Neck & Cervical Instability
Ligament Laxity
Joints that move more than average, which changes how care is delivered.
Also called: Joint laxity, Loose joints.
Laxity describes joints that move through a greater than typical range because the surrounding ligaments allow more movement than usual. It may be generalised across the body or limited to a specific area, and it is sometimes linked to a broader connective-tissue condition.
In either case, more movement is rarely what these joints need. Better control of the movement that is already available is usually the more useful goal.
Why this matters
People with lax joints often report that manual therapy or stretching feels good briefly and then wears off quickly. That pattern is meaningful and worth mentioning, because it points toward a control problem rather than a tightness problem.
Care that emphasises stability and coordination, rather than further mobilisation, tends to fit this pattern better and is usually what is discussed as part of a plan.
The brain & nervous-system connection
Where the nervous system fits in
Position sense — the body's ability to know where a joint is without looking at it — is frequently less reliable where ligaments are lax, since ligaments contribute meaningfully to that sense. Balance and coordination testing is therefore particularly relevant here.
Improving how the nervous system controls a joint, rather than trying to change how loose it is, is generally the more realistic and useful direction for care.
What we look at
We look for patterns, not a single test
- Detailed health history and consultation
- NeuroInfiniti Stress Response Evaluation
- Posture and movement
- Balance and coordination testing
- Eye movement or neurological screening when appropriate
- Grip or motor-function testing when appropriate
- Palpation and spinal function
- Other examination procedures based on the individual
Not every person receives every test. What we perform depends on your history, your age and what the examination shows as we go.
Scope of care
What this does — and doesn't — mean
What we do
- • We evaluate chiropractic and musculoskeletal function.
- • We look at nervous-system-related functional findings that fall within our scope.
- • We assess movement, balance and coordination findings.
- • We measure stress-response patterns with the NeuroInfiniti evaluation.
- • We make individualized chiropractic care recommendations and re-measure over time.
What we don't claim
- • We do not diagnose, treat or cure diseases.
- • Chiropractic care is not a treatment for dementia, Alzheimer's disease or other neurological diseases.
- • Chiropractic care is not a replacement for medical care, testing or medication.
- • No outcome is promised. Results vary from person to person.
This is a concern where medical evaluation, imaging or co-management may be the right first step. Dr. Mike Geran will say so plainly if that is what the history and examination suggest.
Common questions
- Will I be adjusted on the first visit?
- Generally no. The first visit is an evaluation visit. Dr. Geran reviews the findings and makes recommendations at the follow-up visit.
- Do I need imaging before I come in?
- Not usually. If your history or examination suggests imaging is needed, we will say so and help arrange the right next step.
When medical evaluation may be needed
Some symptoms need medical evaluation first. If anything in your history or examination suggests that, we will say so and help point you in the right direction.
Related at Foothills Chiropractic
- Balance & Coordination — Balance is a whole-nervous-system task. It is also one of the easier things to measure and re-measure.
- Ankle Instability — A repeatedly rolling or unreliable ankle, usually following earlier sprains.
- Atlantoaxial Instability — Excessive movement between the first two neck bones — a medical finding requiring caution.
- Auto Accident Injury — Musculoskeletal injuries following a motor vehicle collision.
Think Foothills Chiropractic might be right for you?
Start Here walks you through what the process looks like, so you can decide whether taking the next step makes sense for you.