ConditionsAtlantoaxial Joint Dysfunction

Atlantoaxial Joint Dysfunction

The small C1-C2 joint at the top of your neck plays an outsized role in how you move and feel. We help patients recover from upper-cervical issues, especially after a collision.

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Anatomical illustration highlighting atlantoaxial joint dysfunction in the upper cervical spine, showing misalignment at C1-C2 vertebrae
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Two generations of chiropractic care, Dr. Mike & Dr. Matt Cavanaugh

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Two generations of care

01Understanding the condition

What is atlantoaxial joint dysfunction?

It only takes a split second for a car crash to turn your world upside down. One of the lesser-known but critically important injuries that can follow is atlantoaxial joint dysfunction, involving the C1-C2 vertebrae at the very top of your neck.

The atlantoaxial joint is where your first cervical vertebra, the atlas, meets the second, the axis. This small area is responsible for a large portion of your head’s rotation, and it sits close to structures that influence balance and nervous-system function. When it’s not moving correctly, the effects can be surprising.

At Cavanaugh Chiropractic in Lafayette, we specialize in helping patients recover from complex upper-cervical issues like this, especially the persistent headaches, dizziness, and stiffness that can follow an accident.

02Signs & symptoms

Signs you might have atlantoaxial dysfunction.

Because of where this joint sits, its symptoms often reach beyond the neck. Common signs include:

Neck pain and stiffness, especially with rotation
Headaches that start at the base of the skull
Dizziness or a feeling of imbalance
Reduced ability to turn the head fully
A sense that something in the upper neck just isn't right
Don't wait
The sooner we get to the root of it, the better your outcome, early care makes a real difference.
03Our approach

How Cavanaugh Chiropractic can help.

The upper neck is a delicate, precise area, and it's exactly where careful chiropractic care shines. We use gentle, targeted techniques to restore proper motion and calm the symptoms. Your plan may include:
Gentle upper-cervical care
Precise, low-force techniques to restore proper motion to the C1-C2 joint.
Soft tissue therapy
Hands-on work to release the tight, guarding muscles of the upper neck.
Postural retraining
Exercises and guidance to support the head and neck as they heal.
Thorough evaluation
On-site imaging and assessment to guide safe, effective care of this sensitive area.
You don't have to push through the pain.
The sooner we address it, the sooner you're back to feeling your best.
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How can we help?

Ready to take the next step?

We're focused on helping you move better, feel stronger, and stay active. Let's get to the root of the issue and build a plan that helps you heal.

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Morning
7:30–12:00
Afternoon
2:00–6:00
Tue
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7:30–12:00
Afternoon
2:00–4:00
Wed
Morning
7:30–12:00
Afternoon
2:00–6:00
Thu
Morning
7:30–12:00
Afternoon
2:00–4:00
Fri
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7:30–12:00
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Every recovery needs a game plan.

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Ready to start feeling better?

Take the first step towards lasting relief. We're ready when you're ready.

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