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Understanding Military Neck Pain: Definition and Causes

Written By Heuser Chiropractic on December 14, 2023

a guy with neck pain

Military neck, or cervical kyphosis, is a condition caused by an abnormal curvature of the cervical spine. It received its name because the condition makes you look like you’re standing at attention; however, it doesn’t have anything to do with military service. At Heuser Chiropractic Health and Accident Recovery Center, Dr. Douglas Devries can evaluate your neck pain and determine its underlying cause. He will then design a personalized treatment plan for military neck pain in Yuma, AZ.

Symptoms and Impact on Daily Life

The symptoms of military neck pain can affect every element of your life. If you are having trouble sleeping, working, exercising, or taking part in hobbies and activities you enjoy, Dr. Devries can help. Visit us if you notice any of these common symptoms associated with military neck pain:

  • Neck pain and weakness
  • Muscle fatigue
  • Trouble swallowing or breathing
  • Back pain
  • Trouble lifting your head or moving your neck
  • Muscle spasms in your back or neck
  • Headaches
  • Vision problems
  • Noticeable bending or curvature of your neck

Diagnostic Approaches for Military Neck Pain

Dr. Devries and his team will perform a full evaluation and diagnostic work-up to determine the cause of your neck pain. The most common causes of military neck pain are degenerative disc disease, congenital kyphosis, cervical spondylosis, trauma, infection, and iatrogenic kyphosis. We will perform a physical evaluation and discuss your symptoms, health history, past surgeries and injuries, and lifestyle. We will take a CT scan or MRI to assess your cervical spine, and we may also recommend a myelogram, EMG, bone scan, or ultrasound to get further detail. 

Chiropractic Interventions for Military Neck Pain

The goal of our treatment is drug-free pain management and correction of spinal imbalances. We may recommend cervical traction or decompression to relieve pressure on your cervical spine and nerves and encourage the spine to shift back into alignment. We may recommend physical therapy to improve the strength of the muscles that support your neck and increase your flexibility and range of motion. We can also offer pain management solutions like class IV laser therapy and trigger point therapy.

Preventive Measures and Lifestyle Adjustments

In addition to our in-office treatments, we will help you take preventive measures to reduce the risk of future neck pain. We will suggest lifestyle adjustments that will help you as you heal and make it easier to get back to your normal routine. 

Learn More About Collaborative Care and Neck Pain Management in Yuma, AZ

At Heuser Chiropractic Health and Accident Recovery Center, we take a multidisciplinary approach towards neck pain treatment in Yuma, AZ. Dr. Devries collaborates with specialists and other healthcare professionals to design and implement a personalized chiropractic care plan that addresses the underlying cause of your neck pain, improves your symptoms and overall well-being, and reduces the risk of future neck pain. Call us today to schedule an appointment, or contact us online.


Posted In: Neck Pain