Research shows that a loss of neck curvature increases the likelihood of a disc herniation. A 2019 study in the journal “Medicine”, showed that appropriate correction and restoration to the neck curve produced lower rates and degrees of disc problems. Chiropractic care using a neurological brain-based postural approach offers the least invasive and most effective way to increase neck mobility, alignment, and restoration of good neck curvature.

Increased Frequency of Disc Herniation Noted in Patients with Reduced Neck CurveForward head posture represents one of the most significant reasons for a decrease in proper neck curvature. Sitting, texting, repetitive computer work, sedentary lifestyles, motor vehicle accidents, and other physical traumas serve as the primary culprits of forward head posture. Each of these conditions reduce neck curve, leaving the spine weaker and more vulnerable to stress. The trauma also increases pressure on the shock absorbers, intervertebral discs, between vertebra.

Discs operate like shocks in a car. They absorb the pressure of daily wear and tear. Discs are made of cartilage, water, and a gel-like substance in the center for added protection. As alignment of the spine becomes altered, the gel-like nucleus in the middle of the disc becomes slightly displaced. This forces pressure on the side of the disc and stresses the cartilage. Consistent adversity can produce tears in the cartilage and force the gel-like substance to slightly protrude or bulge through the side of the disc resulting in a disc bulge or disc herniation or protrusion. Disc injuries come in a variety of sizes and names. Smaller disc injuries tend to be referred to as more of a bulge than a herniation. Yet every disc injury leaves the spine weakened and extremely vulnerable to stress and pressure.

This 2019 research shows that a loss of the normal neck curvature (cervical lordosis) was correlated with the degree of disc herniation. Simply stated, the more the loss of the optimal neck curve the more the disc herniation. This degenerative process often occurs with no pain but can also easily be associated with neck pain and other symptoms. The exciting news was that when the neck curve was improved, the degree of disc herniation decreased and height of disc space increased. Chiropractors and other spine specialists use expert testing and technology to check for disc space abnormalities or other problems before pain arrives. A proactive approach proves vital to long term functionality. Spinal alignment plays a vital role in the health, durability, and longevity of the spine. Chiropractors promote the importance of spinal correction and restoration without drugs or surgery.

Chiropractors comprise the only natural health providers who focus specifically on detecting and correcting spinal movement, alignment, and nervous system function. Regular chiropractic care helps improve spinal alignment and ensures better curvature, resulting in greater strength, durability, increased disc space, and less risk of disc bulges and herniations. The long-term benefit cannot be measured. Every person deserves a healthy spine and future.

References:

Medicine (Baltimore). 2019 Aug;98(31):e16545. Correlation between cervical lordosis and cervical disc herniation in young patients with neck pain.