What is Straight Neck Syndrome?
Straight neck syndrome is a musculoskeletal condition that occurs when the cervical lordosis (the natural c-shaped curve along the upper segment of the spine) is absent.
In a healthy adult, this curvature assists the spine in supporting the weight of the cranium and facilitating normal spinal mobility. Individuals with straight neck syndrome lack this natural curvature, resulting in abnormal cranial placement and a host of other neck and back issues.
Signs and Symptoms of Straight Neck Syndrome
Poor posture and excessive use of mobile phones have resulted in a growing prevalence of straight neck syndrome, especially in teenagers and young adults. If you’ve noticed symptoms like neck pain, changes to your posture, tingling and/or spinal numbness, pain in the shoulders or back, and frequent headaches, you may be suffering from straight neck syndrome.
How the Upper Cervical Spine Effects Straight Neck Syndrome
The relationship between the upper cervical spine and straight neck syndrome is relatively straightforward. In most cases, straight neck syndrome is caused by a trauma event to the region, such as whiplash or uncorrected postural defects. In these instances, the upper cervical vertebrae may shift out of alignment, causing inflammation and disruption to the surrounding nerves and tissue.
Left untreated, imbalances and inflammation in this region can place undue stress on the scalene muscles of the neck, disrupting the natural curve of the spine and ultimately causing a loss of cervical lordosis.
How Our Straight Neck Syndrome Treatment Works
Upper cervical chiropractic treatment is a form of chiropractic treatment that focuses on non-invasive spinal correction techniques along the upper cervical spine. By restoring the natural alignment and curvature of the spine, our treatment will not only relieve the inflammation and pain caused by straight neck syndrome, but it’ll also address the underlying cause and prevent further complications.
During an upper cervical chiropractic appointment for straight neck syndrome, our expert chiropractor, Dr. Bello, will use cone-beam computed tomography scans and digital X-rays to analyze your spinal curve and pinpoint the exact location of any misalignments in the upper cervical spine.
Armed with this information, Dr. Bello will begin to correct the misaligned vertebra, using gentle adjustment techniques to manipulate the spine and restore cervical lordosis in the neck. Rest assured, Dr. Bello will never use techniques that require painful cracking, twisting, or popping of the spine.
If you’re suffering from straight neck syndrome, an upper cervical chiropractor can help. Dr. Bello provides treatment for straight neck syndrome to patients in Los Angeles, Brentwood, Culver City, Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, Marina Del Rey, Westwood, Beverly Hills, and the surrounding areas.