Prolonged shoulder pain, examination found cervical spine lost physiological curvature

According to Mr. H., the pain appeared dull and gradually became more severe, affecting his sleep, concentration and work performance. He treated himself at home with plasters, oil massage and rest but there was no improvement.

It is known that Mr. H. often sits and works for more than 8 hours a day with the computer screen placed below eye level, his neck bent forward, a bad posture that has lasted for many months. He also has the habit of sleeping with a high pillow and lying on his side with his neck bent.

After being examined and X-rayed, the results showed that Mr. H's cervical spine had completely lost its physiological curvature (also known as straight neck), causing the cervical vertebrae to be almost vertical instead of having the normal forward curvature.

Shoulder pain, cervical spine completely losing its physiological curvature is a common disease today.

Photo: AI

Dr. Ngo Thi Kim Oanh, Deputy Head of the Acupuncture and Health Care Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Campus 3, said: “In healthy adults, the cervical spine has a slight forward curve. When this curve is lost, the spine becomes “straight as a stick”, increasing pressure on the discs, joints, ligaments and muscles around the neck. In the long term, this can lead to early degeneration, cervical disc herniation, compression of nerve roots or spinal cord, causing pain, numbness in the hands, dizziness, and even muscle weakness”. The consequences cannot be ignored.

After assessing the extent of the injury, Mr. H. was treated with traditional medicine and non-traditional medicine methods, combined with rehabilitation, including:

Acupuncture - electroacupuncture - hydroacupuncture : Helps reduce muscle stiffness and improve blood circulation in the neck and shoulder area.

Cervical spine traction with machine : Restores physiological curvature.

Massage, acupressure, infrared radiation : Support pain relief, muscle relaxation.

Physical therapy and health care exercises : Adjust sitting - lying - working posture.

After 3 weeks of treatment, Mr. H's pain was significantly reduced.

Loss of the physiological curve of the neck not only causes pain but also has many potential neurological risks such as sleep disorders.

Photo: AI

Neurological and musculoskeletal risks

According to Dr. Kim Oanh, loss of the physiological curve of the neck not only causes pain but also has many potential risks to the nerves and musculoskeletal system, such as:

Chronic neck and shoulder pain.

Nerve root compression, causing numbness down the arm.

Headache, dizziness, balance disorder.

Early spinal degeneration, risk of cervical disc herniation.

Sleep disorders, decreased work performance.

If not treated promptly, it can progress to severe condition requiring surgery or long-term rehabilitation.

The cervical spine loses its physiological curvature.

Doctors also warn that neck curvature loss is no longer a disease of the elderly, but is spreading among the 20-35 age group due to a sedentary lifestyle and dependence on electronic devices. Therefore, to protect their health, young people need to:

Self-check working posture : Screen at eye level, do not bend your neck for long.

Maintain movement : Practice stretching exercises to strengthen the neck - shoulder - back muscles.

Take regular breaks : Change position at least every 30-45 minutes.

Choose the right pillow : Not too high or too hard.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/dau-moi-vai-keo-dai-di-kham-thay-cot-song-co-mat-do-cong-sinh-ly-185250520233114009.htm