Question
Hi -

I have a question about my cervical spine.  After examining x-rays that were taken, it appears that my cervical spine is pretty much completely strait - it's missing the slight curve that "normal" people typically have.  I believe this is largely a result of bad posture from sitting at a desk in front of a computer so much.  

My question is - how concerned should I be about this?  How important is it that I try to fix/correct this issue?

Thanks for your time!
Adam

Answer
Dear Adam,

Poor posture often leads to a reduction, elimination or reversal of the normal cervical curve.  If you are a young person, lets say in your teens or twenties, this is not a huge issue and you have a bit of time to correct the problem.  If you are in your thirties or forties, I would suggest that you work to immediately correct the structure before degeneration sets in.  Loss the of the curve eventually leads to degeneration, lost function, and pain among other issues. This issue is often compounded by the fact that the head has moved forward in relationship to the torso and this increases physical demand on the spine due to gravity. Here are a few quotes for you to appreciate:

揕oss of the cervical curve stretches the spinal cord 5-7 cm and causes Disease.? Dr. Alf Breig, Neurosurgeon (Nobel Prize Recipient)

揊or every inch of forward head posture, it can increase the weight of the head on the spine by an additional 10 pounds.?Kapandji, Physiology of Joints, Vol 3.

揊orward head posture leads to long term muscle strain, disc herniations, arthritis and pinched nerves.? The Mayo Clinic, Nov. 3rd, 2000

?0% of the stimulation and nutrition to the brain is generated by the movement of the spine?Dr. Roger Sperry, (Nobel Prize Recipient for Brain Research)

Additionally, Dr. Sperry demonstrated that 90% of the energy output of the brain is used in relating the physical body to gravity.  Only 10% has to do with thinking, metabolism, and healing, so when you have forward head posture your brain will rob energy from your thinking, metabolism, and immune function to deal with abnormal gravity/posture relationships and processing.

"To live a long, active, energetic life, few things matter more than good posture"  Rene Calliet, MD (The Rejuvenation Strategy)

"Posture effects and moderates every physiologic function from breathing to hormonal production.  Spinal pain, headache, mood, blood pressure, pulse, and lung capacity are among the most easily influenced by posture"  American Journal of Pain Management, 1994;4: p36-39.

First your posture needs to be addressed...as well as the ergonomics of your computer/work station.  I would recommend you schedule a free consultation with a chiropractic physician who has been specifically trained in the structural rehabilitation of the spine.  The doctor can easily address postural distortion, ergonomics and correction of the lost curve.  I do this in my office with a high success ratio...over 95 % of the neck curves are significantly improved, and about 20% are fully restored on follow-up x-rays.  

To find a qualified doctor check out Chiropractic Biophysics and Pettibon Techniques.  Both have substantial records for regaining the lost curve and maintaining it.

www.idealspine.com
www.pettibontechnique.com

Good luck Adam.

Respectfully,
Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman
www.suncoasthealthcare.net