Military neck, or cervical kyphosis, is an abnormal straightening or reversal of the natural curve in the neck. This change in cervical spine alignment is not related to military service, but describes the appearance of a person standing rigidly at attention.
Understanding Military Neck
The human neck, or cervical spine, naturally has an inward C-shaped curve called cervical lordosis, which distributes head weight, absorbs shock, and enables a wide range of motion. A healthy cervical lordosis measures between 20 to 40 degrees when viewed from the side.
Military neck occurs when this natural curve is reduced, becoming abnormally straight or even curving in the opposite direction. This altered alignment affects the spine’s ability to function as a coiled spring. Loss of optimal curvature stresses spinal structures and impacts overall biomechanics.
Common Causes
Factors contributing to military neck include acute injuries like whiplash from car accidents or falls. These can directly damage cervical spine ligaments and alignment, potentially leading to compression fractures or dislocations that alter the neck’s shape.
Prolonged poor posture is often implicated. This includes “tech neck,” from extended periods looking down at electronic devices, straining the cervical spine. Degenerative disc disease, where cushioning discs between vertebrae wear down, can cause them to collapse and thin, leading to a forward head tilt and neck straightening.
Other conditions, such as neck arthritis (cervical spondylosis) or ankylosing spondylitis, can cause cervical curve loss. Some individuals are born with congenital conditions affecting spinal development, resulting in abnormally shaped or fused vertebrae. Military neck can also arise from medical procedures, known as iatrogenic causes, such as certain spinal surgeries.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Military neck symptoms vary by severity. Common symptoms include neck pain extending to the shoulders and upper back. This discomfort often results from increased pressure on the spine and surrounding muscles due to the abnormal curvature.
Individuals may experience neck stiffness and reduced range of motion, making it difficult to turn or tilt the head. Headaches, particularly tension headaches, are also reported. Altered spinal mechanics can lead to neurological symptoms if nerves become compressed, manifesting as numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms and hands. Severe cases can include coordination problems, difficulty swallowing or breathing, and issues with bladder and bowel control.
Diagnosis and Management
Diagnosing military neck begins with a physical examination assessing posture, balance, and range of motion. They also take a detailed medical history, inquiring about past injuries, surgeries, or symptom onset. To confirm cervical lordosis loss and rule out other underlying conditions, imaging tests are ordered.
X-rays are often the initial imaging choice to visualize spinal alignment and measure the neck’s curvature. MRI or CT scans provide detailed views of the spinal cord, nerves, and soft tissues, helping identify potential compression or degenerative changes. Diagnosis is made if the neck’s curve falls outside the normal range (less than 20 degrees or more than 40 degrees).
Management of military neck often prioritizes non-surgical approaches, especially for mild to moderate cases. Physical therapy is a primary treatment, involving exercises to strengthen neck muscles, improve posture, and increase flexibility and range of motion. Manual therapy techniques, such as massage and joint mobilization, may reduce muscle tension and improve joint movement. Pain management strategies include over-the-counter or prescription medications, and sometimes steroid injections to reduce inflammation and discomfort.
Lifestyle modifications also play a role, such as optimizing ergonomics at work or home to maintain a neutral neck position and using supportive pillows during sleep. Chiropractic care may help with spinal alignment and muscle imbalances. Cervical traction might gently stretch the neck and alleviate pressure on spinal structures. Surgical intervention, such as spinal fusion or decompression procedures, is reserved for severe cases with neurological compromise, persistent pain unresponsive to conservative treatments, or progressive deformity.