At Keystone, we focus on the structural and neurological integrity of the CranioCervical Junction (CCJ). This area holds a certain "mystique" for healthcare providers, as it's largely considered a "no-man's land" due to its extreme complexity. Unique biomechanics, delicate ligaments, and critical vasculature are just a few systems interplaying at the human CCJ.
Injury and insult to this area are more detrimental than we've been led to believe. Only within the last decade has attention been paid, with the majority of it focused on contact sports and the condition of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE).
At Keystone, we focus on the structural and neurological integrity of the CranioCervical Junction (CCJ). This area holds a certain "mystique" for healthcare providers, as it's largely considered a "no-man's land" due to its extreme complexity. Unique biomechanics, delicate ligaments, and critical vasculature are just a few systems interplaying at the human CCJ.
Injury and insult to this area are more detrimental than we've been led to believe. Only within the last decade has attention been paid, with the majority of it focused on contact sports and the condition of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE).
For Healthcare Providers
At Keystone, we focus on the structural and neurological integrity of the CranioCervical Junction (CCJ). This area holds a certain "mystique" for healthcare providers, as it's largely considered a "no-man's land" due to its extreme complexity. Unique biomechanics, delicate ligaments, and critical vasculature are just a few systems interplaying at the human CCJ.
Injury and insult to this area are more detrimental than we've been led to believe. Only within the last decade has attention been paid, with the majority of it focused on contact sports and the condition of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE).
What is now coming to light is how non-sports-related issues at the CCJ are likely affecting more of our patients than we realize and at a more complex level than we previously thought. In a 2023 study reviewing craniocervical disorders from a multisystem standpoint:
The above is only a recent example of published literature establishing the importance of the CCJ and its widespread influence on multiple bodily systems. It's also made clear that patients suffering from CCJ injuries are likely unmanaged and mismanaged (at best).
Symptoms of CCJ Dysfunction
The frequency and severity of symptoms commonly correlate with the severity of the condition itself. Patients with CCJ dysfunction will likely present with a combination of the following symptoms and/or conditions:
The sensitive nature of the CCJ region demands a thorough, multimodal, and accurate intervention. Without using generalized and forceful manipulation, Keystone's goal is to rebalance the global position of the CCJ through evidence-informed and exacting adjustments. This is achieved by using Image-Guided Atlas Correction Procedures with a foundation in mathematics, physics, and biomechanics. Additionally, supportive diagnostics are used to evaluate the motor control of the cervical spine, the neurovisual system's accuracy, and the vestibular system's stability.
Treatment Safety and Efficacy
Most providers want to know two things:
Is it safe?
Is it efficacious?
Safety concerning manipulation has been a topic of much discussion and research in recent years. While the research has indicated no direct causation, it has shown that signs and symptoms of a vascular event were not fully considered before manipulation.
At Keystone, a thorough neurological examination is performed in efforts to rule out emergent medical issues, while prospective patients are frequently referred to their primary medical physician if we suspect vascular involvement. Additionally, our Image-Guided Atlas Correction Procedures are not performed by hand but rather with a precision instrument. This affords the ability to remove twisting, popping, or forceful cracking of the cervical spine.
Efficacy is also obviously important. All parties want to know, "Does this work? Is this going to work for me or my patient?" While we never claim to help every person and every condition, Keystone's approach often yields exceptional results across a multitude of bodily systems:
Get in touch with us
Our goal is to work collaboratively with other healthcare practitioners to ensure the best possible clinical outcomes for our mutual patients. If you're interested in reaching out to consult with Keystone, or just simply wish to chat and know more, we'd love to hear from you! Call us at 704-897-0328 or fill out the form below to send us an email.