Straightening of the cervical spine? If you are coping with neck or back pain, it may be the result of the straightening of your cervical spine (neck). What causes a straight neck? How do some people end up with a reverse curve in the neck? How can these conditions impact not only spine pain but also overall health? We will address these questions and direct you to solutions for improving the curvature of your neck and your overall health in this blog post.
The neck naturally has a gentle curve. It is one of four curves in the spine that evenly distribute stress forward and backward. This reduces the amount of vertical pressure on the spine. When a person experiences a straight neck (also called flat neck or military neck), this natural curve disappears. What can cause this phenomenon, and how does it affect health?
The straightening of the cervical spine, also known as loss of cervical lordosis, can be caused by various factors, including:
When the cervical spine loses its natural lordosis and becomes excessively straight, it can lead to adverse effects such as poor posture, headaches, neck pain, and decreased flexibility. If you are experiencing symptoms of instability related to the loss of cervical lordosis, it is advisable to consult an upper cervical specialist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
You can probably imagine the many health problems that may occur when the neck loses its natural curvature or, perhaps worse; you develop a reverse curve in the neck. As we’ve already noted, it throws off the balance of the head, so that means shifts in the spine and soft tissue to correct that problem. The straightening of cervical spine symptoms can cause neck pain or even back pain if the more considerable changes occur lower on the spine.
Additionally, remember that the purpose of the curve is to remove some of the vertical compression of the spine. With one or more of those curves eliminated, the spine is now under more than the usual strain, from merely carrying around the average size 10 to 12-pound head all day.
But it gets worse.
Research published in the Medical Science Monitor shows that straightening of the cervical spine disrupts the biomechanics of the body. Each of the cervical vertebrae has loops of bone unique to these vertebrae. The loops provide safe passage for the vertebral arteries, which supply blood to the brain. You can probably see where this is going. Patients in the study who were experiencing straight necks were not getting as much blood flow to the head. That can have all sorts of neurological effects
Have you suffered a head or neck injury? Do you sit a desk all day long or make frequent use of a smartphone? If so, you may be at higher risk than you think.
Even if you are not yet experiencing the full effects of straightening of your cervical vertebrae, it is only a matter of time before the results make themselves manifest. To stay ahead of the potential health problems, we encourage you to visit an upper cervical chiropractor. How can this specific form of chiropractic help?
Upper cervical practitioners focus on the C1 and C2 vertebrae, the top two bones in the neck. Keeping these two bones in proper alignment is critical because they balance the head (not to mention providing half or more of your range of motion). Even if your neck vertebrae have not yet straightened, they may do so in the future if an upper cervical misalignment is allowed to persist.
The practitioner will use diagnostic imagining to get a closer look at the misalignment. Precise measurements will be calculated to provide you with a gentle and personalized adjustment. This can help your neck to regain its natural curve, can restore cervical blood flow, and may even assist proper posture in feeling more natural.
If you have experienced a head or neck injury, if you find that you are forced to sit for long periods, or if you are only just starting to understand the need to set limits on technology use, then upper cervical chiropractic care may be for you. To learn more, find a practitioner in your area and schedule a consultation to learn about the causes and treatments of straightening of the cervical spine due to muscle spasm. They will guide you about the details and you will have relief from the straightening of the cervical spine due to muscle spasm.
The correction of cervical lordosis with upper cervical chiropractic has been studied in several research articles. Here are some relevant findings:
These articles provide insights into the potential benefits of correcting cervical lordosis with upper cervical chiropractic techniques, particularly in relation to symptomatic relief and functional improvement.
Experiencing straightening of cervical spine symptoms can be a sign of an underlying issue, and its seriousness depends on the cause; it's important to consult an upper cervical specialist for evaluation.
Straightening of the cervical spine refers to a loss of the natural curve in the neck and may result from various factors, such as poor posture or muscle tension.
Straightening of the cervical lordosis can be caused by factors like poor posture, neck injuries, muscle imbalances, or degenerative conditions of the spine.
Straightening of the cervical spine indicates a reduction in the natural curve of the neck, which can be related to postural issues, injury, or medical conditions; it should be evaluated by an upper cervical specialist for appropriate management.
If you are also experiencing back or neck pain, groin pain, balance issues, and leg discomfort, especially after activities like grocery shopping, it is important to investigate these issues. These symptoms could be related to various underlying conditions, including scoliosis and thyroid problems. An upper cervical specialist can conduct a thorough evaluation and provide personalized recommendations for managing your symptoms and improving your quality of life.
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The content and materials provided in this web site are for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to supplement or comprise a medical diagnosis or other professional opinion, or to be used in lieu of a consultation with a physician or competent health care professional for medical diagnosis and/or treatment. All content and materials including research papers, case studies and testimonials summarizing patients' responses to care are intended for educational purposes only and do not imply a guarantee of benefit. Individual results may vary, depending upon several factors including age of the patient, severity of the condition, severity of the spinal injury, and duration of time the condition has been present.
