Atlanto-occipital joint

Organization and role

Flexion and extension are important here, whereas much upper cervical rotation occurs at C1–C2. Nearby capsules and ligaments provide stability.

Clinical relevance and investigation

Craniocervical trauma can affect vital structures. Upper neck pain with neurological symptoms should be assessed before manual treatment.

Points to consider

Stability depends on bones, capsules, ligaments, discs and muscles working together. Naming a joint or ligament does not establish injury. After trauma, their integrity must be considered before therapeutic mobilization.

Role of TAGMED care

At TAGMED, assessment aims to understand symptoms, history and functional limitations. Manual care and osteopathy, motorized spinal decompression, laser and shockwave have different indications. The term described in this entry is not enough to select any of these modalities. Their relevance, limitations and possible contraindications should be discussed in relation to diagnosis and individual goals.

Related concepts and distinctions

These concepts belong to the same field, but are not synonyms.

• Sacrospinous ligament — Ligament connecting the sacrum and coccyx to the ischial spine, contributing to sciatic foraminal boundaries and pelvic support.
• Atlantoaxial joint — Joint complex between the atlas and axis, including a central joint around the dens and two lateral joints.
• Sacrotuberous ligament — Ligament connecting the sacral and coccygeal region to the ischial tuberosity and contributing to posterior pelvic stability.

Medical references

1. OpenStax, Rice University. Anatomy and Physiology 2e — The Vertebral Column.
2. Radiological Society of North America. RadLex Radiology Lexicon — terminology resource.

References document the topic; their inclusion does not imply endorsement of TAGMED services by those organizations.