Cervicocranial Syndrome

What is Cervicocranial Syndrome?

The Cervicocranial Syndrome is a group of associated symptoms that are collectively caused by an abnormality in the neck that can be congenital or acquired due to an injury. The disorder is sometimes called Craniocervical Junction Syndrome. It is usually caused by a degenerative spine condition such as osteoarthritis. The condition is identified by bones that have shifted, collapsed together or become misaligned. The collapse of C1 and C2 can cause nerve pain, injure the spinal cord and cause paralysis.

Barre Lieou Syndrome is similar to Cervicocranial Syndrome in terms of the symptoms, but will not exhibit the collapsed or shifted bones. The syndrome is often caused by whiplash.

What are the symptoms of cervicocranial syndrome?

Vertigo
Chronic headache
Tinnitus (ringing in the ear)
Facial pain, neck pain
Dysphagia (problems swallowing)
Pain at the carotid artery
Chronic sinusitis

How Does Dr. Greenberg Diagnose Cervicocranial Syndrome?

The long term success of Dr. Greenberg’s patients is attributed to a specialized approach to the examination process. Deemed “The Greenberg Method,” this diagnostic approach not only looks into the area of damage and pain, but also evaluates the mechanics and structure of the bone and joints related to the area of the pain. For instance, abnormal scapular position can pull on the upper cervical spine and occiput and cause cervical joint dysfunction and muscle spasm. This dysfunction can interfere with cerebrospinal fluid flow, increasing its pressure, thus producing increased strain across the brainstem and causing autonomic dysfunction. Additionally, tension and dysfunction of the jaw and TMJ will also exacerbate symptoms commonly seen in cervicocranial syndrome. In executing The Greenberg Method, Dr. Greenberg often discovers that conditions experienced in one area of the body are often rooted in a different area that hasn’t been treated before. While an isolated joint treatment ignores physiology and the evaluation of movement, The Greenberg Method’s full-body examination produces a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan. In return, the patient experiences a greater reduction in pain and improvement in function, which helps them get back on their feet to resume their daily routines, pain free.

How can prolotherapy reverse cervicocranial syndrome? Definitely more PRP talk here especially considering that C1c2 treatment is so tricky and needs to be done only in highly experienced hands

Dr. Greenberg’s team will perform The Greenberg Method including a review of your most recent radiographs to examine the state of your neck and head, especially the base of the skull that protects essential nervous systems such as balance, coordination and the all-important autonomic nervous system (ANS).

Dr. Greenberg has over two decades of experience treating the C1-C2 region. He has learned that PRP treatments can be effective in reversing the painful headaches in the region.There is a sympathetic nerve that runs along the spine can be pinched due to cervical instability at the top of the spinal column. Also, the vertebral artery can be impinged by the C1 and C2 joint when the neck rotates, which causes the feeling of vertigo. The optimal way to stabilize the region is not to kill nerves or fuse vertebrae, but to repair and regenerate the soft tissues and bone structures of the upper neck. PRP treatments have been effective in reversing the syndrome.

Dr. Greenberg’s team may recommend The Greenberg Method, including prolotherapy, with an emphasis on Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) as the first treatment regimen for cervicocranial headaches. PRP synergizes prolotherapy’s healing process with powerful healing factors that include the Interleukin cytokines of IL-1, IL-4, and IL-6, plus FGF-2 (fibrin-growth factor) and TGF-β1 (tissue growth factor) which support the regeneration of cartilage, ligaments, tendons and local muscles. PRP also contains BMP (bone morphogenic protein) that can strengthen and regenerate bone structures.

For patients with very severe headaches, Dr. Greenberg may recommend stem cell treatments. The Greenberg Method (TGM) stem cell treatments developed by Dr. Greenberg use adipose-derived regenerative cells (ADRCs) that are taken from your own fat cells. ADRCs contain multipotent stem cells and additional healing factors, plus bone morphogenic proteins (BMP), transcription factors and exosomes.

Dr. Greenberg will discuss the objectives of each treatment and explain the therapeutic options that are most appropriate for your case. You may receive a treatment every three weeks or so over several months.

The Greenberg Method is a good choice for people who are looking for a non-invasive alternative to surgery. TGM treatments have lower infection risks than surgeries, shorter recovery times and are opioid-free. Dr. Greenberg is a holistically-centered physician who not only treats your physical injury but he also addresses You. We support your recovery through proper nutrition, supplements, and innovative therapies to nurture a sense of wellness for your body and mind.

If you or a loved one is looking for a new strategy to treat chronic aches and pains, fill out the form on this page to schedule an appointment or call Dr. Greenberg’s office today at 833-440-4325.

References:

The Biology of Prolotherapy and Its Application in Clinical Cervical Spine Instability and Chronic Neck Pain: A Retrospective Study; Hauser, Steilen, Gordin; Europ. Journ. Of Preventive Medicine, 2015; 3(4) 85-102