What is Military Neck?
Cervical kyphosis, or military neck, is a spinal condition that affects the natural, healthy curvature of the upper cervical spine. A gradual reduction to the c-shaped curve of the neck creates the impression that individuals with this condition are ‘standing to attention’ (hence the name). Anyone can suffer from military neck, but it is particularly common amongst patients who have suffered from trauma or injury to the upper cervical spine.
Signs and Symptoms of Military Neck
Besides the characteristic ‘standing to attention’ stance that individuals suffering from this condition display, military neck has a host of secondary symptoms. Patients with the condition may experience a reduced range of motion in the neck, frequent headaches, reduced coordination, spinal deformity, stiffness, inability to control bowel movements, and, in extreme cases, significantly reduced mobility or paralysis.
How Does the Upper Cervical Spine Affect Military Neck
A reduction in the natural curvature of the neck in conditions like military neck is usually triggered by an injury or degenerative disease in the upper cervical spine. For instance, if the fluid-filled discs that sit between each vertebra become compromised by misaligned vertebrae, the vertebral discs will become weakened. As the vertebral discs degenerate, the vertebrae they support will begin to migrate out of their natural alignment, leading to the straightening of the neck associated with military neck.
How Our Natural Military Neck Treatment Works
The Blair Chiropractic Technique is a modern form of chiropractic care that targets conditions of the upper cervical spine. Using precise and non-invasive correction techniques, Blair Chiropractic practitioners treat conditions like military neck by addressing the root cause rather than simply managing the secondary symptoms.
During treatment, you will undergo an initial assessment by a certified Blair Chiropractic practitioner. Your specialist will perform an upper cervical spinal health assessment to pinpoint the location of any upper cervical misalignments that could be contributing to your military neck. During this preliminary assessment, your chiropractor will typically use a range of advanced diagnostic tools, including cone beam computed tomography scans and X-rays.
If a misalignment is detected, your chiropractor will perform a series of certified Blair Chiropractic Techniques to coax the vertebrae back into alignment and restore the upper cervical spine’s natural curvature. Don’t worry, a Blair chiropractor will never use force-based adjustments or techniques that involve painful cracking, popping, or twisting of the spine.
