Neck instability means your neck can exhibit symptoms even though you have not traumatized it. You may have slept in a bad position or turned your head and caused a pinch or strained as you tensed to do a lift. Your neck should be able to tolerate normal positions and movements without becoming symptomatic.

An unstable neck may have a torn or stretched ligament or injured articular surface where each vertebra seats with the next.

It can be difficult to find a specialist who can diagnose and treat or help you heal the instability. Some may use range of motion measurements or muscle tension or things like myofacial release.

You can also try to diagnose the specific movements that cause symptoms. I learned that sleeping with my head elevated/tipped forward caused symptoms and poor sleep. Once I learned to sleep without aggravating my neck, my sleep got better. My headaches reduced. And my days were better.

The PT helped reduce the lower neck issues that went down to T-1 and some TOS. She did some TMJ myofacial release to reduce those tensions and she did some gentle traction and mobilization to help things settle in.

My chiro tried to help but realized that I needed different skills and techniques. A physiatrist (Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation MD) directed me to the PT. I had tried a couple PTs without success. A PT with well known skills with whiplash can be a good start. But, if that PT wants to push range of motion, I'd keep looking.

But, I had to avoid causing a relapse by sleeping in bad posture or making bad moves. It took a lot of discipline because I made my living working on kitchen and bath sinks so I had to reach under and even climb under them without tweaking my neck. I learned to slow down and plan my moves.

It was worth the effort because I am much better. I don't have the chronic problems but I still take precautions.