Dr. Michelle Speranza is a NUCCA Upper Cervical Chiropractor, owner of Core Balance Centre, and co-founder of re-HUB Health Collective. She holds a Diplomate in Chiropractic Craniocervical Junction Procedures (DCCJP) and is passionate about serving and educating people on the impact head and neck injuries have on brain health and wellness.
Neck pain is a common and often debilitating symptom in individuals with hypermobility, particularly those with Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD) or Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS). Unlike typical neck pain caused by posture or muscle strain, hypermobility-related neck pain stems from joint instability, poor proprioception, and muscle overuse due to lax connective tissues.
Why does hypermobility cause neck pain?
1. Loose ligaments = joint instability
Ligaments are a form of connective tissue that acts like the suspension system of your body. They are responsible for stabilizing and keeping your joints in space; however, in individuals with hypermobility, ligaments are looser, leading to excessive movement. In the cervical spine, which is already the most mobile part of the spine, this can add additional stress to the supporting musculature, resulting in a ‘hypermobile stiff neck.’ This can cause:
Micro-instability: small, repeated shifts in the vertebrae that strain muscles and nerves.
Frequent subluxations: partial misalignments that contribute to chronic discomfort.
Craniocervical instability (CCI): in severe cases, excessive movement at the upper cervical spine (C0-C2) can impact the brainstem and nervous system.
2. Muscle overuse & compensation
Because your ligaments are not providing enough support, the neck muscles have to work overtime to keep your head stable. This can develop into a pattern of muscle compensation that can cause:
Chronic muscle tightness & trigger points in the upper trapezius, SCM (sternocleidomastoid), and suboccipital muscles.
Muscle fatigue and pain, especially after prolonged sitting or standing, are sometimes called the 'bobblehead' effect.
Tension headaches and migraines due to constant strain on the cervical muscles.
3. Poor proprioception & postural control
Proprioception: your body’s ability to sense its position in space is often impaired in people with hypermobility, making it difficult to maintain proper head, neck, and postural alignment. This increases reliance on compensatory movements, which worsen muscle imbalances and aggravate the cycle of stiff, sore muscles. When this occurs in the upper neck, additional symptoms may arise, including dizziness, vertigo, and balance issues.
4. Nerve irritation & Autonomic Dysfunction
Excessive joint movement and muscle tension can irritate cervical nerves, causing radiating pain or numbness and tingling into the shoulders, arms, or head. In cases of upper cervical instability (C1-C2 dysfunction), there may also be effects on the autonomic nervous system, leading to dizziness, light-headedness, and autonomic dysfunction (like POTS symptoms).
Common symptoms of neck pain in hypermobility
Chronic neck tension & stiffness
Pain that worsens with prolonged sitting, reading, or screen use
Clicking, popping, or grinding sensations (cervical crepitus)
Frequent tension headaches or migraines
Feeling like the neck is weak or unstable ('bobble-head)
Dizziness, vertigo, or balance issues
Radiating pain into the shoulders or arms
Managing neck pain in hypermobility
Managing neck pain in hypermobility requires a multifaceted approach that addresses both joint instability and muscle compensation. Working with a team familiar with hypermobility can help you identify your unique compensation patterns and tailor a self-care program specifically for you. This may include ergonomic recommendations to support proper posture (supportive seating or cervical pillows can help reduce muscle strain) and gentle strengthening exercises, such as deep neck flexor training, isometric exercises, and breathing exercises, to improve stability without overloading the muscles.
For those with significant instability, upper cervical chiropractic care using precise and gentle techniques like NUCCA, Atlas Orthogonal, or Blair may provide relief without excessive force. Soft tissue therapies, including craniosacral therapy, myofascial release, myofunctional therapy, and kinesiology taping, can help ease chronic muscle tension and improve circulation. Additionally, proprioception training and vestibular therapy can enhance joint awareness, reducing the risk of further strain.
In some cases, temporary bracing with a soft cervical collar can provide short-term support, but it should be used strategically and guided by a healthcare professional to avoid dependency. Nutritional support is also crucial. Vitamin C, magnesium, glycine, and proline contribute to connective tissue health. Regenerative treatments like prolotherapy or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections may also be used in certain cases to help strengthen lax ligaments.
By combining these strategies, individuals with hypermobility can improve their cervical stability, reduce pain, and enhance overall function. Finding the right balance of support, strengthening, and neurological regulation is key to long-term relief.
Final thoughts
Living with hypermobility can be challenging, but understanding your body’s unique needs can make all the difference. For hypermobile individuals, neck pain is more than just muscle tension—it’s a complex issue involving joint instability, proprioceptive challenges, and neurological involvement. Managing it requires a multifaceted approach that prioritizes stability, gentle strengthening, and nervous system regulation to reduce pain and improve function. By focusing on these areas, you can take control of your neck pain and improve your quality of life.
Read more from Dr. Michelle Speranza
Dr. Michelle Speranza DC, DCCJP, BSc, NUCCA Upper Cervical Chiropractor
Dr. Michelle Speranza is an upper cervical Chiropractor in Airdrie, Alberta, Canada. She is a member of the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA) and has advanced training in craniocervical junction procedures. Working with people suffering from headaches, neck pain, hypermobility, and dizziness, her passion is helping people restore balance in their body, return to doing the activities that they love, and ultimately take back control of their health.
