Occiput-C1 Junction

The ligaments of the occiput-C1 complex are extremely strong and can safely tolerate meaningful traction force. The occiput-C1 junction houses the brain stem, which is the anatomical home of the parasympathetic nervous system. Chronic tension and structural dysfunction at the occiput-C1 junction can disrupt parasympathetic pathways regulating rest, digestion, and autonomic adaptation. Direct compression injuries to the skull can compress the occiput-C1 complex, with effects manifesting as chronic tension and postural drift even decades later.