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What Is the Treatment for Cervical Lordosis?

Meshell Powell
Meshell Powell

Cervical lordosis treatment is often unnecessary, depending on the degree of spinal curvature and the degree of uncomfortable or painful symptoms. When treatment does become necessary, over-the-counter or prescription medications are often all that is needed in order to successfully treat the condition. Neck exercises or physical therapy can be helpful for many who suffer from more extreme cases of this condition, although surgical intervention is occasionally needed in order to improve symptoms. Any questions or concerns about treatment options on an individual basis should be discussed with a doctor or other medical professional.

Most cases of cervical lordosis are mild and require little or no medical intervention. Over-the-counter pain relievers may be used for mild to moderate pain or discomfort. If these pain relievers do not provide adequate relief, the doctor may write a prescription for stronger pain medications designed to be taken when the pain levels become severe enough to prevent normal movement.

Patients who are overweight are at a higher risk of developing complications associated with cervical lordosis.
Patients who are overweight are at a higher risk of developing complications associated with cervical lordosis.

Gentle neck exercises may be used in order to lessen symptoms associated with cervical lordosis. These exercises can help to improve posture, relieve discomfort, and increase range of motion. The doctor may either instruct the patient on the proper ways to exercise the neck or refer the patient to a physical therapist for more intensive treatment options. It is important that these neck exercises are performed properly in order to avoid further damage to the spine.

Most cases of cervical lordosis are mild and require no treatment.
Most cases of cervical lordosis are mild and require no treatment.

Patients who are significantly overweight or who practice poor posture techniques are at a greater risk of developing complications associated with cervical lordosis. For this reason, those who are overweight are usually advised to reach and maintain a healthy weight. A nutritionist or dietitian can provide assistance if necessary, and most doctors are willing to provide a referral to these dietary specialists. Maintaining correct posture can also help to prevent some of the more painful symptoms of this condition.

Patients with poor posture may be at greater risk of developing cervical lordosis.
Patients with poor posture may be at greater risk of developing cervical lordosis.

Occasionally, surgical intervention may become necessary in order to effectively treat cervical lordosis. Spinal fusion is the most common type of surgical procedure used for this purpose, although other types of surgery may be used in some instances. There are potential complications associated with any type of surgery, so all of the pros and cons should be discussed with the doctor before making the decision to undergo the operation. Most surgeons prefer to use surgery as a last resort and only when all other methods of treatment have failed.

Discussion Comments

anon985750

My arm started having bad spasms, so bad that someone told me about acupuncture and I made an appt that day. It actually helped my arm pain. I also have two herniated discs (c4/c5 and c5/c6). I have just begun my treatment with combined acupuncture and slight chiropractic care. I even canceled my appointment for an epidural.

anon344307

I have cervical hyperlordosis and my head sticks out in front of my body farther than it should. A physical therapist did measurements on me and found it to be almost two inches farther out than it should be -- sort of a turtle effect, if you will.

The last eight months have been hell as it is pulling on my upper back and shoulder muscles causing a lot of pain. I talked to my primary doc and he just said oh here's a few vicodin; that should help for at night. Um, no. I want this chronic pain to leave and not come back. Should I go again and ask for a referral to someone else?

sunnySkys

The treatment for cervical lordosis sounds all right, especially compared to other forms of scoliosis. I remember reading a book back in middle school about a girl who had scoliosis and had to wear a back brace all the time. I remember it created a lot of problems for her socially!

I'm not sure if they still use back braces to treat scoliosis or not though. I read that book in the mid 1990s, and I think the book was sort of old even then.

starrynight

@indemnifyme - Good suggestion. I think chiropractic care should definitely be used in conjunction with physical therapy though. That's just my opinion.

But really, if the cervical spine lordosis isn't bad and only bothers you once in awhile, I don't really see the need for either treatment. Taking a pain reliever every few weeks doesn't seem like such a big deal to me, especially if that's what your doctor recommends.

I think most patients should probably just follow the recommendations of their primary care doctor. They'll be able to tell if the lordosis is bad enough to require further treatment or not.

indemnifyme

I'm really surprised that this article didn't mention chiropractic care for cervical lordosis symptoms. I think it would be way better to try going to the chiropractor rather than taking pain relievers all the time.

I've had some probably with my neck and back, and my chiropractor has been so helpful to me. Last time I was at the office, I noticed a little information packet about how chiropractic care could help conditions like scoliosis.

I know some people are still a bit skeptical of going to the chiropractor, but it's very mainstream these days. In fact, my insurance even covers my chiropractic care! I doubt insurance would cover something that wasn't effective.

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    • Patients who are overweight are at a higher risk of developing complications associated with cervical lordosis.
      By: jinga80
      Patients who are overweight are at a higher risk of developing complications associated with cervical lordosis.
    • Most cases of cervical lordosis are mild and require no treatment.
      By: Judex
      Most cases of cervical lordosis are mild and require no treatment.
    • Patients with poor posture may be at greater risk of developing cervical lordosis.
      By: Felix Mizioznikov
      Patients with poor posture may be at greater risk of developing cervical lordosis.
    • Prescription painkillers are sometimes necessary for those with cervical lordosis.
      By: emiliau
      Prescription painkillers are sometimes necessary for those with cervical lordosis.
    • Cervical lordosis may cause severe neck pain.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Cervical lordosis may cause severe neck pain.
    • Spinal fusion is the most common type of surgical procedure used to treat cervical lordosis.
      By: naypong
      Spinal fusion is the most common type of surgical procedure used to treat cervical lordosis.
    • Kyphosis, which results in a hunchedbacked appearance, can sometimes be accompanied by lordosis.
      By: Petr Nad
      Kyphosis, which results in a hunchedbacked appearance, can sometimes be accompanied by lordosis.