The loss of the “normal” cervical curve is often related to trauma. Whiplash is the most common form of trauma to cause a “military” or straightening-out of the normal curve in the neck. It has been determined by the SPINE RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF SAN DIEGO that a delta V or the change of volicity of 5mph or greater will cause the loss of the cervical curve. Well, when you consider the human head weighs as much as some bowling balls, and is perched over the shoulders at least seven inches, being controlled by a combination of small muscles used primarily for movement and not for protection, whiplash or a sprain that stretches and sometimes rips ligamentous tissue should be expected! However, most of the population considers neck pain from such small “fender benders” just to be a matter of inconvience and will heal in time. This is true, but the healing over of ripped and torn injured tissues with scar tissue is NOT the complete healing that should occur. Chiropractic treatment specific to the tissues involved, gives the best chance of complete recovery. The Chiroractic approach should integrate adjustments to the cervical vertebra that are not moving and support of the vertebra that are moving too much. Coupled with specific exercises, some specific massage and of course this should be directed by a Chiropractor that can reinstitute the proper cervical curve, and can give the injured tissues the best possible chance at COMPLETE recovery.
Continuous bad posture such as a syndrome I call “student neck” or “monitor, computer-neck” also causes a military neck. This is the same as whiplash except the stretching out of ligamentous and other soft tissue is gradual but has the same inherent problems, such as the formation of osteoarthritis, which is defined as a “progressive degenerative disease” will follow over time.
Most patients are surprised when shown they have a military neck and the formation of bone spurs, disc degeneration because they thought that if the pain goes away they must be healthy. To be pain free, or as they say in the business, assymtomatic does not mean that health is the result. A good proactive, health conscious person gets checked regularly by a good Chiropractor who can diagnose this problem and correct the cause of the problem.
what about the straight curve is abnormal?
the straight curve stretches the spinal cord and puts tension and tortion, thereby reducing the amplitude of the impulse sent by the brain. Which can mimic any disease known to man.