The Cervical Curve

The human neck is meant to be curved. Unfortunately, many people today have lost this vital feature. Not only is this unsightly but it can lead to a cascade of issues throughout your body and greatly impair your life experience. Autonomic disruption, digestive issues, and pain are but just a few of the potential consequences from losing this curve. 

This curve is referred to as the “Arc of Life” as it is what helps to support the weight of the head above and protect the vital nerves that sprout from the cervical vertebrae. Among these nerves are those that innervate the diaphragm, heart, and deep muscles of the neck. Changing the position of the head and neck can place pressure on or irritate these structures, changing their input to the brain and the region of innervation.

The lordotic shape of the neck functions as a leaf spring, absorbing the weight of the skull against gravity during upright posture and while walking. Should the curve disappear, the spring will be unable to function, potentially causing cervical nerves to become irritated or crushed between the vertebrae. This can be painful and lead to downstream neurological problems.

Without the curve, the head is usually held forward, this is referred to as “forward head posture/carriage”. In this position, the functions of both the trapezius and SCM (along with all other muscles in the neck) are severely altered. One of the effects is the compression of the brachial plexus beneath the clavicle from the weight of the head and the new position.

When this occurs, nerve and blood supply to the arms is constricted and has been shown to contribute to injuries in the upper limb. Nerves can also become irritated between muscles such as the scalenes which are usually asked to work beyond their capacity in these instances. Many issues in the shoulder, arm, elbow, wrist, and hands can be traced back to this occurrence. Unless this is treated, the injury will continue to resurface somewhere in the limb.

An absent curve can affect the face and mouth, spurring their degeneration. These will feed each other as a weak/inhibited tongue will further contribute to a misshapen neck. Generally, people will experience both. Symptoms of TMD may manifest as a result. A forward head causes the jaw to be pulled backward in order to help balance.

Some factors that can contribute to the disappearance of a cervical curve:

-Acute trauma (whiplash injuries)
-Suboccipital/visual dysfunction
-Inhibited breathing mechanics
-Craniosacral insufficiencies
-ANS imbalance
-Gut irritation

Here is a simple exercise that can help restore the curve. Note that this should not be done if painful and one should be relaxed, not tense, while performing it.

Practicing the opposing motion of flexion can be helpful too. This will strengthen the deep neck flexors that help maintain this posture. Not a “chin tuck”, but feeling as if your skull is being pulled up and behind you. You can use a towel to help maintain the curve during this.

The axis of these movements runs through the external auditory meatus (earhole) of the temporal bone. These bones serve as the anchor for the SCM and also house the balancing mechanisms of the inner ear. Imagine a rod that passes through your ear from which you flex and extend.

It is important to be aware of the state of your neck throughout the day. You should be able to feel the cushioned comfort of a cervical curve when you are static and/or in motion. If there is any pain in relation to an exercise or position, that is a sign to stop.