What is Straight Neck Syndrome?
Sometimes referred to as hypolordosis, straight neck is a condition that affects the curvature of the neck. It occurs when the natural ‘c-shaped’ curvature of the neck is flattened, gradually resulting in a reduction of regular movement of the head and neck. While this condition can often resolve on its own with rest and patience, recurrent bouts of straight neck could indicate a more serious issue in the upper cervical spine.
Signs and Symptoms of Straight Neck Syndrome
Straight neck is a difficult condition to treat as it can have many different causes. Lifestyle factors such as poor posture, lack of exercise, obesity, long-periods hunched over a phone or computer, and vertebral misalignments in the upper cervical spine can all contribute to the onset of straight neck.
If you suspect you may be suffering from straight neck, look out for symptoms such as reduced mobility in the neck or lower back, loss of bladder control, back spasms, tightening of the muscles in the neck and back, numbness or tingling in the neck and back, and shooting or sharp pain in the upper and lower back area.
How the Upper Cervical Spine Affects Straight Neck Syndrome
The upper cervical spine is made up of 7 spinal vertebrae, extending from the base of the skull to the beginning of the thoracic spine. If one of these vertebrae is pushed out of place, whether that be due to injury or poor posture habits, it can cause compression of the muscles and nerves in the surrounding area. With pressure comes inflammation, which will likely result in tightening of the muscles of the upper cervical spine. As these muscles grow more strained, the cervical vertebrae are forced to compensate for the imbalance, leading to stiffness and straightening of the neck.
How Our Upper Cervical Treatment Works
Dr. Gordon Elder is an expert practitioner of an adjustment process known as the Blair Upper Cervical Chiropractic Technique. This method of treatment targets the health of the upper cervical spine by restoring regular function to both the spine and the surrounding nerves and muscles.
When treating straight neck, Dr. Elder undertakes a two-step approach. First, patients will undergo a 25–30-minute screening process to locate any vertebral misalignment that may be triggering inflammation and contributing to straight neck syndrome. This step of the process typically involves using advanced 3-D imaging diagnostic techniques to determine the exact location of any misalignments in the upper cervical spine.
You’ll receive a brief report on the results of the screening process following your consultation and will have an opportunity to ask Dr. Elder any questions.
Following this, Dr. Elder will use a series of gentle, precise adjustment techniques to restore any misaligned vertebrae to their natural position, removing pressure and facilitating a gradual release of muscle tension. Following the initial adjustment, patients generally return for regular check-up appointments to ensure their treatment is progressing correctly. Over the course of 3-5 months, most patients average between 10 and 15 appointments with Dr. Elder.
If straight neck syndrome is affecting your quality of life, get in touch today to speak with Dr. Elder about your upper cervical spine. Located in Lubbock, Texas, Blair Chiropractic Clinic also services Amarillo, Midland, Odessa, Abilene, El Paso in Texas, and Hobbs in New Mexico.
Published by Vic Belonogoff: A Blair Chiropractic doctor helped heal vertigo, among other conditions that Vic Belonogoff suffered from, and it gave him his life back. He continues to see an upper cervical chiropractor as a preventative measure. Vic Belonogoff is passionate about upper cervical chiropractic and how much it helps patients.