Why You Need That Cervical Curve

Headaches and neck pain image.

You may not think about it as we do, but the natural curves that occur in the four different regions of your spinal column help to balance your body as well as prevent injury.

The curve that should be present in the upper part of the spinal column, called the cervical spine, is a lordotic curve. When viewed from the side, this is a forward curve.

Injury or uncorrected trauma can cause the cervical spine to straighten and lose this vital lordotic curve. This is known as cervical kyphosis and can progress to the point where a reverse curve is formed. Even a slight reduction in the normal lordotic curvature can produce subtle or more obvious health problems.

The causes of cervical kyphosis can include:
  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Congenital Kyphosis that appears at birth
  • Trauma, such as whiplash from an auto accident
  • Injury from a medical procedure

Symptoms can range in severity from mild discomfort and headaches, to decreased range of motion in the neck and in the most severe cases, paralysis.

Neck pain may be common, but it’s not normal. If you’re experiencing any type of neck pain, please call our practice to schedule a thorough examination. Chiropractors are specially trained to locate abnormalities in the spinal column and are quite successful in improving proper spinal curves. We would love to help you or someone you know.

Dr. Belinda Asks some important questions of interest to Seekonk residents - Chiropractor Seekonk Dr. Belinda Asks...

How long does it take to form a bone spur?
Many who begin chiropractic care think their problem happened "last week when you bent over funny." But pictures of the spine tell a different story. Chiropractors know it can take your body years to deposit the calcium necessary to form a bone spur. It's your body's response to stress due to gravity or joint malfunction. And chiropractic care can help.
How do most people deal with subluxations?
First, they try to ignore them. When they don't, they go to the medicine cabinet to stop their brain from feeling the symptom. Later, back surgery may be threatened. Sadly, it's not until this later stage that they consult our Seekonk chiropractic office. Yet, even with the delay, most are delighted by the results produced by today's chiropractic care. Contact us and let's get started.