PAIN AND ORTHOPAEDICS · Health guide
What Is Loss of Cervical Lordosis? Symptoms and Approach
What does loss of cervical lordosis mean? The imaging report, neck pain, muscle function and the assessment of individually tailored rehabilitation.
Updated: · General information
What does loss of cervical lordosis mean?
A reduction in the curve of the cervical spine seen from the side may be described in reports as loss of lordosis or flattening. This appearance alone does not determine the cause of pain or the need for treatment. The position in which the image was taken and individual anatomical variation are taken into account in the interpretation.
Which symptoms are assessed?
If there is neck pain, restricted movement or symptoms radiating into the arm, their cause is investigated separately. A phrase in an imaging report is not taken to explain headache, numbness and every other complaint. Progressive loss of strength or disturbance of gait requires medical assessment.
The goal of rehabilitation
The programme is designed around the person’s examination findings and daily needs. Movement, strength and endurance, and adjustments to the way they work may be addressed. The aim is not necessarily to change the curve on the radiograph, but to manage pain and functional difficulty; no promise of lasting correction is made through a special pillow or any single method.
Is a phrase in a report a disease in itself?
The appearance of the cervical curve can vary with the position in which the image was taken and with individual characteristics. A reported flattening is not always the cause of pain or a progressive problem. Pain, arm symptoms and restriction of movement are assessed together with the examination; treatment does not focus solely on changing an image.
An approach centred on daily function
Working arrangements, movement breaks, sleep and the endurance of the neck and shoulder muscles are examined. The aim is to be able to move comfortably and to keep up with daily work. Rather than trying to hold a single ideal position at all times, suitable changes of position and individually tailored exercise are planned.
Your questions
Patient information
Does loss of cervical lordosis mean a disc herniation?
No. The appearance of the spinal curve and a disc herniation are different findings; they can also occur together.
Will a special pillow definitely correct the cervical curve?
No such outcome can be guaranteed. Any contribution a pillow makes to comfort and sleep is assessed individually; on its own it does not take the place of treatment.
