The (the craniocervical junction) is the most mobile section of the vertebral column. Because the occipital-atlanto-axial joint is capable of extremely complex patterns of motion, we will subdivide the upper cervical spine into two motion segments (C0/C1 and C1/C2), where each of these two motion segment consists of two adjacent bony structures and their associated soft tissues.
By summing the contribution of the two motion segments, we are able to account for the total range of motion of the upper cervical spine. Always keep in mind that the occiput, atlas, and the axis function as a unit whose individual movements are closely coupled one to another.
Many osteopathic medical students and physicians are concerned about injuring patients when they perform cervical manipulation. While the risk of patient injury is very small, once an injury has occurred, permanent damage is the rule, and progression to death is not uncommon. as he discusses the unique morphology of the vertebral artery that makes it susceptible to kinking and/or stretching when the head is suddenly rotated, and precautions that should be taken when treating the upper cervical complex.
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