How the Cervicocranial Syndrome Affects Our Well-being and Health
When the Cervical Spine Affects More Than Just the Back - What is Cervicocranial Syndrome and How to Recognize It?
Headaches, dizziness, constant fatigue, and a feeling that the body "isn't working as it should" – these can be symptoms often mistaken for common stress or overloading of the body. However, the cause might be a problem that many don't even know by name: cervicocranial syndrome.
This complicated name conceals a set of issues originating from the upper cervical spine, the area where the spine connects with the skull. Here, a number of nerves, veins, and arteries converge, affecting not only the head but also vision, balance, and even mood. Cervicocranial syndrome is thus not just "another backache," but a multifactorial problem that can significantly disrupt quality of life.
What Can Cervicocranial Syndrome Affect?
Let's explain with an example: Thirty-year-old Klára has a sedentary job, spending most of her day at the computer. In recent months, she has been troubled by neck pain, frequent dizziness, tinnitus, and she feels constantly tired, even though she sleeps eight hours a day. She underwent several examinations – neurology, ENT, even psychology – and everything was "in order." It wasn't until a physiotherapist suggested that her issues might stem from the upper part of her cervical spine.
Typical symptoms of cervicocranial syndrome include:
- Headaches – especially in the neck and crown area, often dull and persistent
- Dizziness and a feeling of instability, especially when moving the head
- Visual disturbances – blurred vision, temporary loss of sharpness
- Ringing or buzzing in the ears
- Pressure in the head, sometimes resembling a migraine
- Fatigue and concentration disorders, not proportional to physical or mental load
- In some cases, even nausea, increased sensitivity to light or sounds
However, it's not just about physical discomfort. Cervicocranial syndrome and fatigue are closely related. A disorder in the cervical spine area can cause disruption of cerebral blood flow or irritation of nerve pathways, leading to chronic exhaustion that cannot be explained by common causes. This condition is often misdiagnosed as anxiety, depression, or burnout syndrome.
How Does Cervicocranial Syndrome Develop?
Neck pain can be quite unpleasant and really get on nerves, although several different causes may be behind it. In most cases, however, it's the usual "classic" reasons. One of the main ones is poor posture, especially when spending hours hunched over a laptop or at an office desk without sufficient breaks and movement – simply put, the modern work style takes its toll. Add to this muscle imbalance – when some muscles are overworked and others are weakened, the body starts to protest.
Over time, degenerative changes in the intervertebral joints, which come with age or due to long-term overloading, may also occur. And let's not forget about the psyche – stress and chronic tension love to settle in the neck area without us even noticing at first. Lastly, there are injuries, such as the typical whiplash effect from a car accident, which can seriously shake up the cervical spine.
People who spend a lot of time bending forward are particularly at risk – not only office workers but also students, drivers, or people who frequently use mobile devices. "Text neck" – as the pain caused by frequent phone use is sometimes called – can be the first step towards developing this syndrome.
Diagnosis is Not Simple but is Crucial
One reason cervicocranial syndrome is often overlooked is its ambiguous clinical picture. It can resemble a range of other conditions – from migraines to anxiety to orthopedic problems. Correct diagnosis therefore requires the collaboration of multiple specialists: a neurologist, orthopedist, physiotherapist, and often a psychologist.
A targeted functional examination of the musculoskeletal system plays a crucial role, where the physiotherapist assesses, for example, the range of motion of the cervical spine, muscle tension, or asymmetry in the neck area. In some cases, imaging studies like an MRI can be beneficial.
How Does Treatment Work?
There is good news. Cervicocranial syndrome is treatable if diagnosed in time and if the patient actively cooperates. Treatment usually combines physiotherapy, lifestyle changes, and sometimes supportive medication.
The foundation is exercise and correction of movement patterns. Specialized exercises for cervicocranial syndrome help relax overworked muscles in the neck area and strengthen those that maintain the correct position of the head and neck. The goal is to create balance in the cervical spine area and thus relieve pressure on nerve endings.
One of the most effective approaches is the DNS method (dynamic neuromuscular stabilization), which works with deep stabilizing muscles, or myofascial relaxation techniques. Breathing rehabilitation also plays a significant role – poor breathing patterns often contribute to chronic neck muscle tension.
Regularity of exercise is key. Visiting a physiotherapist once a week is not enough – consistent home care, daily short exercises, and adjustments to the work environment have the greatest impact on successful treatment.
How to Change Everyday Routine in Prevention and Treatment
In many cases, cervicocranial syndrome might not even develop if people paid more attention to their posture, ergonomics, and physical activity. Prevention is often simpler than it seems.
Sit comfortably and upright – place the screen at eye level, keep shoulders relaxed, and support the back. Don't stay in one position for too long – stretch a bit every half hour, roll your shoulders, stretch your neck. Hold your phone higher so you don't hunch over like you're writing a novel. Get a quality orthopedic pillow for the night; your spine will thank you. And don't forget to move – swimming, pilates, or yoga are great choices for balanced muscles.
As experienced physiotherapist Pavel Kolář says: "We treat how we move, not just what hurts us." And movement is the key to both treatment and prevention of cervicocranial syndrome.
Help Beyond Physical Therapy
For some patients, psychological support may also be needed. Chronic pain can lead to anxiety, and conversely – long-term stress worsens tension in the cervical area and contributes to maintaining symptoms. Treatment should therefore include stress management, quality sleep, and sometimes a change in work habits.
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Interest is also growing in alternative approaches, such as acupuncture, aromatherapy, or working with fascia through gentle manual techniques. These methods may not be sufficient alone but can have a positive effect as a supplement to classical physiotherapy.
Lastly, it's important not to forget about a hydration regime, quality nutrition, and enough magnesium and other essential minerals that affect muscle tone and nerve activity.
Cervicocranial syndrome need not be a bogeyman that cannot be overcome. However, it is necessary to understand it and actively approach not only treatment but also everyday lifestyle. And in this, small steps – such as better posture, proper breathing, and a moment for stretching – can ultimately be the biggest changes.
