What is Military Neck?

Military neck is an abnormal spine curve condition that can develop due to poor posture, repetitive motions, or injury to the upper cervical spine. It is characterized by a straightening of the natural curve in the neck. Over time, this can lead to the development of the ‘standing to attention’ posture seen in soldiers on parade, hence the name.

Signs and Symptoms of Military Neck

Common symptoms of military neck include pain and stiffness in the neck, shoulders, and upper back. Tension headaches and migraines are also common. In severe cases, the condition can lead to nerve compression, chronic pain, loss of coordination, mobility issues, and other neurological problems.

How the Upper Cervical Spine Affects Military Neck

The upper cervical spine consists of seven stacked vertebrae at the top of the spinal column. These vertebrae are responsible for supporting the weight of the head and allowing for a wide range of motion in the neck. As a result, a misalignment in this region of the spine can have a profound effect on the natural curvature of the spine and posture of the neck. Left untreated, an upper cervical vertebral misalignment can cause the muscles and ligaments in the neck to tighten and shorten, leading to the development of abnormal spine curve conditions like military neck.

How Our Military Neck Treatment Works

If you or a loved one are struggling with military neck, our team at Upper Cervical Chiropractic of Boulder can help. Our expert chiropractors, Dr. Christina Coblish and Dr. Ryan Moeskau, specialize in the upper cervical spine and its relationship to the musculoskeletal structures of the neck.

When treating military neck, Dr. Coblish and Dr. Moeskau begin with a comprehensive evaluation of their patient’s spinal health. This typically involves the use of advanced 3D imaging tools, such as cone-beam computed tomography scans. If a misalignment is detected, Dr. Coblish and Dr. Moeskau will correct the affected vertebrae using the Blair Upper Cervical technique, a gentle, low-force adjustment method that focuses on returning the body to a natural, healthy, and aligned state. By restoring natural alignment to the upper cervical spine, we can help to address the underlying cause of military neck and provide lasting relief from pain, stiffness, and other symptoms.

If you’re looking for an effective and natural way to treat military neck, look no further than Upper Cervical Chiropractic of Boulder! We service patients across Colorado, including Boulder, Longmont, Louisville, Erie, Lafayette, Broomfield, and Denver.