Pain Management > Spine Center > Diagnosis: Reverse Cervical Lordosis (reverse neck curve)
(Left) Reverse neck curve. (Right) Natural neck curve.
What is reverse cervical lordosis?
'Cervical lordosis' describes the natural inward curvature at the neck. 'Reverse cervical lordosis' describes necks that bend in the opposite direction of a natural arc. It is a more extreme version of cervical hypolordosis (straight 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.
People who have lost this natural curve may experience neck pain, stiffness, weakness, decreased range of motion, headaches or pain in the fingers or toes.
Left untreated, the condition may worsen and can lead to degeneration of the spinal vertabrae and the possible formation of osteophytes ('bone spurs') .
What causes reverse cervical lordosis?
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 reverse cervical lordosis?
Chiropractors are trained and qualified to formally diagnose conditions such as reverse cervical lordosis and describe available treatment options and how likely they are to be effective.
Rin Spine Center's Spinal Rehabilitation Program for Reverse Cervical Lordosis 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 cervical hypolordosis ('straight neck') responded to Rin Spine Center's chiropractic pain relief program:
More in the Spine Center:
Diagnosis: Reverse Cervical Lordosis (reverse neck curve)
Are you in pain?
Check out the Pain Center for a detailed breakdown of your area of pain.