Military Neck Treatment: An Alternative and Natural Method

What is Military Neck?

Military neck is a term that was coined by doctors in the military who noticed that soldiers returning from service had a higher incidence of neck pain, headaches, and back pain. This is a common condition in people who have been in the military, but it is routinely found in athletes, car accident victims, and head injury victims. And, military neck is also a risk for people who have occupations that require them to wear heavy backpacks or equipment that hangs from the shoulders, or who sit for long periods of time.

Signs and Symptoms of Military Neck 

Military neck is characterized by postural issues and stiffness in the upper back and neck area. This stiffness can also be accompanied by numbness and tingling in the arms, shoulders, and fingers. Left untreated, military pain can lead to muscle spasms and muscle tears, along with headaches, neck pain, and even loss of mobility in the upper back and neck area.

How the Upper Cervical Spine Affects Military Neck

The upper cervical spine, which consists of the first seven vertebrae in the upper back, is vital to the health and well-being of the entire body. The upper cervical spine has the most lordotic curve of any part of the spine. This means that the curve of the upper cervical spine is the first and most dramatic change in the spine as it curves from the neck and shoulders to the back. 

When the upper cervical spine is placed under extended stress, the spine will compensate by shortening and tightening the lordotic curve, which can lead to a host of problems throughout the body, including military neck.

How Our Military Neck Treatment Works 

Our military neck treatment is a non-surgical, non-invasive, and natural way to help patients with military neck. Our treatment for military neck begins with a thorough physical examination of the neck and upper back. If we detect an upper cervical misalignment, our expert chiropractor, Dr. Hoefer will use digital X-rays and cone-beam computed tomography scans to determine the exact angle and location of the misaligned vertebra.

Once the misalignment is located, Dr. Hoefer will employ gentle chiropractic adjustment techniques to realign the affected vertebra and restore the natural curve of the upper cervical spine.

If you’re looking for a natural and safe treatment for military neck, Dr. Hoefer services patients in Orange County, including Anaheim, Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Laguna Niguel, Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, Dana Point, San Clemente, Newport Beach, and Santa Ana.