Do I Have A Military Neck?

Do you have stiffness in your neck?

Do you have decreased range of motion in your neck?

Do you have headaches?

Do you have pain in your neck?

Does the pain go down into your arms or legs?

Do you have problems walking?

Do you have muscle spasms around your neck and shoulders?

Did you notice or did someone tell you that you look like you are “standing at attention”?

Have you had an injury, or surgery, to your neck at any time?

Do you have any problems with your bowels or bladder?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have a military neck. A military neck is a medical condition also known as cervical kyphosis. Naturally, the cervical spine has a slight C-shaped curve called lordosis. The stability of the cervical spine depends on the strength of the cervical vertebrae, ligaments and tissues on the back of the spine, as well as on the strength of the back muscles. These structures resist the forward pull of the weight of the head, and allow the natural curvature of the cervical spine to be maintained. Military neck refers to the straightening of the natural lordosis of the cervical spine.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have a military neck. A military neck is a spine deformity characterized by the straightening of the natural curve of your cervical spine. A person with this condition has a posture that is similar to the characteristic military posture (“standing at attention”), after which the disease got its name. The loss of natural neck curvature can occur in one or more segments of the cervical spine. It can be caused by degenerative disease, physical trauma or congenital disorder. A diagnosis is based on a physical examination and imaging tests, including an X-ray, MRI, or CT scan.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have a military neck. A military neck is a medical condition in which the normal natural curvature of the cervical spine (lordosis) decreases or even disappears completely. People with this condition often have limited mobility of the neck. Treatment depends on the severity of the deformity of the cervical spine. If your “military neck” is primarily an aesthetic problem or causes mild pain, treatment includes a physical therapy program, painkillers and a neck brace. However, if there is pressure on the spinal cord due to a deformity of the cervical spine, treatment involves surgery.