How to Effectively Treat Neck Lordosis
Neck pain is a widespread musculoskeletal problem, affecting 27 per 1000 population in 2019. Despite its high prevalence, neck pain continues to be a major problem in the U.S., showing an upward trend over the past few decades.
People suffering from neck issues should be aware and take steps to manage their condition. Proper care and treatment can help reduce symptoms and prevent further pain or discomfort.
If you have neck pain, along with symptoms of headaches and a “droopy” or “swaying” neck, you may be suffering from a condition known as neck lordosis. In this blog, we will discuss the common symptoms and available treatment options for neck lordosis, so you can manage the condition and get back to living your life to the fullest.
What is lordosis?
Lordosis in the neck, otherwise known as “cervical lordosis”, is a medical condition caused by an excessive inward curvature of the upper spine, which gives it a concave or “swayback” appearance.
Lordosis is a normal part of human anatomy, and it is important for providing support and shock absorption for the spine. Certain changes in posture or lifestyle can lead to exaggerated lordosis and cause soreness and other problems in the lower back, making it important for those with lordosis to maintain a healthy posture and lifestyle.
What causes neck lordosis?
Neck lordosis is usually caused by a combination of different factors, including: .
- Poor posture
- Injuries
- Overweight or obesity
- Muscle weakness
- Trauma
What are the symptoms of lordosis of the neck?
If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, then you may have lordosis in your neck.
- Pain in the neck: A common symptom of lordosis in the neck is pain in the neck area when moving.
- Muscle tightness or stiffness: Sufferers can also experience stiffness or tightness of muscles in the areas of the upper back and neck, leading to decreased range of movement and discomfort.
- Poor posture: Those suffering from lordosis in the neck may also notice their posture becoming worse and appearing hunched over.
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing: Difficulty breathing or swallowing can be symptoms of lordosis in the neck, and those who experience this should seek medical attention.
- Loss of mobility: Those with lordosis in the neck may not be able to move their head in all directions or experience pain when trying to do so.
- Fatigue: Some may feel they tire faster and experience pain which can be fatiguing and exhausting.
- Loss of balance: People with lordosis in the neck may have poor balance and difficulty standing or walking.
Can I restore my neck curve naturally?
The good news is that there are ways to restore your neck curve. By focusing on strengthening and building the right muscles, you can naturally restore your neck curve to its normal shape.
To start, you should focus on improving your posture. This means standing with your head held high and your ears above your shoulders. Make sure to avoid slouching or slumping your shoulders.
Next, you need to start building up those neck muscles. Exercises like neck flexion, rotation, and extension can help you strengthen muscles like the posterior cervical muscles, which can help improve your neck curve.
Lastly, you need to keep up with proper ergonomics. Make sure that you have the correct posture when sitting and working on a computer or other electronic devices. This will help reduce strains and stress on your neck muscles which can cause them to deteriorate over time and cause neck curvature decrease.
By following these steps and focusing on strengthening and building your neck muscles, you can restore your neck curve naturally. It may take some time, but with consistent effort and the right exercises, you can get rid of tech neck and enjoy improved posture.
Why is it important to identify and treat lordosis in the neck?
If left untreated, lordosis in the neck can cause chronic pain and stiffness, limited range of motion, and difficulty walking and standing. Thus, it is extremely important to identify and treat lordosis in the neck in order to avoid further complications and ensure a long and comfortable life.
Identifying and treating lordosis in the neck is important to relieve symptoms, restore spinal alignment, and prevent the progression of the condition. While this condition can be painful and uncomfortable, it can often be managed with lifestyle changes and treatment.
How do you diagnose lordosis in the neck?
The first step in diagnosing lordosis in the neck is a physical examination conducted by a physician. The doctor will examine the neck curve, head, shoulders, and back in order to determine whether or not there is an excessive inward curvature of the cervical region. In addition, X-rays and CT scans may be used to accurately measure the degree of cervical lordosis.
Further tests such as an MRI can also be utilized to further evaluate the condition in order to accurately diagnose lordosis in the neck. This test helps to identify any soft tissue problems, such as any herniated discs or problems with the ligaments and muscles in the neck.
A medical history questionnaire may also be conducted in order to further evaluate any possible factors which may be linked to the development of cervical lordosis. This includes questions such as whether or not the patient engaged in any high-impact activities, suffered any neck trauma or had any major surgery in the past.
By conducting the above tests, doctors are able to identify the exact cause of the condition and determine the best course of treatment. Taking the steps to properly diagnose lordosis in the neck will help you to feel better and return to your daily activities.
Is neck lordosis permanent?
The short answer is no. Neck lordosis, at least in its mildest forms, can be treated with physical therapy and lifestyle changes. For those with more severe lordosis, surgical intervention may be needed, in which case the lordosis can be made more permanent if it is the result of underlying medical issues.
What are the treatment options for lordosis in the neck?
There are several treatments available to combat the condition, both surgical and non-surgical.
- Non-Surgical Treatment
Non-surgical treatments are generally the first option when it comes to treating lordosis in the neck. These treatments usually involve physical therapy, combination of stretching, strengthening exercises, postural changes, and massage therapy. Most patients are able to get relief from their symptoms with a combination of all these treatments.
- Surgical Treatment
Surgical treatment is the best option for severe cases of cervical lordosis where the curvature of the neck is too drastic to correct with non-surgical options alone. The most common surgical procedures used to treat lordosis in the neck are:
This procedure involves removing a portion of a vertebra and replacing it with a spacer or bone graft in order to restore a more normal curve in the neck.
This procedure involves fusing two vertebrae together in order to prevent further movement and promote healing.
This procedure involves removing part of the vertebral lamina in order to widen the spinal canal and reduce pressure on the spinal cord.
Prevention tips to avoid lordosis in the neck
There are some preventive measures that can help you avoid this condition. Here are some tips to help you stay healthy and prevent lordosis in your neck:
- Adjust your posture: Being mindful of the position of your head, neck and back is key in preventing Lordosis. Make sure that your shoulders are not rounded and that your head is not pushed too far forward.
- Improve your posture with exercise: Strengthening and stretching the muscles in your neck, back and core can help reduce the risk of Lordosis. Exercises such as yoga and Pilates promote good posture.
- Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity is important for maintaining a healthy weight and preventing Lordosis. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity a week.
- Use proper sitting posture: Make sure that when seated, your back is supported and that you maintain proper posture. Keep your back straight and your feet flat on the floor.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight can put additional strain on the neck and back muscles, and may increase the risk of developing Lordosis. Eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly can help with this.
- Get plenty of rest: Lack of rest can cause your muscles to become fatigued, making you more prone to developing Lordosis. Aim to get 7-9 hours of sleep a night to ensure your muscles are well-rested.
- Avoid certain activities: Certain activities such as slouching or carrying heavy objects can put strain on your muscles and may lead to Lordosis. Avoid activities like this as much as possible.
- Wear the right shoes: Wearing comfortable, supportive shoes can help with posture, and may reduce the risk of developing Lordosis. Shoes with arch support are ideal.
- Stretch regularly: Stretching can help strengthen and improve the flexibility of your neck and back muscles. Make sure to stretch your muscles multiple times a day.
Need Relief from Neck Lordosis? Dr. Hepler Can Help!
Are you suffering from neck lordosis and looking for relief? Matthew Hepler MD, one of the best spine surgeons in South Florida, is the perfect choice for top-notch medical care in the diagnosis and treatment of lordosis in the neck.
Our experienced and knowledgeable team is committed to helping our patients get the expert care they need. With advanced diagnostics, treatments that utilize the latest techniques and technologies, as well as a team of medical professionals who are dedicated to providing the best care possible, Matthew Hepler MD is your premier provider for neck lordosis treatment.
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The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
