Does the sagittal alignment of the cervical spine have an impact on disk degeneration? Minimum 10-year follow-up of asymptomatic volunteers

Eur Spine J. Nov 2009; 18(11): 1644–1651.PMCID:

Eijiro Okada,¹et al

Progression of posterior disk protrusion was significantly more frequent in subjects over 40 years of age with non-lordosis type of sagittal alignment. However, no significant correlation between the sagittal alignment of the cervical spine and clinical symptoms was detected. Sagittal alignment of the cervical spine had some impact on the progression of degenerative changes of the cervical spine with aging; however, it had no correlation with the occurrence of future clinical symptoms.

Dr. Kennedy comment:  One of several studies & Meta-analysis of the cervical ‘curve’.  Most are consistent in the determination the curve doesn’t appear to be directly correlated to pain, disability or future prognosis (but this population were asymptomatic, other studies (Gore 1989) suggest only 10% of kyphotic necks are pain-free).  And non-lordosis configurations were related to the most serious protrusions……So(?) that means something!

 The Neck Deck is our inexpensive offering to help address the cervical sagittal alignment. If a patient has persistent neck pain forward head posture, loss of curve, tension myofascial effects and inefficient contraction patterns there should be a strategy to address each of them.