The Treatment of Craniocervical Instability Using Regenerative Medicine Therapies: A Case Report

Source: PubMed Central Open Access, NCBI / U.S. National Library of Medicine

Craniocervical instability (CCI) is a disorder caused by weakness of the stabilizing ligaments of the craniocervical junction, leading to abnormal motion between the skull and upper cervical spine. CCI can present with any combination of the following symptoms: cervical neck pain, dizziness, autonomic dysfunction, migraines, and radiculopathy/myelopathy. CCI is often associated with connective tissue disorders. We present the case of a 51-year-old woman with a history of rheumatoid arthritis and chronic neck pain, migraines, vertigo, and autonomic dysfunction who underwent a series of regenerative injection treatments alongside postural and chiropractic therapy. Symptomatic and structural improvement was achieved, suggesting a possible role for regenerative therapies in the treatment of CCI. However, further studies are needed to investigate the effects of regenerative therapies on CCI severity. Our primary objective in presenting this case is to continue the conversation regarding the treatment of CCI with regenerative therapies and to spur further research on the topic.