M43.3: Recurrent atlantoaxial subluxation with myelopathy

The first two cervical vertebrae are located immediately beneath the head. There is a joint between these two vertebrae. It enables you to move your head to the left and right. In your case this joint is too loose. As a result the two vertebrae may be moving too much relative to one another. Most vertebrae consist of a vertebral body and a vertebral arch. The vertebral body bears the weight of the body. The vertebral arches lie on top of one another to form the spinal canal. The spinal cord lies in the vertebral canal.

The displacement of your first two cervical vertebrae has damaged your spinal cord. When the spinal cord is damaged you may no longer be able to move your head or certain parts of your body properly, or to feel them. With this disorder you may have pain in your neck, especially when you move your head. You may also feel dizzy.

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