What should be examined to assess the alignment of the cranium on the cervical spine?

To assess the alignment of the cranium on the cervical spine, examining whether the head is tilted or shifted is essential. This assessment evaluates how the head is positioned relative to the spine and can indicate any misalignments or imbalances present. A head that is tilted may suggest that the cervical spine is compensating for issues elsewhere in the body, while a head that is shifted can indicate asymmetry, which can lead to discomfort or dysfunction.

The position of the shoulders can provide some context for overall posture, but it is less directly related to how the cranium aligns with the cervical spine specifically. Similarly, while the alignment of the nose could offer clues about head position, it does not provide a comprehensive view of the relationship between the head and the cervical spine. Finally, the curvature of the spine pertains more to the overall spinal alignment rather than specifically assessing the head's position on the cervical spine. Thus, focusing on the tilt and shift of the head provides the most relevant information for understanding cranio-cervical alignment.