Neck Flattening Treatment
What is Neck Flattening?
Neck straightening is the loss of the natural curve normally found in the neck spine, called "cervical lordosis". In a healthy neck spine, the vertebrae follow a slight "C" shape, which helps stabilize the head and support the rest of the spine. This natural inclination of the cervical lordosis provides resistance to the weight and pressure of the spine while carrying the head.
Neck flattening is a condition in which this natural curve in the neck is flattened or reversed. This may mean that the neck spine is extremely straight, or that the neck spine is tilted slightly forward as opposed to the normal curve.
Neck flattening symptoms may include:
- Neck pain
- Headache
– Shoulder and upper back pain
– Limitation of neck movement
– Fatigue and muscle weakness
This can occur as a result of trauma, aging, poor posture, certain diseases (for example, osteoarthritis or disc degeneration), or activities that constantly strain the neck muscles (for example, sitting at a computer for long periods of time).
Long periods spent at the desk and in front of the computer can cause a condition called neck straightening. This causes the head and neck to stay in the same position for extended periods of time, weakening and lengthening certain muscle groups during this time. This can lead to neck pain, limitation of movement and even neck hernia over time.
One of the methods commonly used in the treatment of neck flattening is manual therapy. This method is applied by a trained physiotherapist and tries to manually correct the problems in the muscle and joint system. However, in order for this treatment method to be applied correctly, the person performing the treatment must be an expert in his field. Otherwise, permanent problems may occur.
The manual therapy method aims to mobilize the immobilized spine segments, restore the neck's former shape and relieve general muscle tension. This process includes stretching movements and programs that focus on sedentary or weak muscles can be applied. In addition, over-tightened muscles are also relaxed with the manual treatment method. However, it should be noted that this treatment method is not a simple massage technique. It requires knowledge of anatomy, physiotherapy and musculoskeletal system.
Manual therapy helps relieve pain in various parts of the body, restore function to areas that have lost function, and eliminate limitations in muscles and tissues. This treatment method has a high success rate and patients usually recover in a short time.
Since this treatment method is carried out entirely by hand, any machine, medicine, etc. not used. In addition, the recovery process of patients is usually faster since there is no surgical intervention. However, this process may vary depending on the patient's condition and the progress of the treatment.
Neck Flattening Treatment
Treatment of neck flattening is usually done with conservative methods and usually includes posture correction, exercises, and lifestyle changes. Here are some of these methods:
1- Physiotherapy: Physical therapy is one of the main methods used to treat neck flattening. The physiotherapist recommends exercises to strengthen your neck and shoulder muscles. This helps keep your neck spine in the correct position. They may also use manual therapy techniques that help reduce pain and muscle tension.
2- Posture Training: Physiotherapists can teach you strategies to help you correct your posture. This includes proper postures at the computer or watching TV.
3- Lifestyle Changes: Lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing stress can help manage neck flattening.
4- Medical Treatment: To control pain, your doctor may recommend pain medications or anti-inflammatory drugs.
5- Surgical Treatment: In severe cases that do not respond to conservative treatments or if there is excessive pressure on the nerves, surgery may be an option.
