Military Neck Can Be Alleviated with The Blair Chiropractic Technique

What is Military Neck?

Military neck, or cervical kyphosis, is a lordosis condition that results in the loss of the normal spinal curvature of the neck. The gradual loss of the c-shaped curvature of the neck gives individuals suffering from this condition a ‘standing to attention’ stance. While military servicemen and servicewomen do suffer from this condition, it is most often found in individuals who have suffered trauma or injury to the upper cervical spine. 

Signs and Symptoms of Military Neck

Apart from the characteristic ‘standing to attention’ stance of patients with military neck, there are a number of secondary symptoms that occur with this condition. Some of these symptoms include frequent headaches, spinal deformity, reduced range of motion or stiffness in the neck, coordination issues, and issues with bowel control. In long-term, untreated cases, military neck patients can experience severe mobility issues or paralysis. 

How the Upper Cervical Spine Affects Military Neck

The loss of curvature that is seen in lordosis conditions like military neck can often be attributed to injury to the upper cervical spine or degenerative diseases that weaken the vertebral discs. If the fluid-filled sacs between each vertebra are compromised, the neck will begin to straighten out rather than maintain its natural c-shape. 

Alternatively, if one or more vertebrae along the upper cervical spine become misaligned, the surrounding musculature of the neck and back will begin to compensate to take the weight of the head. Over time, the muscles of the neck will begin to tighten due to overuse, pulling the head into a strained, straightened position. 

How Our Upper Cervical Spinal Treatment for Military Neck Works

If you’re at a loss when it comes to treating your military neck, consider speaking with an upper cervical chiropractic specialist. The Blair Technique is a form of upper cervical chiropractic care that focuses on the intricate relationship between the upper cervical spine, the surrounding musculature of the body, and the central nervous system. This progressive form of chiropractic care uses precise and gentle techniques to restore alignment to the upper cervical spine and, by extension, improve overall health. 

At Advance Upper Cervical Chiropractic, our board-certified Blair Technique chiropractor, Dr. Noah Kaplan, specializes in treating conditions like military neck. During your initial consult, Dr. Kaplan will use a specialized X-ray to create a 3D image of the cranio-cervical junction of your spine. This process allows Dr. Kaplan to map out your upper cervical spine, making it easy to identify any misalignments. We are the only chiropractic office in Walnut Creek and the entire East Bay area to utilize this technology in patient care.

If a misalignment is detected, Dr. Kaplan will use certified Blair Techniques to gently adjust the upper cervical spine back into alignment. Following treatment, the surrounding musculature of the neck will begin to relax, and the curvature of the upper cervical spine can gradually return to normal. By eliminating a major cause of strain on the neck, the ‘standing to attention’ position should give way to a more comfortable upright posture. 

If you’re suffering from military neck, get in touch today to speak with Dr. Kaplan about the health of your upper cervical spine. Located in Walnut Creek, California, Dr. Kaplan also services Pleasant Hill, Concord, Lafayette, Danville, San Ramon, Dublin, Pleasanton, and Livermore.