Craniocervical Junction Syndrome (CCJS)

Craniocervical Junction Syndrome (CCJS), also known as cervicocranial syndrome, refers to conditions that affect the junction where the skull meets the upper cervical spine. This area is vital—it supports the weight of the head and serves as the gateway for communication between the brain and the body via the brainstem and spinal cord.

When this junction becomes unstable or misaligned, patients may experience a cascade of neurological, structural, and even cognitive symptoms, including neck pain, headaches, dizziness, and more.

Causes of CCJS

• Congenital Abnormalities: Conditions such as basilar invagination, Klippel-Feil syndrome, and atlas assimilation involve abnormal bone formations at the junction.
• Acquired Injuries: Whiplash or head trauma can destabilize ligaments and disrupt spinal alignment.
• Degenerative Changes: Age-related wear can narrow the space around the brainstem and spinal cord, contributing to nerve compression.

Common Symptoms

• Neck Pain and Stiffness
• Headaches, especially at the base of the skull
• Dizziness and Vertigo
• Neurological Symptoms: Numbness, weakness, poor coordination, and even difficulty swallowing or speaking
• Sleep and Breathing Issues: Disordered breathing during sleep, fatigue, and brain fog due to impaired airway and neural function

The Brain–Spine–Breathing Connection

Recent scientific advances have highlighted how craniocervical alignment affects brain function, breathing, and fluid dynamics within the central nervous system.

When the upper spine is misaligned, it can:

• Narrow the neural canal, impeding brainstem function
• Disrupt pharyngeal muscle coordination, contributing to sleep-disordered breathing
• Restrict normal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow—crucial for brain detoxification and metabolic health

The Glymphatic System

Research by Dr. Jeffrey Iliff and others shows that the brain uses a unique “glymphatic” pathway to clear waste products during sleep. This system relies on CSF flow and deep, rhythmic breathing to function effectively.

If the spine is out of alignment or the airway is restricted:

• Glymphatic flow is diminished
• Brain waste clearance slows
• Cognitive fog, poor sleep, and increased neurological inflammation may result

By restoring structural alignment and airway openness, Dr. Chapman’s method may enhance glymphatic activity, improve brain detoxification, and support overall neurological function.

Diagnosis

• Comprehensive History and Exam
• Advanced Imaging: MRI or cone-beam CT to assess alignment and canal space
• Neurological Testing: Checking reflexes, motor control, and balance

Dr. Chapman’s Approach at The Lift Clinic

At The Lift Clinic, we focus on non-surgical, precision-guided interventions that restore craniocervical alignment and promote neurological recovery.

Transdermal Atlas Positioning (TAP)

TAP is a specialized, image-guided procedure that gently repositions the atlas (C1 vertebra) to decompress the brainstem and restore proper signaling between the brain and body. Patients often experience rapid improvements in:

• Neck pain
• Dizziness
• Breathing at night
• Mental clarity

Equibite Stabilization Appliance

To maintain the alignment achieved with TAP, patients wear the Equibite—a customized intraoral orthotic that retrains jaw and neck musculature. It prevents relapse and promotes long-term stabilization of the upper cervical spine.

Benefits of Dr. Chapman’s Method

✅ Non-Invasive and Surgery-Free
✅ Targeted and Imaging-Based
✅ Improves Sleep-Breathing and Airway Tone
✅ Enhances Brain Detoxification via Glymphatic Support
✅ Promotes Whole-Body Neurological Function

Getting Started

If you suffer from chronic headaches, neck pain, or sleep-related issues—and have been told everything “looks normal”—you may be missing a key structural component. A simple misalignment at the top of your spine may be the root cause.

Schedule your free consultation today to find out if CCJS treatment at The Lift Clinic is right for you.

Call us at 801.996.7076

Located in Salt Lake City, Utah