In this article we are going to tell you what cervical rectification is, its causes, treatment and prevention.
What is cervical rectification
Cervical straightening is a medical condition that affects the natural curvature of the spine in the neck region, known as the cervical spine. Normally, the cervical spine has a gentle forward curvature, known as cervical lordosis. However, in cases of cervical rectification, This curve is reduced or reversed, meaning the cervical spine appears straighter than normal.
This condition can be the result of several factors, such as incorrect posture, traumatic injuries, chronic muscle tension, or degenerative diseases of the spine, such as cervical arthritis. People who spend long periods of time in unhealthy postures, such as sitting in front of a computer for many hours a day, They may be at higher risk of developing cervical rectification.
Diagnosis is usually made through clinical evaluation by a doctor, who may order imaging tests such as X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans to confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity of the condition.
Causes
The causes of cervical straightening can be diverse and are often related to factors that affect the structure and function of the spine in the neck region. Some of the most common factors that can contribute to cervical straightening include:
- Incorrect posture: Maintaining poor posture for prolonged periods, such as hunching over a desk or leaning your head forward while looking at a phone or computer, can put additional pressure on the cervical spine and contribute to the loss of normal curvature.
- Traumatic injuries: Car accidents, falls, or direct impacts to the neck can cause spinal injuries that affect the cervical curvature. These injuries can damage soft tissues, such as muscles, ligaments, or intervertebral discs, which can cause changes in spinal alignment.
- Chronic muscle tension: Persistent muscle tension in the neck and shoulders, caused by stress, poor ergonomics, or lack of physical activity, can lead to muscle imbalances that affect the position and curvature of the cervical spine.
- Degenerative diseases: Conditions such as cervical arthritis, cervical spondylosis, or degenerative disc disease can cause degenerative changes in the spine, such as the formation of osteophytes (bony growths), loss of intervertebral disc height, or degeneration of joint tissues, which which can contribute to cervical rectification.
- Genetic factors: Some people may have a genetic predisposition to develop spinal problems, including cervical straightening, due to inherited structural characteristics that affect the form and function of the cervical spine.
Symptoms of cervical rectification
Symptoms associated with cervical rectification can vary in severity and can affect the quality of life of those who suffer from it. Some of the most common symptoms are:
- Pain in the neck: Cervical pain is one of the most common symptoms and can range from mild discomfort to intense and persistent pain. It is a pain that can be constant or intermittent and can worsen with certain movements or postures.
- Cervical stiffness: Neck stiffness is another common complaint among people with cervical rectification. It may feel like a feeling of tightness or restriction in the neck muscles, making it difficult to move your head and neck freely.
- Headaches: Many people with cervical straightening experience headaches, which can vary in intensity and frequency. These headaches are often felt in the back of the head or at the base of the skull and may be associated with muscle tension in the neck.
- mareos: Some people may experience feelings of dizziness or vertigo, especially when moving the neck or changing positions. This may be the result of compression of the cervical nerves or imbalance in the muscles of the neck and shoulders.
- Numbness and tingling: Compression of the cervical nerves due to cervical straightening can cause sensations of numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms, hands, or fingers. These are symptoms that are usually more pronounced on one side of the body and can worsen over time if not treated properly.
- Difficulty moving the neck: Loss of flexibility and restriction in neck movements are characteristic symptoms of cervical rectification. Typically, people experience difficulty in everyday activities such as turning their head, looking up or down, or performing lateral neck movements.
Cervical rectification treatment
Cervical rectification treatment is based on several factors, including the severity of the condition, the symptoms present, and the patient's individual response. A multidisciplinary approach is usually taken which may include conservative measures and, in more severe cases, medical or surgical interventions.
Physiotherapy is essential in the treatment of cervical rectification. Physical therapists can design specific exercise programs to strengthen neck muscles, improve flexibility, and correct posture. Additionally, they use manual therapy techniques, such as massage, joint mobilization, and cervical traction, to ease the pain and improve neck mobility.
There are specific exercises aimed at stretch the muscles of the neck and shoulders, as well as strengthen core and back muscles, can help restore the normal curvature of the cervical spine and improve the stability and function of the neck.
To prevent this situation, It is advisable to adopt a proper posture during daily activities, such as sitting in front of a computer or driving.. In this way, we can reduce tension in the neck and prevent exacerbation of cervical rectification symptoms. Ergonomic adjustments, such as using chairs with lumbar support and proper monitor and keyboard layout, may also be beneficial.
In some cases, medications may be prescribed to relieve pain and inflammation associated with cervical rectification. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, are useful for managing mild and moderate pain. In cases of more severe pain, stronger medications may be prescribed, such as muscle relaxants or opioids, although they are used with caution due to the risk of side effects and dependence.
Only in the most severe cases can corticosteroid injections be administered directly into the cervical spine to reduce inflammation and relieve pain associated with cervical rectification. They are injections that are performed under radiographic guidance and can provide short-term relief.
I hope that with this information you can learn more about cervical rectification and its treatment.