The spine comprises individual bones known as vertebrae, which are cushioned by connective tissue known as intervertebral discs. The spine consists of individual bones known as vertebrae, which are cushioned by connective tissue known as intervertebral discs.
In both hEDS and classical type EDS, excessively movable vertebrae (unstable) can cause injury to discs, vertebrae, and nerves. Individuals with EDS may also have unique curvatures in their spines, which might increase their vulnerability to these issues. As a rule, an excessively movable spine in EDS patients can result in a worsening of symptoms associated with injury to the spinal cord as well as neck and chest pain.
Initial care consists of wearing a neck brace and receiving physiotherapy from a professional who is familiar with the issues connected with EDS, as well as maintaining proper posture and refraining from participating in specific activities. Symptoms are frequently alleviated by resting. If the early therapies of EDS patients are unsuccessful, surgery might be performed to connect (fuse) the vertebrae together. In this demographic, motion-restriction technologies may be an essential alternative to consider.
Atlanto-axial and Craniocervical instability (neck instability) pain in EDS
Even the most complex cases of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome-related craniocervical instability provide a significant challenge. If you don’t get an appropriate diagnosis right away, it might make things more difficult. An incorrect diagnosis might drive patients on a years-long search for assistance that they are unable to obtain because they and their physicians are pursuing the wrong condition.
Dislocations and subluxations caused by laxity of the ligaments and capsular tissue which lead to neck pain
The pathophysiological cause of peripheral neuropathy in Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is still unknown. In addition to dislocations and subluxations caused by ligament and capsular laxity, hypermobility has been linked to aberrant stretching of peripheral nerves or pressure on peripheral nerves, which can result in neuropathy/plexopathy or neck discomfort.
The Alar Ligaments and their Relationship to Neurological Manifestations
In addition to restricting the amount of head rotation, the alar ligaments also offer upper cervical stability. The alar ligaments are a group of ligaments that link the foramen magnum to the dens of the C2, also known as the axis. In layman’s words, these are the links that connect the cranium to the axis.
Fusion surgery to correct neck pain
Fusion surgery is the best possible solution to cure EDS-affected neck pain. Numerous individuals have been advised to have cervical fusion surgery performed. They are on the lookout for alternate solutions. The pain and symptoms of some patients who have previously had the operation, including those linked to adjacent segment illness above and below the fusion sites, are causing them to seek alternatives to an enlarged or revision fusion surgery. Cervical fusion surgery can be a highly effective procedure for specific individuals. Those who oppose it believe that cervical fusion is a method of correcting issues and associated symptoms and conditions and that replacing it was a lesser concern for the time being than the loss of future neck motion.