Phil, Another NTer just showed me this link.

Atlas joint instability: Causes, consequences and solutions - MSK Neurology

"Thick ligaments hold these joints in place, but patients with atlas misalignment often have ligament laxity after e.g whiplash injuries and/or years of improper cervical posture and movement patterns. Most of the time, despite some level of ligamentous laxity, great and lasting results can be achieved by re-establishing proper postural and cervical movement habits, as well as significantly strengthening the muscles that stabilize and syncronize the movements of the atlas joints. The key lies in changing the patient’s habits"

Mark

This is great information and I think right in line with what is happening.

I was able to connect with a trusted practitioner our family has used for years. After taking time to discuss what happened and perform an evaluation his conclusion was a neck injury in the C0-C1 area.

He looked at my xrays, watched me walk/sit and it is pretty obvious I am hunching from years of IT desk work and bad habits. He referred to it as ‘upper crossed syndrome’. So much for thinking I was healthy lol.

The plan is exactly as noted in your post. Small, consistent exercises for sitting, walking, standing are the path forward to re establish habits. A big part of it is ‘spinal flossing’ and working deep neck flexors as well.

No quick fixes, but definitely doable over time.

Thanks again for your assistance, it has been most helpful to me,

Phil