CT Junction Pain in EDS/HSD Patients

Our spine is made up of three parts: your cervical spine (the top), your thoracic spine (the middle), and your lumbar spine (the lowest). Today we’re going to be talking about the CT junction, which is where your cervical spine and your thoracic spine connect.

Within your cervical spine, there are 7 cervical vertebrae that connect the base of your skull to your thoracic spine. Where this connection occurs is the exact point of your CT junction. CT junction pain is very common for those with joint hypermobility and EDS, simply because of the amount of joint instability that comes along with hypermobility.

At our office, Dr. Perretto has seen an array of cases regarding cervical instability, and has noticed that hypermobile patients often have CT rotations and rotational instability. In more human terms, she has noticed that some EDS patients’ C6 and C7 vertebrae will sometimes rotate either to the left or to the right, or even shift about a centimeter out of place. This can cause an array of neurological symptoms like tinnitus, migraines, severe neck and shoulder pain, light sensitivity and nausea.

When treating issues in the CT junction, it is important to only be seen by medical professionals that are well versed in hypermobility. Our joints move easily, so it would be very easy for a chiropractor who isn’t educated in joint hypermobility to over correct and disturb your vertebrae even more.

CT junction instability and pain can be treated with light manipulations and muscle energy techniques performed by your licensed physical therapist, or Dr. P of course! In addition, your primary care physician may request MRI scans to rule out any more severe conditions!