How We Treat Military Neck Syndrome
What is Military Neck Syndrome?
Military neck syndrome is a condition characterized by abnormal curvature along the cervical spine. As a condition, military neck syndrome is technically a form of lordosis, an umbrella term for irregular curvature along the spine.
In a healthy adult, the spine naturally develops minor curves to help the body absorb shock, stabilize the pelvis during motion, and support the weight of the cranium. The two major spinal curves are separated into the lordotic curve along the neck and lower back, and the kyphotic curve along the upper back. If the natural direction of lordotic or kyphotic curvature is disrupted, the ensuing condition is known as lordosis.
As the name suggests, military neck syndrome occurs when the lordotic curve of the cervical spine pushes the neck into a “standing to attention” position”. This condition occurs when there is a kyphotic spinal deformity along the lordotic curve. When this occurs, the angle of the lordotic curve will straighten or twist back on itself, stressing the spinal discs and unbalancing key postural muscles.
There are several potential causes for military neck syndrome, including degenerative disc disease, iatrogenic disorders, congenital disorders, and bodily trauma, such as whiplash or ligament damage along the cervical spine. Individuals suffering from military neck syndrome typically experience one or more of the following symptoms: stiffness, frequent headaches, neck pain, reduced neck mobility, impaired coordination, spinal deformity, bowel control issues, and, in extreme cases, paralysis. The frequency and intensity of these symptoms will depend on the severity and length of time a person has been afflicted with military neck syndrome.
How Can Blair Upper Cervical Technique Help Military Neck Syndrome?
Fortunately, many of the symptoms of military neck syndrome are treatable. To treat military neck syndrome, chiropractors typically use the Blair Upper Cervical Chiropractic Technique, a system of precise, manual adjustments to correct spinal misalignments.
During a Blair Upper Cervical Chiropractic Technique, your chiropractor will use a digital X-ray or cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan to determine the exact angle of misalignment along the lordotic curve. Using this information, your chiropractor will be able to perform a series of precise manual adjustments around the affected area, correcting abnormal angulation along the spine and encouraging the body to restore the spine’s natural curvature.
If you suffer from military neck syndrome, Dr. Kramer from Upper Cervical Chiropractic of Las Vegas is one of only a handful of specialists in the United States who is qualified to perform the Blair Upper Cervical Technique. To book a free consultation with Dr. Kramer, call (702) 202-0808 or click here to enter your contact information.