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Military Neck
Military neck is a common terminology for a straightening of the normal lordotic cervical curvature. This relatively common condition is often used as a
scapegoat
on which to blame cases of
idiopathic back pain.
Mild to moderate reduced lordotic curves are seldom problematic and rarely cause any pain or symptoms. Extreme examples of cervical lordotic loss can be symptomatic and require appropriate
treatment.
Military Neck TerminologyThere are several interchangeable terms used to describe this spinal condition. Straight neck and flat neck are appropriate and logical terms used to describe cervical spinal straightening. Rigid neck is sometimes used, although this term can be misconstrued as a muscular problem. Loss of cervical lordosis, reduction of cervical lordosis and cervical lordotic loss are all common medical terminologies for this same condition. Additional information concerning exaggerated or reduced lordotic and kyphotic spinal curvatures can be found in my LORDOSIS section.Military Neck CausesThere are a variety of reasons to experience a loss of cervical lordosis. Some cases of this condition are congenital and make the patient disposed to developing a straight neck as they grow. Other cases of straight neck might develop as a result of a degenerative process, a back injury or the side effect of a prior spinal fusion surgery in a nearby vertebral level. Bad posture can also contribute to lordotic straightening in the cervical region.Military Neck ExperienceMost straight neck syndromes are nothing to worry about. Although the cervical spine is designed to curve in order to support the weight and movement of the head, it is not inherently problematic to lose some of this natural curvature. Most patients display mild to moderate cervical straightening which is almost never to blame for chronic back pain. If you have been diagnosed with straight neck related pain, make sure that you try knowledge therapy to eliminate the possibility of any psychosomatic or nocebo influence, before acquiescing to a drastic treatment modality. Most patients with long term chronic pain in the neck are actually suffering from psychosomatic pain which has been misdiagnosed.I was diagnosed with a straight neck years ago and always thought that it was a contributor to my back pain condition. With time and many failed medical treatments, I discovered the true cause of my pain and was able to cure myself. I still have the straight neck, but now I am symptom free. This goes to prove that some reduction in the cervical lordosis is acceptable and a mostly benign spinal condition.
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