If you’ve lost the lordotic curve in your cervical spine (many of our members have) from spending years looking down at your computer & cell phone screens, reading books, etc., restoring the curve can help reduce symptoms. Straightened neck vertebrae are referred to as military neck. When the cervical vertebrae straighten out, it causes the styloids to change such that they can come in closer contact w/ nerves & vascular tissues in the neck. Restoring the curve can help move them slightly away again. Depending on how long & what shape your styloids are, & what they are compressing, this approach may be helpful in reducing symptoms.
As far as UCC goes, adjustments usually don’t “stay” & getting adjusted repeatedly can cause symptoms to flare if the chiropractor doing them isn’t familiar w/ ES & very cautious w/ how the adjustments are done. High velocity neck adjustments are definitely out once ES has been diagnosed. PT can sometimes be helpful if the therapist is familiar w/ ES & especially w/ exercises to help restore the cervical lordotic curve ,but AVOID chin tucks if they’re suggested. In most cases they make symptoms worse.
My cervical curve isn’t totally gone but isn’t great. A chiropractor I saw recommended using a neck orthotic called a Denneroll to restore my cervical curve. It’s not super comfortable to use, but w/ consistency & following the instructions it does help.
Sizing:
- Large Cervical Denneroll – Patient Height: ≈ 5’9” & up= Large Cervical Denneroll;
- Medium Cervical Denneroll – is generally indicated for people that are ≤ 5’8”.
- Small Cervical Denneroll – is generally reserved for pediatric patients, or beginners to the denneroll that have a difficult time with cervical extension.
Here is a link to a very informative discussion about loss of cervical lordosis w/ helpful links for exercises that can help w/ restoration:
