INFORMATION
What Is Loss of Cervical Lordosis?
Information on the causes of loss of cervical lordosis, who is at risk, and how it is treated.
Updated: · General information
Definition and causes
The cervical vertebrae normally form a forward-facing “C”; flattening of this alignment is commonly known as loss of cervical lordosis. Poor posture, remaining in an unsuitable position for long periods, stress, an unsuitable pillow and deficiencies of iron, calcium, magnesium or vitamin D are among the principal causes.
Who is at risk?
Those at risk include people who spend long periods looking at a screen with the neck flexed, such as office and bank staff, and people with iron or vitamin D deficiency. The first symptom is usually neck pain, which may spread to the back and shoulders; in some cases headache and dizziness also occur. If the pain progresses, a cervical disc herniation may develop.
Diagnosis and treatment approach
The diagnosis is made by physical examination and, where needed, radiography. Treatment aims first at removing the risk factors and relieving muscle spasm; physical therapy may help both to resolve the existing spasm and to learn the exercises to be done afterwards. In cases resistant to treatment, supportive approaches such as acupuncture or dry needling may be considered following assessment by a physician.
