Straight Neck

A straight neck is another name for a loss of cervical lordosis. The neck normally demonstrates a lordotic curvature, with the opening of the curve facing the rear of the body. This curvature helps to support the weight of the head and provide shock absorption for the upper end of the spinal column. A straightening of the cervical lordosis is a relatively common condition often referred to by the name �Military Neck�, since it anatomically resembles a soldier standing at attention with head high and neck extended.

Straight Neck

Straight Neck Condition

A straightened cervical lordosis can come from a variety of causes. Genetics play a large part, as do posture and activity. Neck injury and degenerative conditions can also change the shape of the cervical spine. The condition might be mild, moderate or severe, depending both on the change in curvature and symptoms experienced. The majority of cases demonstrate mild to moderate lordotic change which is completely asymptomatic. In these cases, the patient has no pain and might not even be aware of the condition at all. Severe lordotic straightening is rare, but can lead to serious problems in the upper spine.

Straightened Neck Pain

This relatively common condition is often blamed for many cases of idiopathic back pain. Doctors are always looking for anatomical scapegoats to explain chronic pain syndromes. Loss of cervical lordosis is a common diagnosis for a variety of painful conditions, even though it is rarely to blame for any symptoms. There are far too many people walking around with a straightened neck to take this condition too seriously as a primary cause of pain. This excludes the most severe cases of military neck, which can create pain and even spinal instability in the cervical region.

Recommendation on Straight Neck Syndrome

I was diagnosed with this condition in my late teens. My first chiropractor, and many after him, said this military neck syndrome was a real problem. I guess I took the advice to �stand up straight� a little too seriously as a child and teen�

Well, after enduring countless back pain treatments for my large collection of apparent spinal problems, I still have my straightened neck. I have no pain now, since I realized the truth of this condition and the other scapegoats previously blamed for my 18 years of pain. Minor loss of lordosis is no big problem. Do not let a care provider scare you into suffering a severe nocebo reaction from the diagnosis of this mostly harmless condition. Learn the facts about your pain and use them to help yourself heal. It worked for me. It should work for you too.
Straight Neck to Back Pain Home 2/18/08 Revised 9/24/08