The spine is an integral part of the body that comprises a series of bones called the vertebrae. Extending from neck to tail, the spine can be categorized into 3 regions; cervical, thoracic, and lumbar. Each region of the spine has a specific curve that helps maintain balance, stability, and alignment of the body.
The natural curve of the spine indicates whether or not it is functioning properly. In certain cases, the curvatures may be reversed or misaligned, causing problems that affect the muscles and nerves located in the spinal cord. This can lead to many common aches and pains someone might experience.
If you are noticing reduced mobility in your neck range of motion or experiencing painful symptoms, you may have reverse cervical lordosis, which should be addressed to prevent further complications.
What is Reverse Cervical Lordosis?
The neck plays a significant function in our body because it connects the brain to the rest of the body. The cervical spine is the starting point of the spinal cord that contains your intervertebral disks, nerves, muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
Your spine works hand-in-hand with your brain to form the central nervous system of your body, which is in charge of sending messages and signals to your body’s systems and organs to keep your body functioning well.
If you look at the shape of the cervical spine, you will notice that there is a natural C-shaped curvature. A natural C shape curve allows for joints to have space responsible for our neck range of motion.
Cervical lordosis refers to the natural curvature of your neck to a certain degree, preferably 31 to 40 degrees. If the curvature of the neck goes below or beyond this range because the curve is facing the wrong direction, this is what you call reverse cervical lordosis.
Reverse cervical lordosis may worsen if not addressed. It’s important to identify the symptoms and seek possible treatment to avoid serious issues.
10 Reverse Cervical Lordosis Symptoms
Reverse cervical lordosis causes muscle pain and tightness in your neck due to the abnormal curve of the cervical spine. The pain may even extend to your shoulders and upper back.
Someone other symptoms of the condition include:
- Muscle pain, particularly in the neck, shoulder, and upper back
- Muscle spasms
- Difficulty moving neck
- Difficulty moving lower back
- Numbness and tingling
- Limited range of motion in your neck
- Muscle weakness in the upper extremities
If any of these symptoms persist and cause difficulty in attending to your daily activities, it’s recommended to see a professional who can assess your condition, determine its cause and provide the proper treatment.
What Causes Reverse Cervical Lordosis?
Common causes of reverse cervical lordosis include poor posture, obesity, and traumatic injury from accidents. Simple neck issues that are left untreated can develop into reverse cervical lordosis.
More serious conditions can also cause reverse cervical lordosis, such as degenerative disc disease, osteoporosis, and spondylolisthesis. Inherited conditions like achondroplasia (dwarfism) and certain neuromuscular disorders can cause reverse cervical lordosis as well.
No matter what the cause is, if it causes discomfort and interferes with your daily life, it’s necessary to seek help to relieve the pain.
How to Treat Reverse Cervical Lordosis
Reverse cervical lordosis treatment varies depending on the condition of the patient. A chiropractor who specializes in aligning the spine can help alleviate pain around the neck and back.
A chiropractor will assess a patient’s medical history, symptoms, severity, and other factors that will help them identify the proper chiropractic treatment plan to not only resolve pain and improve range of motion but also to optimize the spine’s alignment and body function.
Chiropractic care involves a variety of treatments, including spinal adjustments, soft tissue mobilization, exercises and lifestyle changes.
Patients are encouraged to undergo multiple sessions to measure the progress of their healing and ensure a full recovery.
How To Prevent Reverse Cervical Lordosis
If you or any of your family members suspect that you have this condition, it is important to be proactive in preventing its progression. There are numerous ways to prevent pain or dysfunction in your cervical spine.
Posture plays a significant role in the health of your cervical spine. Poor posture can lead to spinal issues that impact your entire body. Cultivating good posture habits and integrating stretching exercises into your daily routine can help maintain a healthy spine.
One common activity that strains the neck is prolonged screen usage with a downward gaze. Whether you’re using a phone or tablet, constantly hunching over these devices can result in neck problems. When using a handheld device, ensure that the screen is positioned at eye level, keeping your phone or tablet in front of your eyes rather than below them.
A Healthy Spine, A Healthy Life
A healthy spine is characterized by its natural alignment and curves. However, various factors can lead to the development of unnatural curves, resulting in spinal conditions like reverse cervical lordosis.
Symptoms such as pain and numbness associated with reverse cervical lordosis can significantly impact daily life, highlighting the importance of seeking professional help and treatment to care for your body and overall health.
Visit the LifeClinic website and blog to learn more about the health of your spine and neck.
