Craniocervical junction

Organization and role

It supports head movement while protecting the brainstem–spinal cord junction. Its assessment uses landmarks different from those of the lower cervical spine.

Clinical relevance and investigation

Malformations and traumatic injuries may need specific expertise. Progressive gait, swallowing or strength changes should not be attributed simply to neck tension.

Points to consider

Bony landmarks identify a level, region or anatomical passage. Shape variation is not necessarily pathological. Reports describe location, relationships to adjacent structures and, when relevant, implications for a specialist procedure.

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.

• Transverse foramen — Opening in a cervical vertebra’s transverse process transmitting vascular structures depending on the level and anatomical variation.
• Thoracolumbar junction — Transition between the thoracic and lumbar spine, where curvature, joint orientation and mechanical loading patterns change.
• Pars interarticularis — Bony portion of the vertebral arch between the superior and inferior articular processes, also known as the pars interarticularis.

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.