Cervical lordosis

Cervical lordosis is a natural inward curvature of the spine in the neck region, known as the cervical spine. This curvature helps to distribute the weight of the head in a balanced manner and allows for neck mobility. When this curvature is exaggerated or altered, it is called cervical lordosis, which can be due to various factors such as muscle disorders, injuries, poor posture, obesity, osteoporosis and neuromuscular conditions. This condition can cause symptoms such as neck pain, stiffness, and changes in posture, and in more serious cases, it can compress the spinal nerves and increase the risk of long-term complications. It is important to seek medical attention to evaluate and treat cervical lordosis properly.

Symptoms

The symptoms of cervical lordosis may vary depending on the severity of the curvature and the presence of additional complications. Some of the more common symptoms include:

1. Neck pain: Cervical lordosis may cause discomfort or pain in the back of the neck, which may worsen with physical activity or movement.
2. Cervical stiffness: Patients may experience a feeling of stiffness in the neck, which can hinder normal head and neck movements.
3. Changes in posture: Cervical lordosis can alter the natural alignment of the neck, which can result in abnormal posture, such as the protrusion of the head forward.
4. Radiating pain: In some cases, the pain associated with cervical lordosis may radiate to the shoulders, arms, and even hands, causing tingling or numbness.
5. Muscle weakness: Nerve compression in the cervical region can cause weakness in the neck and shoulder muscles, which can affect the ability to perform everyday activities.
6. Nerve complications: In more serious cases, cervical lordosis can compress spinal nerves, which can cause symptoms such as numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and even loss of bladder or bowel control.

Types of Cervical Lordosis

There are several types of cervical lordosis, which can be classified according to the cause of the curvature or the way in which it occurs. Some of the most common types of cervical lordosis are described below:

1. Physiological cervical lordosis: This is the normal curvature of the cervical spine seen in healthy individuals. Physiological cervical lordosis is important for maintaining balance and proper alignment of the head over the spine.
2. Excessive cervical lordosis: Also known as cervical hyperkyphosis, this condition is characterized by an abnormally pronounced forward curvature in the cervical region. It can be caused by factors such as poor posture, trauma, or congenital disorders.
3. Reduced cervical lordosis: This type of cervical lordosis refers to a decrease in the natural curvature in the neck, which can result in a straight alignment or even a backward curvature. Reduced cervical lordosis can be caused by degenerative diseases, injuries, or surgery on the cervical spine.
4. Pathological cervical lordosis: This form of cervical lordosis refers to an abnormal curvature of the cervical spine that is the result of an underlying condition, such as ankylosing spondylitis, osteoporosis, congenital anomalies, or vertebral tumors.
5. Postural cervical lordosis: Postural cervical lordosis occurs due to incorrect postural habits, such as excessive tilting of the head forward (called “head forward” or “head forward”). This can be caused by prolonged use of electronic devices, poor ergonomics at work or study, and other factors.
6. Traumatic cervical lordosis: This form of cervical lordosis develops as a result of traumatic injuries to the cervical spine, such as car accidents, falls, or sports injuries. Trauma can affect the normal alignment of the cervical spine and cause abnormal curvature.

How Can Chiropractic Help With Cervical Lordosis?

Chiropractic is a health discipline that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disorders of the musculoskeletal system, especially those related to the spine. In the case of cervical lordosis, chiropractic can play an important role in relieving symptoms and improving cervical function. Here are some ways chiropractic can help with cervical lordosis:

1. Chiropractic adjustments: Chiropractic adjustments, also known as spinal manipulations, are specific techniques that chiropractors use to apply controlled force to the joints of the spine. These adjustments can help restore proper alignment of the cervical vertebrae, thereby reducing the abnormal curvature associated with cervical lordosis.
2. Improved joint mobility: Cervical lordosis can cause stiffness and limited neck mobility. Chiropractors can use joint mobilization techniques to help improve flexibility and range of motion in the cervical spine, which can alleviate muscle tension and reduce discomfort associated with cervical lordosis.
3. Muscle Strengthening and Stretching: Chiropractors often recommend specific muscle strengthening and stretching exercises to help maintain stability and balance in the cervical spine. These exercises can strengthen the muscles of the neck and back, which can help to properly support the head and reduce strain on the spine.
4. Education and postural advice: Chiropractors usually provide education and advice on proper posture and ergonomic techniques to help prevent cervical lordosis and reduce the recurrence of symptoms. This may include recommendations on how to sit properly, lift objects safely, and maintain good neck alignment during daily activities.
5. Comprehensive treatment: In addition to chiropractic adjustments, chiropractors may recommend complementary therapies, such as heat or cold therapy, massage therapy, and myofascial release techniques, to help alleviate muscle tension and improve blood circulation in the cervical region.

Cervical Lordosis FAQs

What is the most common cause of cervical lordosis?

Cervical lordosis can be caused by several factors, such as traumatic injuries, poor posture, muscle imbalances, degenerative diseases of the spine and congenital anomalies.

How Can Chiropractic Help With Cervical Lordosis?

Chiropractic can help through chiropractic adjustments to improve cervical spine alignment, joint mobilization techniques to increase flexibility and range of motion, muscle strengthening and stretching exercises, as well as advice on ergonomics and posture.

How long will it take to see results with chiropractic treatment?

The answer may vary depending on the severity of cervical lordosis, individual response to treatment, and adherence to chiropractor recommendations. Some patients may experience immediate relief, while others may require longer-term treatment for optimal results.

Is chiropractic treatment for cervical lordosis safe?

Yes, when performed by a qualified and experienced chiropractor, chiropractic treatment for cervical lordosis is generally safe and effective. Chiropractic adjustments are safe, non-invasive techniques that are tailored to the individual needs of each patient.

Is there anything I can do at home to help ease the symptoms of cervical lordosis?

Yes, your chiropractor can recommend specific stretching and muscle strengthening exercises, as well as relaxation techniques and advice on ergonomics and posture that you can perform at home to complement your treatment at the clinic.