Cervical deformity refers to an abnormal alignment or curvature of the neck (cervical spine). Instead of the natural gentle curve (lordosis) that allows for proper balance and movement, the cervical spine may become excessively curved (kyphosis), overly straightened (flat neck syndrome), or twisted due to structural changes.
This misalignment can result from a variety of causes, including:
- Degenerative changes: Conditions like arthritis or disc degeneration.
- Trauma: Past injuries or fractures.
- Congenital issues: Present from birth, such as scoliosis affecting the neck.
- Post-surgical changes: After spine surgeries in other regions.
- Diseases: Conditions like ankylosing spondylitis or infections.
Symptoms vary depending on the severity of the deformity, but they often include:
- Neck pain or stiffness.
- Difficulty holding the head upright.
- Changes in posture, like a forward head position or imbalance.
- Neurological symptoms, such as numbness, weakness, or difficulty walking, if the spinal cord or nerves are compressed.
Cervical deformity doesn’t just affect the neck; it can disrupt the entire spine’s balance, causing compensatory changes in the thoracic and lumbar spine.
Treatment depends on the severity and impact of the deformity. Mild cases may improve with physical therapy, bracing, or pain management, while more severe deformities might require surgical correction to restore alignment and relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.
If your neck’s alignment feels out of balance, we’re here to help straighten things out—literally!