What is Straight Neck Syndrome?
Straight neck syndrome, or hyperlordosis, is a condition of the neck characterized by unnatural curvature of the upper segment of the spine. In individuals with straight neck syndrome, the natural curvature of the spine is flattened. Over time, this results in reduced mobility of the head and neck. In some cases, straight neck syndrome will go away with rest and time, however, recurrent bouts of this condition can indicate an underlying issue.Â
 Signs and Symptoms of Straight Neck Syndrome
There are multiple causes of straight neck syndrome, which often makes it difficult to diagnose and treat. Some symptoms commonly experienced with straight neck syndrome include reduced mobility in the neck, head, and back, loss of bladder control, tight muscles in the neck and back, numbness or tingling in the neck and back, and shooting pains down the back, and back spasms.Â
Bad posture, poor lifestyle choices like lack of exercise or obesity, and prolonged phone or computer use can all contribute to the development of straight neck syndrome. However, for many people, straight neck syndrome can be triggered by less obvious causes, such as vertebral misalignment in the upper cervical spine.
How the Upper Cervical Spine Affects Straight Neck Syndrome
The upper cervical spine, comprised of the seven vertebrae at the top of the spine, creates the natural c-shaped curve of your neck. However, if vertebrae in this region become dislodged and misaligned, it can impinge on the surrounding muscles and nerves of the neck and spine.Â
If the misalignment is left untreated, the compressed muscles and nerves will become increasingly inflamed, resulting in tense, tight muscles and shooting pain commonly experienced with straight neck syndrome. As the muscles of the back and neck tighten, the curvature of the neck can be flattened. This creates the characteristic ‘straight neck’ often seen in patients with this condition.Â
How Our Straight Neck Syndrome Works
The Blair Chiropractic Technique uses small, precise adjustments to the upper cervical spine to optimize spinal alignment, nerve function, and muscle tone. When it comes to treating straight neck syndrome, your specialist will first examine your upper cervical spine to determine whether there is a misalignment causing your condition. This process typically involves the use of X-rays and cone-beam computed tomography scans alongside traditional examination techniques to pinpoint the precise location of any misalignments. Â
If a misalignment is detected, your Blair Chiropractic specialist will use a series of low-force, non-invasive techniques to push the vertebrae back into their natural position. Unlike traditional chiropractic techniques, you won’t experience any painful twisting, popping, or cracking during treatment.
