What is a key consequence of not properly assessing the C1-C2 region before cervical adjustments?

• A. Potential for serious neurologic signs if instability or misalignment exists.
• B. No consequences.
• C. It always improves balance.
• D. It only affects hearing.

Answer: (A)

Assessing the C1-C2 region is essential because this upper cervical junction is where the brainstem and high cervical pathways are most vulnerable to instability or misalignment. If there’s hidden instability, a cervical adjustment can provoke abnormal motion, compress the spinal cord or irritate brainstem/cranial nerve pathways, or compromise the vertebral arteries. That kind of disturbance can manifest as serious neurologic signs—ataxia, weakness, proprioceptive deficits, altered reflexes, or more ominous neurological events. Thorough pre-adjustment evaluation helps identify instability, ensuring the adjustment does not introduce this risk.

The other ideas aren’t aligned with this risk profile. There can be real consequences if instability is present, so it isn’t accurate to say there are no consequences. Adjustments don’t guarantee universal improvement in balance, and effects aren’t limited to hearing alone.