3 Things To Know About The Natural Curvature In Your Neck
One of the things a chiropractor will do at your first visit is to take x-rays. These x-rays tell the condition of your spine, and they often reveal problems with your neck's cervical curve. This curve is important for good health, and here are three things you should know about this.
1. What the Cervical Curve Is
If you look at the x-rays of your neck, you should see a forward curve in your neck. You are born with this curve, but over time it can change. Having the right curve is vital for your health because it allows the brain and spinal cord to communicate. When the curve begins to straighten out, communication is lost between these two parts of the body, and other problems can also occur.
One of the big problems this causes is headaches and neck pain. This happens because the spine in your neck is not able to hold your head up properly. Stress is placed in the wrong areas, and the result is usually pain.
2. What Causes Changes
Over time, your cervical curve can straighten out, or it can even begin to curve in the opposite direction. These changes can occur for many reasons including:
- Trauma – If you experience whiplash or any other type of trauma to your neck or back, the curve can change.
- Posture – Bad posture is another common cause for this, and it is often from a person's job, or from the way a person sits or carries him or herself.
- Sleeping – One of the worst ways to sleep is on your stomach because it forces the curve to shift.
Living with a curve that is not normal can lead to major problems, and these include herniated discs, osteoporosis, and arthritis.
3. What a Chiropractor Does For This
When a chiropractor discovers this problem, he or she will do several things to correct it, and these include:
- Spinal adjustments – A spinal adjustment involves getting your neck cracked. This loosens up the tissue and muscles in your neck, and it may help your neck slowly regain the correct curvature.
- Neck curve therapy – Some chiropractors use devices that are designed to force the curve back into the neck. When using this, you will lie down with a device under your neck. This may help you regain your neck's natural curvature.
- Neck exercises – These are designed to help strengthen the muscles in this area, and they can help you return the natural curve to your neck.
If you are experiencing pain in your neck, you may want to find out if this is the causes, and you can do this by visiting a chiropractor. To learn more, contact a professional like Chiropractor Plus.
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