NECK PAIN AND PROPER NECK CURVATURE

The cervical curvature, or lordosis, of the neck is extremely important for maintaining the integrity and strength of the neck. When cervical lordosis is lost, the neck becomes significantly weaker and can lead to a forward head posture. This occurs when the head shifts forward in an attempt to stabilize the neck.


In Neck and Arm Pain, usually, a head weighs 10 pounds, but with as little as an inch shift in forward head posture, that head doubles in weight to 20 pounds. A two-inch forward action would make the head feel like it weighs 30 pounds. The additional weight of the head in this posture can cause the body to twist and turn in an effort to support the head, leading to a loss of the normal curvature of the neck.


This straightening of the neck can increase the distance of the spinal canal by up to 24%, which can cause irritation to the spinal cord due to excessive traction. As the area becomes straighter, it actually causes a squeezing effect directly on the spinal cord that can exert up to 30 or 40 pounds of compression force.


In response to this adverse mechanical tension in the cervical spine, the body will, once again, twist and turn to lessen that negative mechanical tension, leading to the development of scoliosis and ill health symptoms.

It is essential to maintain a healthy cervical curvature to prevent these negative effects on the neck and spine.

Above is an actual 28 year old patient.  The left is the patient the right is an ideal normal.

This forward head posture and lack of proper curvature is unfortunately fairly "normal" for today, and at a younger age.  This is due to increased use of phones and computers, with the head bent forward.

It is also due to weakness.  Poor back and posterior shoulder muscle strength and tightness of the anterior shoulder muscles, chest and neck.

It is important to note that this curvature can be corrected with chiropractic care, strength training and proper posture.

Notice the C5-7 vertebrae disc space  and lack of disc height.  This is degenerative disc disease created by the lack of curvature....reminder, the patient is young.

If you are close to our office, please feel free to make and appointment to have your neck curvature X-rayed.  If you are not, please sign up for our webinars and free guides to help you on your health journey.

Yours in health,  

​Dr. Kim Carlucci, DC, ICCSP

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