Chiropractic care can help military neck by returning the neck to its normal curved shape. Military neck is the generic name given to a condition where the cervical spine becomes straight, instead of having its natural C-shaped curve. This condition does not only affect people who served in the army. The name was given due to the sufferer’s appearance of standing at attention. The posture of their head and neck is not normal and can lead to severe complications.

Causes and Symptoms of Military Neck

Chiropractors have encountered many cases of military neck, which allows them to conclude that the most frequent causes of this condition are:

  • Physical trauma in a car accident or after falling from a height
  • Sports injuries
  • Poor posture while working on the computer
  • Sleeping on the stomach.

Pain is the first symptom of military neck, followed by an unnatural position of the head, slightly bent forward. However, the straight neck condition can also lead to more severe complications, such as:

  • Inability to lift loads
  • Trouble breathing and swallowing
  • Spinal cord compression
  • Back and neck muscle spasms
  • Blurred vision

In some of the most severe cases, patients who delay seeking help for this condition develop an unnatural curve in the thoracic spine, which sometimes puts pressure on the lungs. This is why you should opt for chiropractic as soon as you notice that something is wrong.

Identify and Correct Habits that Led to Your Condition

As part of the therapeutic plan, the chiropractor will try to understand what caused the military neck if no physical trauma is involved. The chiropractor will assess:

  • Your posture while sitting and standing
  • The placement of your office chair and desk
  • Your usual position when sleeping.

Based on the information gathered from this evaluation, chiropractic for military neck will also involve a change in your habits. The chiropractor will recommend you to use an ergonomic office desk, maintain a correct posture while walking and sitting down, and stop sleeping on your stomach.

Give our office a call to schedule your next appointment at 910-246-0606.

Posted in Chiropractic Care