Posture Disorder Causes Neck Flattening

With a sedentary lifestyle and developing technology, spending too much time in front of the phone and computer causes posture disorder. zamIt can also cause spinal disorders such as neck straightening at the same time. The most common complaint in neck straightening is neck pain. Pain can spread to different regions and adversely affect the quality of life of the person if not treated. What is neck straightening? What are the causes of neck flattening? What are the symptoms of neck flattening? How is neck flattening diagnosed? How is neck flattening treated?

Dr. Hasan Molaali from Yeni Yüzyıl University Gaziosmanpaşa Hospital Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Department gave information about 'Causes and treatment of neck straightening'.

What is neck straightening?

Neck flattening or cervical kyphosis; If you are the curvature of the neck of the spine in healthy people; It is a situation where it flattens with various effects and causes certain complaints. It often presents with complaints of neck pain.

What are the causes of neck flattening?

Today, with the developing technology, there is an increase in posture and posture disorders in humans. While working with the head tilted forward, looking at the phone for a long time, and various occupational conditions and repetitive movements can cause neck straightening, changing the balance of the spine in the presence of scoliosis in the back or lumbar region can also be among the causes of neck straightening.

Neck flattening can be seen as a result of damage to the muscle, connective tissue, ligament and fascia surrounding the spine as a result of the sudden and rapid back and forth of the neck spine in traffic accidents, which we call whiplash injury.

In rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.

There may be deformities during the anatomical development of the vertebrae that make up the spine, which can cause neck straightening.

In degeneration of the discs or osteoporosis (bone loss) due to aging.

Neck flattening can also be seen in some types of cancer involving the spine and some chronic infections such as tuberculosis.

What are the symptoms of neck flattening?

• Neck pain.
• Restriction in neck movements.
• Imbalance.
• Headache.
• Back and shoulder pain.
• Since there is no curvature to absorb shock, impacts on the spine can cause more serious injuries.

How is neck flattening diagnosed?

Because the causes of neck flattening are very different, your doctor will first take your medical history and examine you. Spinal radiography is sufficient for the diagnosis of neck straightening as imaging, but your doctor may request magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography if necessary.

How is neck flattening treated?

Treatment of neck flattening differs depending on the cause. A healthy lifestyle and being at an ideal weight are effective in reducing excessive tension on the spine. The solution of ergonomic problems in daily life can help in solving the problem. Analgesics and muscle relaxants can be given in the treatment of pain. A neck brace can be used for a while in severe neck pain and in cases where neck movements are difficult. Physiotherapy, exercises and chiropractic applications are very effective in the treatment of neck flattening.

Suggestions to avoid neck flattening:

• Avoid activities that strain your neck.
• Make sure to sleep on your back or side.
• Use pillows to support the curvature of the spine. When lying on your side, choose a pillow that will fill the gap between your head and shoulders and provide balance.
• Do not stay still in the same position for a long time.
• Work ergonomically, without stretching or twisting your body, without getting into any awkward postures.
• Make sure that the top line of your computer screen is at or slightly below eye level.
• Do strengthening and stretching exercises with range of motion exercises for the neck.