Hypermobility and Neck Pain: Understanding the Connection
Many people in Encinitas and San Diego live with a combination of two things that don’t always get connected:
👉 hypermobility and 👉 neck pain.
They’ve been told they’re “bendy,” “double-jointed,” or possibly have a hypermobility spectrum condition or Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (EDS). At the same time, they deal with:
Chronic neck pain or tightness
A heavy or unstable feeling in the head and neck
Headaches or migraines
Dizziness, brain fog, or feeling “off”
It can be confusing: if the joints are loose, why does everything feel so tight?
This article breaks down how hypermobility can contribute to neck pain, why the upper cervical spine (the top of the neck) is such an important area, and how a gentle, upper cervical–focused approach may help some people feel more stable and supported.
What Is Hypermobility?
Hypermobility simply means that certain joints have more motion than average. That can come from:
Softer or more elastic connective tissue
Ligaments that don’t naturally limit motion as early
Structural differences in the shape of joints
Hypermobility can show up as:
Elbows or knees that easily hyperextend
Fingers that bend further than most people’s
A history of sprains, strains, and “rolling” joints
Feeling unusually flexible in yoga or dance
For some, it’s mild and just feels like extra flexibility. For others, especially with broader hypermobility syndromes, it can be associated with pain, fatigue, and a sense that the body is working overtime just to hold things together.
Why Hypermobility Often Shows Up as Neck Pain
The neck has a big job:
It holds up the head
Protects the spinal cord and brainstem
Carries a lot of proprioceptive input (the body’s sense of position)
When the tissues that help stabilize joints are more elastic, the neck may be more prone to:
Micro-instability – small shifts in joint position that don’t show on a basic exam but are enough to make the nervous system feel unsafe.
Muscle overcompensation – muscles tighten and brace to make up for lax ligaments.
Fatigue – holding up the head all day with extra muscular effort can lead to that end-of-day “my neck is done” feeling.
The result is a familiar pattern:
Joints move too easily →
Body senses instability →
Muscles tighten and guard →
Neck feels both tight and unstable at the same time.
Over time this can create:
Persistent neck pain or stiffness
Trigger points at the base of the skull and shoulders
Headaches that start in the neck
A strong urge to constantly crack or stretch the neck for temporary relief
The Role of the Upper Cervical Spine
The upper cervical spine (the atlas and axis at the very top of the neck) is a critical area for people with hypermobility and neck pain.
This region:
Supports the weight of the head
Houses the transition from brainstem to spinal cord
Is packed with receptors that tell the brain where the head is in space
If the upper cervical joints are not sitting or moving in a stable way, the body may respond with:
Increased muscle tone in the neck and upper back
Postural shifts (head tilts, shoulder height differences)
Changes in balance, coordination, or visual comfort
In someone who is already hypermobile, even a relatively small misalignment or instability in this region can feel like a big deal to the nervous system.
Why Tightness Doesn’t Always Mean “Stretch More”
People with hypermobility are often told to:
Stretch tight muscles
Foam roll more
“Loosen up” the neck and shoulders
Sometimes this helps for a few minutes, but the tightness quickly returns.
If the underlying issue is instability, the body may actually be using tightness as a protective strategy. In that case:
Constantly stretching the neck might offer short-term relief
But the nervous system still feels unsafe
So the muscles tighten back up again—sometimes even more than before
This is why it’s important to look beyond just muscle tension and ask:
“Is the neck actually too loose in some areas and working too hard to compensate?”
How Upper Cervical–Focused Care Fits In
An upper cervical–focused clinic, such as Upper Cervical Chiropractic Encinitas, does not approach a hypermobile neck the same way as a stiff, locked-down neck.
Key differences include:
Specific imaging and analysis
Advanced imaging of the upper neck can help reveal how the atlas and axis are positioned, where there may be subtle shifts, and how to correct them with the least force possible.Gentle corrections instead of forceful twisting
Upper cervical techniques are designed to be precise and controlled. For people with hypermobility, this can be especially important, since the goal is better alignment and stability, not more random motion.Emphasis on holding, not constant cracking
The long-term objective is to help the neck hold a more stable position so that muscles can gradually stop bracing all day.
This kind of care is not about “fixing” hypermobility itself. Instead, it aims to:
Reduce unnecessary stress on the upper neck
Support clearer communication between the neck and the nervous system
Give the body a more stable platform to build on with appropriate movement, strengthening, and rehabilitation
Common Symptoms When Hypermobility and Neck Issues Overlap
People with hypermobility and upper cervical involvement may notice patterns such as:
Neck pain that worsens with upright posture
A heavy-headed feeling or difficulty holding the head up
Headaches or migraines that start at the base of the skull
Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling “floaty”
Jaw clenching or TMJ discomfort
Clicking, popping, or constant self-adjusting of the neck
Not every case of neck pain is related to hypermobility, and not every hypermobile person will have neck pain. But when the two overlap, the strategy usually needs to shift from “stretch more” to “stabilize smarter.”
Is Upper Cervical Care Right for Everyone With Hypermobility?
No single approach is right for everyone. For people with significant hypermobility or suspected Ehlers–Danlos syndromes, care should always be:
Thorough in its history and screening
Respectful of red flags and co-existing conditions
Coordinated with other health providers when needed
Upper cervical–focused chiropractic is a conservative, non-surgical option that may be considered when:
Imaging and exam suggest a mechanical component at the top of the neck
Symptoms are consistent with upper cervical involvement
A gentle, specific approach is preferred over high-force manipulation
A careful evaluation can help determine whether this kind of care is appropriate, or whether another path would be safer or more effective.
Hypermobility, Neck Pain, and Life in San Diego County
In areas like Encinitas, Carlsbad, and the greater San Diego region, many active people—surfers, dancers, yogis, desk workers, and athletes—live with some degree of hypermobility. A flexible body can be an asset, but it can also hide underlying instability, especially in the neck.
Connecting the dots between:
Hypermobility
Upper cervical mechanics
Neck pain, headaches, and dizziness
…can provide a clearer path forward than simply stretching or masking symptoms.
When to Seek Help
It may be worth consulting an upper cervical–focused provider if:
Neck pain is frequent, persistent, or worsening
There is a known history of hypermobility or EDS
Symptoms include headaches, dizziness, or a heavy-headed feeling
Traditional approaches have not provided lasting relief
For residents of Encinitas, North County, and the wider San Diego area, clinics that focus on the upper cervical spine—like Upper Cervical Chiropractic Encinitas—offer an option centered on gentle, specific care for this sensitive region of the neck.
