The C1-C2 Vertebrae and Spinal Segment

The C1 and C2 vertebrae are the first two vertebrae at the top of the cervical spine. Together they form the atlantoaxial joint, which is a pivot joint. The C1 sits atop and rotates around C2 below. More of the head’s rotational range of motion comes from C1-C2 than any other cervical joint.¹Mead LB, Millhouse PW, Krystal J, Vaccaro AR. C1 fractures: a review of diagnoses, management options, and outcomes. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med. 2016;9(3):255-62.

While C1-C2 is relatively sturdy and resistant to injury, it can become quite painful and problematic due to trauma or degenerative conditions. These problems may also affect the spinal nerves, vertebral artery, and/or the spinal cord at the at the C2 level.

Anatomy of the C1-C2 Vertebrae and Spinal Segment

The C1-C2 vertebrae and spinal segment include the following structures:

C1 and C2 vertebrae

The C1 vertebra, also called atlas, is shaped like a ring. The C2 vertebra has an upward-facing long bony process called the dens. The dens forms a joint with the C1 vertebra and facilitates its turning motions, thereby allowing the head to turn in different directions.

Watch Cervical Vertebrae Anatomy Animation

The atlantoaxial joint

The joint between the C1 and C2 vertebrae is called the atlantoaxial joint. Unlike other vertebral joints, the atlantoaxial joint does not have an intervertebral disc. This joint is secured by a thick, strong ligament called the transverse ligament.

C2 spinal nerve

At the atlantoaxial joint, the C2 spinal nerve exits the spinal cord through a small bony hole or foramen above the C2, called the intervertebral foramen. This nerve has a sensory root and a motor root.

• The C2 dermatome is an area of skin that receives sensations through the C2 nerve. This dermatome includes the top and back of the scalp, the skin over the front of the neck, and the ear lobes.
• The C2 myotome is a group of muscles controlled by the C2 nerve. These muscles include those that allow the neck to bend forward.

An injury to this nerve can cause problems in any part of its dermatome and/or myotome.

The spinal cord is protected by the C1-C2 vertebrae in the upper cervical area. These vertebrae have several small and large foramens. The spinal cord passes through the large, centrally placed vertebral foramen. The smaller foramens facilitate the passage of blood vessels around the spine.

Watch Cervical Spinal Cord Anatomy Animation

Common Problems at C1-C2

Problems at the C1-C2 vertebral levels may affect the vertebrae, the C2 spinal nerve, and/or the spinal cord. A few examples of problems at this cervical level include:

Vertebral artery injury

Injuries at C1-C2 may affect the vertebral artery at this level while it takes a torturous turn to ascend into the brain. Vertebral artery injuries at this level may lead to serious neurological conditions.

Arthritis

Arthritis in the C1-C2 joint is common in many of the systemic arthritic syndromes such as rheumatoid arthritis or other spondyloarthropathies (spinal arthritis syndromes). This condition is due to the high levels of motion within the C1-C2 joint. Bone spurs and other degenerative changes may eventually compress a nerve root or the spinal cord.

See Cervical Osteoarthritis (Neck Arthritis)

Occipital neuralgia

Injury to the C2 spinal nerve may result in headaches due to occipital neuralgia.

Fracture

Fractures of the C1 and C2 vertebrae usually occur together. Fractures may result from diving in shallow water, falling, motor vehicle accidents,¹Mead LB, Millhouse PW, Krystal J, Vaccaro AR. C1 fractures: a review of diagnoses, management options, and outcomes. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med. 2016;9(3):255-62. and/or hitting an obstacle with the forehead or chin.²Schleicher P, Scholz M, Pingel A, Kandziora F. Traumatic Spondylolisthesis of the Axis Vertebra in Adults. Global Spine J. 2015;5(4):346-58. Trauma to C1-C2 may also cause whiplash injury, spondylolisthesis, nerve injury, and/or spinal cord injury.

Crowned dens syndrome

Calcium from the surrounding ligaments may deposit on the dens of C2. This deposition causes inflammation and reduced mobility of the C1-C2 joint.

Depending on the type of injury, associated symptoms may occur in the upper neck and/or in other areas of the body.

See Neck Pain from Crowned Dens Syndrome

Common Symptoms and Signs Stemming from C1-C2

Vertebral pain at C1-C2 can range anywhere from a dull ache to a sharp, burning pain in the neck. C1-C2 pain may either last for a short while or become chronic.

If a C2 nerve root becomes inflamed or injured, additional symptoms may include:

• Radiating pain up to the back and/or top of the head
• Pain in the temple and/or behind the eyes and/or ears
• Neck-tongue syndrome resulting in neck and/or head pain with numbness or abnormal sensation on one side of the tongue
• Sensitivity to light
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Nausea

See Neck Pain Symptoms

Symptoms of C2 nerve injuries are usually aggravated while lying down. There may be increased pain at night, causing disturbed sleep.

If the spinal cord becomes compressed at the C2 level, it can cause pain, tingling, numbness, and/or weakness in the arms or legs, loss of bowel and/or bladder control, and other problems. Severe cases of spinal cord injury at C2 can be fatal because breathing and other critical body functions may be impaired or stop.³Berlowitz DJ, Wadsworth B, Ross J. Respiratory problems and management in people with spinal cord injury. Breathe. 2016;12(4):328-340. doi:10.1183/20734735.012616. Paralysis of the body below the injured region of the spinal cord may also occur in some cases.

Treatment of the C1-C2 vertebrae and spinal segment includes nonsurgical and surgical methods.

See Treatment for Neck Pain