Military Neck

Military Neck (Picture): This is when the neck is straight. There is supposed to be a curve in the neck to accommodate the weight of the head. Think of some of the ancient structures that are still standing, many if not most of them have arches to strengthen the structures (one of the most famous is the Colosseum in Italy - Picture). The curvature allows for more weight by giving a mechanical advantage. When the neck straightens then that mechanical advantage is lost. It then feels like the head is heavier and the structure and muscles have to work harder to hold up the head. This by itself can cause neck pain, upper back pain and shoulder pain because it puts stress on the individual parts of the spine and shoulders because of the changes in structure. The changes increase the pressure on the joints which can speed up the degenerative processes speeding up arthritis. Some people have pain that radiates from this condition as well. Some people get Headaches from this situation. Some people will get radiating numbness, tingling or pain down one or both arms and can be as far as the hands. This situation is usually very treatable. This is an example of a cause of a condition. If the downward problems (symptoms) are treated without addressing the underlying cause then the symptoms will just keep coming back.