Restoring Normal Neck Curve Offers Benefits

A recent study investigated the effects of improving cervical lordosis (curve) and anterior head translation (AHT) in patients with diskogenic cervical radiculopathy (neck and arm pain). In a normal spine, the head should be suspended directly over the spine. This keeps the weight of the head over the body’s center of gravity. Furthermore, the head is supported by a shock-absorbing curve formed by the vertebral bones in the neck. Loss of this natural curve and a forward movement of the head can lead to increased biomechanical stress on the neck and upper back, increasing the risk for headaches and neck pain. In the study, investigators found that improving cervical lordosis and reducing AHT positively improved outcomes among the participants. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, August 2016