Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation out there, especially when it comes to neck pain and alignment. Let me say from the get-go, a straight neck is usually not related to neck pain! As we age, our spines will naturally change shape over time, as the individual bones and the discs in between them change due to age-related “wear and tear.” This will ultimately change the alignment of our spines. In the neck, it tends to flatten the curve; a straight neck is often related to aging, rather than pain. Once we get to our 30’s-40’s the majority of people with or without neck pain would have some degree of degeneration in their spines and a straightened neck, no matter what treatment you get, and despite what they claim, it’s extremely unlikely they will be able to reverse age-related wear and tear and the resulting curve changes. I have specific information about the different types of neck pain, base of skull, one-sided, and headaches which you can read here.
It’s worth remembering, the vast majority of adults have a “straight(ened)” neck, I treat just as many people with low back pain, hip pain, foot pain etc… with a straight neck as I do neck pain sufferers with a straight neck. So not only can it not be reversed, but more than likely it has little to do with your pain!
There was a study in the prestigious European Spine Journal printed all the way back in 2007 that found there was no difference in neck curvature between people with neck pain and without neck pain, essentially people without neck pain have the same alignment as people with neck pain. Another study done in 2008 found there is no association between spinal curves and health, including pain.
Another study printed in the Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Research found the cervical curvature was not significantly different between symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals. This was a systematic review that looks at the entire scope of all research done on the matter and is some of the strongest evidence research can provide.
There was another systematic review done in 2024 that look at thoracic posture i.e mid-back and found no association with mid back curvature, neck tilt and neck pain. Again, there was no difference between neck pain sufferers and people who don’t suffer from neck pain.
If you’re suffering from neck pain and looking for an evidenced based, holistic and individualised approach, book into see Kieran today!
