones can contribute significantly to cervical instability through:

1. Poor Posture ("Text Neck")
   - Constant forward head position (looking down at a phone) increases stress on the
   cervical spine.
   - For every inch the head leans forward, an extra 10 lbs of pressure is added to the spine.
2. Ligament Laxity Over Time
   - Holding the head in poor posture for long periods causes overstretching of neck
   ligaments and muscles, reducing their ability to stabilize the spine.
3. Muscle Imbalance
   - Neck flexors become weak, while extensors and upper traps become tight, creating
   instability and altered mechanics.
4. Joint Wear and Tear
   - Long-term improper posture may accelerate degenerative changes like disc thinning and
   facet joint arthritis.

Other Causes of Cervical Instability

• Trauma/injury: Whiplash, car accidents, or sports injuries
• Connective tissue disorders: Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis
• Degenerative disc disease or spondylosis
• Previous spinal surgery
• Congenital conditions

Symptoms to Watch For (Diagram above)

• Neck pain or stiffness
• Insomnia
• Jaw Pain
• Clicking or grinding when turning the head
• Headaches (especially at the base of the skull)
• Numbness or tingling in arms/hands/wrists
• Problems with speech
• Difficulty focusing or dizziness

Management & Prevention Tips

Cervical Traction

This example above is a disc in the Lumbar spine, similar happens to the cervical spine

• Use phone at eye level to reduce forward head posture
• Take frequent breaks from screens
• Strengthen neck and upper back muscles (deep neck flexor training)

• Correct posture when sitting or using devices