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Français The straightening of the cervical spine as no one explains it to you
A healthy spinal column has three curves that give it strength and flexibility. Alterations in these curves, either in terms of reduction or overemphasis, can trigger various disorders, negatively affecting the entire organism. Specifically, cervical lordosis is the curvature located at the top of the spinal column.
In the health sector, many focus exclusively on alleviating pain, however, it is important to remember that pain is only an indication of a deeper malfunction. Treating only the pain is comparable to covering a large and deep wound that is bleeding profusely with a plaster, feeding the illusion that the problem is solved in this way. In reality, it is essential to investigate and resolve the underlying causes to ensure a lasting solution.
We want to make you aware of something completely different, i.e. how to solve the problem at its root, by restoring a healthy and physiologically correct cervical curvature. This is not only essential for the correct functioning of the spinal column, but will also result in the disappearance of pain as a natural consequence.
What is straightening of the cervical spine?
Cervical spine straightening, also known as cervical lordosis rectification, loss of cervical lordosis, loss of physiological lordosis or cervical verticalisation, describes a condition in which the neck assumes a posture that is excessively straight in relation to its ideal curvature.
Straightening of the cervical spine and Atlas vertebrae
The straightening of the cervical spine and the misaligned Atlas vertebrae are closely related issues. While other sections of the site explore the causes and effects of Atlas misalignment on posture, on this page we focus on the consequences of having a neck that is too straight or even reverses its physiological curvature and how to solve this problem.A misaligned Atlas can exert abnormal pressure on the nerves and blood vessels in the region where the vertebra is rotated. If the Atlas is positioned too far forward on either side, the vertebrae below will tend to follow the first vertebra, causing the cervical spine to straighten. This condition has even worse repercussions than those induced by the rotation of the Atlas alone. The two malpositions can add up/overlap, i.e. the Atlas may not only be displaced too far forward in relation to its ideal physiological position, but may also be rotated around its axis and/or shifted laterally.
The relationship between the position of the Atlas and the curvature of the neck is a bi-directional mechanism: if the neck becomes excessively straight in response to underlying imbalances, this will lead to an advancement of the first vertebra; similarly, if the Atlas is anteriorised, this will influence the conformation of the neck, making it more straight. These two problems develop in tandem and tend to occur together. In other words, an alteration in the position of the Atlas often coincides with a change in the natural curvature of the neck, and vice versa. This interdependence underlines the importance of considering both the position of the Atlas and the general conformation of the neck in the approach.
This condition can lead to bilateral compression of the jugular vein, which drastically reduces vascular outflow. Since venous flow is also the drainage route of CSF (cerebrospinal fluid), a negative chain reaction is triggered on several fronts, including the neurological one.
CSF circulates around the brain and spinal cord, performing vital functions such as mechanical protection and removal of metabolic waste products. Therefore, any obstruction to normal flow can lead to a build-up of intracranial pressure and reduced elimination of toxins, with potential negative impacts on the functioning of the central nervous system.
We should not be surprised to get headaches, migraines, dizziness and many other ailments if we prevent the blood from flowing freely out of the cranial cavity and thus effectively remove waste products!
Yet medicine speaks of incurable neurological diseases instead of taking into account the brain that becomes a garbage dump over time. If we compare the human body to an aquarium, medicine pretends to administer chemicals to fish, continuing to let them swim in their own excrement, instead of opting for the simplest and most logical solution, namely to change the aquarium water!
Transient vs. Constant
To fully understand the problem, it is essential to understand the difference between a momentary condition and a permanent one. A CONSTANTLY persisting condition has a significantly different impact than a TRANSITORY event.When bending the neck, the muscles exert momentary pressure on the surrounding nerves and blood vessels. This type of strain is generally tolerated without negative consequences, as it is dynamic, variable and temporary. As soon as the neck returns to a neutral position, the compressions cease.
Conversely, if the resting cervical posture permanently deviates from the ideal, the compressions become constant and end up altering the flow of body fluids and nerve signals (vagal disturbances). Faced with this new condition, the body tries to adapt and establish a new balance. However, this adaptation process can have several, often negative, consequences on the balance and general functioning of the body.
List of disorders and symptoms of cervical straightening
If the process of loss of cervical lordosis continues for a long time, without appropriate action to correct it, there is a good chance of ending up with an upright or even inverted cervical spine.
These are some of the consequences:
- heaviness of the head
- cervical headaches
- visual disturbances not caused by other pathologies
- neck/shoulder pain and stiffness
- feeling of a lump in the throat and trouble swallowing
- dizziness and feeling of instability
- vagal disturbances
- tinnitus
- jaw deviation with bruxism and pain
- cervical discopathies
- degeneration of the cervical spine and arthrosis
- narrowing of the vertebral canal (foraminal stenosis)
- formation of osteophytes
- deforming spondylosis - cervical spondylolisthesis
- back pain
What causes loss of cervical lordosis?
Loss of cervical lordosis occurs as a result of an imbalance between the anterior and posterior muscle chains of the spine, sometimes accompanied by a laxity of the ligaments of certain segments of the spine. Loss of lordosis is often the adaptive result of a misalignment, imbalance or damage upstream (in the upper part) or downstream (in the lower part) of the spine. The cervical spine is inextricably linked to the movement of the back and lumbar spine and vice versa. This means that any alteration or imbalance in one of these areas can directly affect the others. For example, a problem in the lumbar area can cause an ascending chain reaction that leads to a change in the cervical curvature, and similar interdependencies can occur in other directions.The cause of neck straightening may be multifactorial, i.e. several triggering or aggravating factors may be present simultaneously. These must be examined individually and, if present, corrected before the physiological curvature of the cervical spine can be restored.
As you can see in the following animations, when the neck is rectified, the Atlas is constantly too far forward, in a position it would only assume when we bend our head forward, pulling the chin towards the chest. This is a transitory position that becomes permanent. This state causes abnormal and constant pressure on the internal structures of the neck.
Loss of cervical lordosis and jaw
If jaw problems are also present at the same time, such as a deep bite and thus a backward jaw, the situation is further aggravated by the pressure exerted posteriorly by the mandibular condyle, which compresses the temporomandibular joint. In the long run, the joint degenerates, not to mention the damage it causes to the surrounding structures.The height of the teeth (vertical dimension of the dental occlusion) determines the spatial position of the jaw in relation to the skull, so in order to permanently change the backward position of the jaw, it is crucial to re-establish a correct dental occlusion by ensuring that the heights of the dental arches are appropriate. Treatments focused solely on the muscles can only offer symptomatic and temporary relief. Without adjustment of occlusion and dental arch heights, the problem tends to persist.
How does the loss of cervical lordosis occur?
There are 2 conditions under which this happens:
- it creeps in progressively over time due to bad postural habits
- occurs after a fall or traumatic accident such as whiplash, or following intubation during surgery under general anaesthesia.
Cases of loss of cervical lordosis are increasing significantly, suggesting that new harmful postural habits have been established in recent years.
Nowadays, it is normal to spend many hours in front of laptop and smartphone displays. This practice has become so widespread that it has become a major contributor to the increase in cases of cervical straightening and a host of other associated medical problems. Prolonged exposure to these devices often encourages poor posture, with the neck tilted forward and downward for prolonged periods, contributing to the loss of the natural curvature of the neck and negative consequences for overall health.
On 29 June 2007, Steve Jobs presented the first iPhone, marking the beginning of a new technological era but also the end of our cervical health.
The term 'technological neck' describes the damage that can occur in the neck, spine and general posture due to prolonged staring at a screen, keeping the neck bent forward.
Not only can visual aptitude deteriorate significantly, to the benefit of spectacle and contact lens sellers who have seen an expansion of their market, but also the neck posture suffers due to keeping the neck bent forwards and downwards for too many hours a day.
The resulting myopia and other visual defects further aggravate the situation, creating a vicious circle: visual deficits in fact lead to compensating by tilting and bringing the head closer to the screen to see better, changing the posture even more unfavourably.
Not only can visual aptitude deteriorate significantly, to the benefit of spectacle and contact lens sellers who have seen an expansion of their market, but also the neck posture suffers due to keeping the neck bent forwards and downwards for too many hours a day.
The resulting myopia and other visual defects further aggravate the situation, creating a vicious circle: visual deficits in fact lead to compensating by tilting and bringing the head closer to the screen to see better, changing the posture even more unfavourably.
If you can't do without looking at your screen for many hours a day, it is important to at least take measures to minimise the negative impact on your posture. You should position the screen at eye level and avoid tilting your neck and head forward. Working on a laptop resting on a table forces the neck to maintain a non-optimal position. Ideally, you should use an appropriately sized external monitor, positioned at a height and distance that allows an upright and relaxed posture. Also try to minimise activities on your mobile phone.
Get used to holding your smartphone at eye level instead of bending your head to look at it. When working at the computer, position the bottom of the monitor at eye level or higher. If you use a laptop, you can invest in a wireless keyboard or connect a second monitor to avoid having to lower your eyes.
A mobile phone, tablet or laptop without an adequate external monitor is fine for sporadic use during the day, but certainly not for working or, even worse, playing games many hours a day. After a few years of unhealthy posture, with the head constantly tilted downwards, both eyesight and neck will inevitably suffer serious consequences.
If you think you are saving money by opting for cheap, skimpy displays unfit for use for many hours, consider how much you will have to spend on your health when your neck has degenerated, becoming a source of worry and chronic pain.
If you think you are saving money by opting for cheap, skimpy displays unfit for use for many hours, consider how much you will have to spend on your health when your neck has degenerated, becoming a source of worry and chronic pain.
This is indeed the harsh reality today:
Once the neck has become too straight or even inverted, it will be very difficult to find someone who can effectively correct the problem. If the straightness is not resolved, the neck risks deteriorating irreparably. One only realises this when it is too late.
A sedentary lifestyle is at odds with the very nature of the spinal column. Spending long periods of time without moving stiffens the musculoskeletal system. This stiffness causes muscle pain, interferes with good blood circulation and increases susceptibility to injury.If you have a desk job, which requires you to spend long periods of time sitting and looking at a monitor, it is very important to take breaks to get up, move around, and stretch. Regular physical activity outside work is equally important to keep your body active and flexible, improving your overall health and well-being.
Your future health strongly depends on these simple but fundamental habits. On the net you can find countless videos with office stretching exercises.
Children, computers and mobile phones
Among young people, spinal column problems are becoming increasingly endemic. Instead of engaging in outdoor activities, many spend their time in front of a screen, a situation that prevents the harmonious development of the body and muscles through healthy exercise.This tendency contributes decisively to both physical and mental weakness. We are creating a generation of weaklings afflicted with serious health problems. Add to this a lousy diet of sugar and energy drinks, and we are preparing to have a generation of zombies with no art and no part. What are parents doing to prevent this?
What are the long-term consequences of losing cervical lordosis?
Although a temporary loss of cervical lordosis can be tolerated without immediate consequences, the long-term effects of this condition can have a deleterious impact on the entire musculoskeletal system, including the intervertebral discs. Living for long periods with a flattened or even inverted neck curvature leads to changes in the shape and adaptation of ligaments, vertebrae and intervertebral discs. These structures possess a certain plasticity, which means that when subjected to constant load over time, they can change their structure and deform.Muscles have the ability to contract or stretch and then return to their original shape without significant changes or permanent damage. However, when it is the ligaments and intervertebral discs that undergo changes in shape and constitution, the time and effort required for their reconditioning increases considerably. For this reason, it is generally easier to restore cervical lordosis in a young individual who has not lived with poor posture for years.
The discs of the spinal column require regular movement to remain healthy. When the curvature of the neck alters, the movement of the individual spinal segments also changes. This leads to the discs being subjected to constant abnormal pressure, causing them to gradually lose volume. As a result, some segments of the spine stop moving correctly, while others begin to move excessively, compromising the stability of the joint. This imbalance, combined with increased load and reduced mobility, can accelerate the disc degeneration process.
The spine is weaker and more delicate when it loses the curves that give it strength and flexibility. People who have lost the physiological lordosis of the neck are more likely to suffer serious injuries in traumatic situations, such as car accidents, falls from considerable heights or blows to the head with heavy objects. In these scenarios, a spinal column lacking its natural curves is not as effective in effectively redistributing mechanical forces, making the individual more susceptible to injury.
The physiological curvature of the cervical spine plays a crucial role in maintaining the structural and functional integrity of the neck. Loss of this curvature can mean that the mechanical stresses on the facet joints and interposed intervertebral discs increase 5 to 10 times more than normal. This increase in load per unit area on these structures can accelerate their deterioration, leading to degeneration of the cervical spine. This degenerative process causes a variety of disabling symptoms that are often not directly associated with the lack of cervical curvature. Understanding this mechanism emphasises the importance of prevention in order to preserve the health of the spine.
When the natural curvature of the neck, which helps to evenly distribute the weight of the head, is reduced or lost, the muscles of the neck and shoulders have to exert more effort to support the head. This overload can, in turn, lead to muscle tension and pain, with the possibility of developing chronic muscle contractures. Contractures not only cause pain and restriction of movement, but can also increase pressure on the intervertebral discs. This additional pressure accelerates the disc degeneration process, contributing to a cycle of pain and spinal deterioration that can significantly affect quality of life.
When an intervertebral disc ruptures as a result of a prolonged degeneration phase caused by constant, uneven compressive forces, the disc can protrude into the area of the spinal canal from which nerves exit, causing pain and numbness that radiates to the arms or legs, respectively, in the case of lumbar disc herniations.
Although there is a widespread belief that the causes of a protrusion or herniated cervical disc can be traced back to heavy lifting or strenuous work activities, living for years with a straight spine is much more decisive.
If we likened the vertebrae to two slices of bread and the intervertebral disc dividing them to mayonnaise, exerting too much pressure on the sandwich would result in the mayonnaise ending up on the clothes. Myopically, medicine would simply blame the mayonnaise for the disorder, instead of recognising the excessive pressure as the real cause. This paradigm illustrates how, often, what is actually a victim of circumstances is perceived as the culprit.
The concept that is often underestimated and difficult for many to grasp is the following: a compromised ideal posture and the resulting permanent imbalance lead some bones of the skeleton to position themselves statically improperly. This misalignment not only prevents the bones from moving correctly dynamically, but also causes constant pressure on the surrounding soft tissues. In addition, the imbalanced muscle chains stiffen and become hypertonic, in turn exerting further abnormal and continuous pressure on adjacent tissues, including nerves, lymph vessels and blood vessels. This situation creates a vicious circle of dysfunctions that feed off each other, aggravating the clinical picture.
Where before there was enough space for the various anatomical components to coexist harmoniously, now certain structures are confined to narrow areas, a situation that is particularly critical for more delicate tissues such as nerves and blood vessels. The normal flow of the various body fluids is slowed down, with all the consequences you can imagine. In this condition, the body certainly cannot function properly and therefore develops symptoms and disorders. The most rational and effective solution is to intervene to restore the proper spaces, regaining a posture closer to the ideal one and minimising muscle contractures.
In essence, the problem is conceptually simple: it is a matter of restoring order, ensuring that each element is in its proper place. In the human body, as in all aspects of life, difficulties emerge when one element attempts to invade the space that belongs to another. This represents the BEGINNING of the problem, and is also the point that needs to be corrected. However, the focus is often on the AFTER, i.e. trying to mitigate the effects rather than addressing the original cause, i.e. the BEFORE. The initial situation, where the invasion of living space begins, is neglected, despite the fact that it is the crucial moment from which everything springs.
In essence, the problem is conceptually simple: it is a matter of restoring order, ensuring that each element is in its proper place. In the human body, as in all aspects of life, difficulties emerge when one element attempts to invade the space that belongs to another. This represents the BEGINNING of the problem, and is also the point that needs to be corrected. However, the focus is often on the AFTER, i.e. trying to mitigate the effects rather than addressing the original cause, i.e. the BEFORE. The initial situation, where the invasion of living space begins, is neglected, despite the fact that it is the crucial moment from which everything springs.
The metaphor of the foot on the water pipe effectively illustrates the concept of a persistent hindrance to the proper functioning of a system. If you constantly keep your foot on the water hose when watering your garden, don't be surprised if your garden dries up. Similarly, many people do not realise that an altered posture restricts their vital 'circulation', be it blood flow, nerve transmission, or other essential physiological processes. Instead of identifying and removing the obstacle - i.e. 'taking the foot out of the tube' - they devote themselves to exploring and applying often inappropriate solutions suggested by doctors, which not only fail to solve the problem, but also contribute to making the situation even worse. This analogy emphasises the importance of a deep understanding of the real causes of health problems and the need for therapeutic approaches that target the root of the disorder rather than merely managing its symptoms.
Reversed cervical curve
An even more serious condition than the excessively straight neck is the neck with an reversed curvature. It is important to realise that symptoms may intensify during the course of resolving an inverted curve. This can lead to the belief that they are worsening, thus leading to the discontinuation of actions taken to correct the inverted neck curve. This phenomenon occurs because the cervical spine must go through a critical phase in which it becomes straight again, before it can curve forward again and resume its natural physiological curve. During the straightening phase, the spinal column is more extended and therefore under greater tension.
The sequence is: neck with reversed curvature → straight neck → neck with physiologically corrected forward curvature.
In the process of correcting a neck with reversed curvature, it is inevitable to go through this intermediate stage. This is analogous to what happens in an internal combustion engine, where the piston must reach top dead centre so that the connecting rod can then descend on the other side of the crankshaft.
A straight neck is longer than a curved one
A straight neck is 'longer' than the same neck with a normal lordosis. You can do the test yourself. Take a piece of thread and stretch it with your fingers. If you bring your hands closer together, the thread bends and the distance is reduced. If you move your hands away, the thread stretches and your hands move apart. The same happens to the neck when the cervical spine is straight. When the neck is longer, the brain undergoes constant downward tension, the vessels and nerves are subjected to the same continuous tension. I am not aware that this factor is taken into account by doctors, even though this phenomenon is part of the basic mechanics. One could speculate that Arnold-Chiari syndrome (the cerebellum sinks into the spinal canal) and Eagle syndrome (elongation/calcification of the styloid process) could be one of the consequences or at least be aggravated by cervical spinal rectification.
What does the doctor do in such cases?
In the medical sphere, there is a tendency to passively observe cervical straightening, rather than effectively intervene in its early stages, until it is irretrievably too late. Apart from diagnosis and efforts to alleviate related symptoms, concrete measures are rarely taken to restore physiological lordosis. Nor is it communicated that failure to intervene in restoring lordosis leads to irreversible degeneration of neck structures. This silence could stem from the absence, in the medical field, of solutions capable of correcting the straight cervical spine or the position of the Atlas vertebra in some way, since there are obviously no drugs to resolve the mechanical conditions. Consequently, the problem tends to be IGNORED.
For the doctor, actively intervening to correct the problem and restore the natural curvature is not usually a matter of discussion.
You may hear that cervical straightening is common and not a cause for concern. The proposed solution might be limited to the administration of an anti-inflammatory to relieve discomfort, an analgesic for headache if present, and perhaps another medicine for dizziness, thus proceeding for all other symptoms associated with cervical straightening. They might prescribe physiotherapy, even if you have never seen the cervical physiological curve return after this. They might suggest you do sports and try to manage stress, advice that may be vague and difficult to apply. It is not uncommon for people to attribute their symptoms to psychological factors or anxiety, especially when there is no clear explanation or solution to the problems presented, as is usual whenever they do not know how to justify their complete failures to really solve a problem. This approach is akin to saying that if the car's wheel alignment is incorrect, one can continue driving without worrying too much about the inevitable asymmetrical and premature wear of the tyres, suggesting a certain resignation to the situation. This perception may derive from a sense of frustration at the lack of remedial treatment options included in his educational background.Shall we talk about the misleading advertising that is only allowed in Italy? The advertisement for a well-known drug mentions: 'Cervical headache arises from an inflammation of the musculoskeletal system causing persistent pain from the neck up to the head'. The inflammation is blamed for everything, which in truth is only the CONSEQUENCE of the problem and certainly not the CAUSE. Indeed, if the advertisement revealed the true origin of the problem and suggested a method to solve it permanently, it might not be as effective in promoting the sale of the drug. This raises important questions about the role of advertising in the health sector and the information provided to consumers about their condition and available treatment options. In Switzerland, for example, drug advertising is prohibited.
For many disorders, including cervical recti, medicine ignores the causes and has no real solution. Eventually, when the neck is irreparably compromised, the doctor will suggest surgery. If you are wise, you will realise that you should do something as soon as possible in case your neck is straightened, by turning to those who have REAL solutions, without waiting until it is too late, listening to the doctor's deleterious reassurances and misleading advertisements. This advice naturally also applies to other ailments you may have.
Cervical surgery and straightening of the cervical spine
There is the saying 'When the only tool you have is a hammer, every problem looks like a nail'. In the context of surgery, this hammer turns into the scalpel used to remove what is deemed superfluous and considered the supposed cause of your problem. Then there are some 'characters', especially overseas, who have come up with the whimsical idea of relieving the pressure exerted by an incorrect cervical or mandibular set-up by removing some portion of bone to make more room, such as the styloid process, or the protruding parts of misaligned vertebrae, instead of simply restoring proper cervical alignment.
The problems of a neck that has become too straight, the ubiquitous misalignment of C1, C2 and the backward jaw are ignored or underestimated. Using a scalpel is much more profitable. By now it is widely known how the chisel is often misused for the ungodly purpose of making money. To study and inform oneself properly in the field of health has become an act of self-defence. This is also the reason why on this site we endeavour to explain the various topics in depth. True understanding avoids being bamboozled.
The problems of a neck that has become too straight, the ubiquitous misalignment of C1, C2 and the backward jaw are ignored or underestimated. Using a scalpel is much more profitable. By now it is widely known how the chisel is often misused for the ungodly purpose of making money. To study and inform oneself properly in the field of health has become an act of self-defence. This is also the reason why on this site we endeavour to explain the various topics in depth. True understanding avoids being bamboozled.
What does the manual therapist do when he encounters a neck that is too straight?
A physiotherapist can take several approaches to try to relieve the pain of a straight cervical spine:Manual therapy: the physiotherapist can use techniques to stretch and relax the neck and back muscles. This can help reduce muscle tension and improve flexibility.
Joint mobilisation: is used to improve joint mobility. The physiotherapist applies a controlled, gradual force to move the joints of the cervical spine into their natural position.
Spinal manipulation: involves the application of a rapid and precise impulse (thrust) to 'unlock' the joints of the cervical spine. It can relieve pain and stiffness, but is only used in selected cases and after careful evaluation by the therapist. Manipulations have a certain risk.
Instrument massage: uses devices to massage tissues, reduce contractures and improve blood circulation.
Myofascial therapy: involves the application of targeted pressure on muscle trigger points to relieve pain and stiffness. Myofascial therapy can be used in combination with other manual therapy techniques.
Stretching exercises: the therapist may prescribe specific stretching exercises for the neck and back muscles to improve flexibility and mobility. One of the most common exercises is to gently tilt the head to one side and hold the position for about 20 seconds, then repeat on the other side. Another exercise consists of tilting the head back and holding this position for a few seconds, then slowly lowering the head.
Strengthening exercises: these are used by physiotherapists to strengthen the neck and back muscles, prevent further damage to the cervical spine and improve posture. It is important that the exercises are performed correctly to prevent further damage to the cervical spine. The physiotherapist can provide detailed instructions on the movements and frequency of the exercises, depending on the patient's needs.
Electrostimulation: a device is used that sends electrical impulses to the muscles to produce an involuntary rhythmic muscle contraction. It can be used to strengthen weak muscles in the neck and back and improve posture.
Tecar therapy: uses radiofrequency energy to heat deep tissues and stimulate the body's natural healing process by increasing local blood circulation. It can be used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation and accelerate healing of damaged tissue.
Ultrasound therapy: uses high-frequency ultrasound to stimulate deep tissue and improve blood circulation. Ultrasound can be used to reduce inflammation, relieve pain and improve muscle flexibility.
Laser therapy: this technique uses a laser beam to reduce inflammation and promote healing of damaged tissue. It can be used to reduce pain.
Heat and cold therapy: the physiotherapist can use heat or cold to relieve pain and reduce stiffness. Also consider using a sauna.
What do all these therapies applied by physiotherapists have in common? That they act on a symptomatic level rather than on the causes that keep the neck in an incorrect position. Although these treatments may be pleasant and are an excellent complement to alleviate symptoms, they are unlikely to restore healthy cervical lordosis on their own, although temporary pain relief may lead you to think you are on the right track. Although these approaches are much better than taking medication, should your symptoms persist, remember to re-read this page.
CCSVI and cervical straightening
Investigating in the direction of CCSVI, i.e. chronic cerebro-spinal venous insufficiency, one should not make the mistake of attributing all stenosis to vein malformation, but rather consider the problem from a broader perspective.
As a first step, it is essential to properly check the alignment of the first two cervical vertebrae. Is the neck straightened and therefore too far forward? Is the jaw deviated or set back? How is the state of the cervical musculature? Are the sternocleidomastoid muscle and the scalenes enlarged and hardened? These are very important questions that few people ask themselves.
Did you know that images from angiographies and MRIs with contrast fluid can be misleading? Veins make curves in their course, following tortuous paths, and depending on the angle and observation plane, in the acquired images you may see narrowings that do not exist in reality or are irrelevant, corresponding simply to the change of direction in the path of the blood vessel.
In a critical light, it could also emerge that a doctor/radiologist, due to lack of specific experience or in some cases, for less noble intentions, may present image results in such a way as to benefit a certain interpretation, simply by changing the axes of observation or in the case of a computed tomography (CT) scan, by adjusting the threshold of distinction between soft tissue and bone in order to obtain a visualisation that supports a certain diagnosis or need for intervention.
As a first step, it is essential to properly check the alignment of the first two cervical vertebrae. Is the neck straightened and therefore too far forward? Is the jaw deviated or set back? How is the state of the cervical musculature? Are the sternocleidomastoid muscle and the scalenes enlarged and hardened? These are very important questions that few people ask themselves.
Did you know that images from angiographies and MRIs with contrast fluid can be misleading? Veins make curves in their course, following tortuous paths, and depending on the angle and observation plane, in the acquired images you may see narrowings that do not exist in reality or are irrelevant, corresponding simply to the change of direction in the path of the blood vessel.
In a critical light, it could also emerge that a doctor/radiologist, due to lack of specific experience or in some cases, for less noble intentions, may present image results in such a way as to benefit a certain interpretation, simply by changing the axes of observation or in the case of a computed tomography (CT) scan, by adjusting the threshold of distinction between soft tissue and bone in order to obtain a visualisation that supports a certain diagnosis or need for intervention.
It is strongly recommended to always seek a second independent opinion when interpreting diagnostic images. This means having the images analysed by a radiologist who has no professional or personal links with the first specialist consulted and who is not aware of the previous reports. This approach ensures an objective and unbiased assessment of the results, minimising the risk of diagnoses being influenced by subjective interpretations or potential conflicts of interest. A second opinion may provide a different perspective, confirm the initial diagnosis or suggest diagnostic or therapeutic alternatives.
Cervical instability after whiplash injury
Following a whiplash accident that has resulted in the stretching of the joint capsule and/or ligaments, the affected cervical joint may become excessively loose or unstable, i.e. the vertebrae involved may move excessively relative to each other, making the joint unstable during movement. This causes abnormal variable compression of the adjacent structures. Unsuitable cervical positions, which continue for a long time, can also induce adaptation and stretching of the ligaments and joint capsules, further contributing to joint instability.
You can read more about this topic here: cervical instability
How to solve straightening?
When straightness has been present for a long time, perhaps initially in a silent manner, the hope of being able to resolve it quickly and without effort on your part must be abandoned in most cases. It is not enough to rely on a single type of treatment; rather, you need a path that includes several actions, performed in the correct sequence and with the right gradient.To do otherwise inevitably leads to failure or even an increase in symptoms. Since a straight neck tends to be particularly sensitive with overstretched and hardened muscles, it is crucial to take measures with the right gradualness in order not to further exacerbate an already delicate situation.
Postponing and neglecting the problem, without intervening early and effectively, leads to a progressive and inexorable degeneration of the spinal column, pushing the hope of a solution further and further away, until the point of no return is reached, where surgery becomes the only option, with all the negative consequences, costs, suffering and possible complications that this entails.
We can say that symptomatic therapies, usually suggested by doctors, act as palliatives. Although medication may temporarily mask the discomfort, the underlying mechanical problem tends to progressively worsen, leading to an increase in symptoms. This leads the physician to prescribe drugs of increasing potency in an attempt to manage the increasingly intrusive symptoms. The underlying mechanical cause, however, continues to be ignored.
Procrastinating when your neck is too straight is very unwise, as is neglecting your teeth. If you think you are saving money, then you end up with a much more serious problem that has become unsolvable and is accompanied by chronic pain. Is it worth putting it off instead of taking effective and decisive action?
8 steps to restore physiological lordosis
Before discovering the steps to restore the correct lordosis of the neck, it is important to understand the attitudes that make the difference between success and failure.
The road to success
- Confirm the presence of cervical straightening through an X-ray in an upright position.
- Carry out the various steps listed with determination, without becoming distracted, without becoming discouraged or giving up in the face of difficulties that may arise along the way.
- Make sure that you have achieved the objective of each step. For example, it is not enough to put a splint in your mouth and delude yourself that you have solved your jaw problem.
- Make sure at the end of the path that the physiological cervical curve is actually restored.
- Adopt correct postural behaviour to prevent the problem from recurring.
The road to failure
- Many people proceed without a defined strategy and act haphazardly, without a clear understanding of the goals they wish to achieve.
- They do not understand the difference between a purely symptomatic treatment and one that addresses the cause. They therefore end up treating only the symptoms and seeking immediate pain relief, neglecting the more important aspect of eliminating the cause.
- They passively rely on the advice of one or the other person, accepting information that is often incomplete, misleading or contradictory, without personally engaging in an in-depth study of the problem to develop an informed point of view.
- They start a path without completing it. They do not ensure that one step is ACTUALLY solved before moving on to the next.
The 8 steps to follow
1Re-aligning the Atlas with the Atlantomed method (2 or more sessions) is certainly the first sensible step to be taken in order to address a straightening of the cervical spine. The treatment requires specific attention to ensure the correct posterization of the vertebra, as well as the correction of any rotations or lateral deviations.
2Verify and if necessary, correct dental malocclusion and incorrect jaw position (until the result is achieved). Finding someone who is really able to get the job done is not at all easy and unfortunately there are many holes in the water.
3Have your sacrum examined and, if necessary, corrected (until correction is achieved) by an osteopath.
4Rebalance your general posture (variable number of sessions), also checking for scars and their possible negative influence on your posture. The Raggi method is the recommended solution.
5The sensory deprivation floating pool (variable number of sessions - excellent solution but only applicable if you have a floating nearby) provides a unique environment for very targeted cervical gymnastics in the absence of gravity, allowing only the posterior neck muscle chains to be stressed and thus strengthened, while the anterior ones, which are already too tight and shortened, remain completely relaxed. I know of no other method that can achieve the same kind of separation and isolation between the front and rear muscle chains. The absence of gravity allows the body to assume a neutral posture, to relax as never before and become aware of the tense areas to be let go. During the floating session, you start with neck extension exercises, adapting duration and intensity to your tolerance, and then relax the rest of the session.
6Isometric neck extension exercise, practised independently at home (3 months). A study on the effectiveness of this exercise shows that after 3 months of training, 85.2% of participants achieve a significant improvement towards regaining the natural cervical curve.
7At the end of the rehabilitation course of several months, it is advisable to carry out a new check of the position of the Atlas vertebra. This step is crucial to ensure that the corrections made have been maintained over time. The final check helps to confirm the effectiveness of the treatment and to ensure that the posture and alignment of the neck are optimal.
8During the course, intermediate massages using AtlantoVib are strongly recommended to prevent hardening of the deep muscles, which can occur as a result of the neck exercises and correction of the jaw position.
Some advice
If there is a real and correctly identified cervical instability, this becomes the first problem to be addressed and resolved. Prolotherapy can help in this regard. Otherwise, any other solution is bound to fail, leading to a waste of time, financial resources and potentially aggravating the problem. If the instability involves C1 and C2, the first two cervical vertebrae, we do not recommend proceeding with Atlas correction without first resolving the instability.If you have mandibular problems and these are not ACTUALLY resolved, recurrences are assured. Many will try to persuade you that you have solved your occlusal problem, even when this is not the case. Do the test yourself in front of the mirror.
The exercises mentioned in steps 5 or 6 can be performed in parallel with the actions indicated in steps 2-3-4. It is important to be careful not to overdo the intensity of the exercises, but rather to increase it gradually. Too intense an approach in training can lead to aggravation of symptoms and thus lead to discouragement. Maintaining the right gradient in exercise intensity is crucial to ensure steady progress without overloading the neck.
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Written by: Alfredo Lerro
