Pain Management > Spine Center > Diagnosis: Cervical Hypolordosis (straight neck)
(Left) Straight neck curve. (Right) Natural neck curve.
What is cervical hypolordosis?
Let's start by disambiguating two similar terms:
Cervical lordosis - describes the natural inward curvature at the neck.
Cervical hypolordosis - describes an abnormal neck curve that is unusually straight. This condition is also referred to as 'straight neck' or 'military neck'.
A natural neck curvature consists of a smooth, inward C-shaped arc of around 43°. This curve helps to:
support the weight of the head
absorb shock
enable flexible motion
ensure alignment of the head above the pelvis.
When someone's neck is abnormally straight, there is a reduced distance between the spinal vertabrae in the neck. This increases the amount of wear and tear on the vertabrae themselves and the cushioning spinal discs located between them, which can result in neck pain, stiffness, weakness, decreased range of motion, headaches or pain in the shoulders, arms or hands.
Left untreated, the spinal vertabrae can degenerate further and potentially lead to:
a reverse neck curve
the formation of osteophytes ('bone spurs') on the vertabrae.
What causes cervical hypolordosis?
Posture - When standing, sitting (and working) or even sleeping can lead to a gradual weakening of the muscles supporting the head and neck
Traumatic injury - High force impacts to the neck, such as during car accidents, slips and falls
Disease or infection - degenerative disc disease, latrogenic disorder or congenital disorders.
Can chiropractic help with cervical hypolordosis?
Chiropractors are trained and qualified to formally diagnose conditions such as cervical hypolordosis and describe available treatment options and how likely they are to be effective.
Rin Spine Center's Spinal Realignment Program for Cervical Hypolordosis is a course of treatment designed to restore the natural curvature of the neck.
During an initial consultation, a chiropractor is able to determine if your condition is: a) minor and treatable, or b) more serious and requiring intensive, extended treatment or referral to a specialist. Alongside chiropractic adjustment and physical therapy sessions, we also help you supplement your recovery through specific prescribed physical exercises and nutritional advice.
For further reading, discover how two patients with straight neck responded to Rin Spine Center's chiropractic pain relief program:
More in the Spine Center:
Diagnosis: Cervical Hypolordosis (straight neck)
Are you in pain?
Check out the Pain Center for a detailed breakdown of your area of pain.