Neck flattening, which occurs when the angle of the neck deteriorates, causes severe pain and negatively affects the quality of life. Stating that people should avoid working in a fixed position for a long time, especially for more than an hour, experts recommend avoiding the use of the computer with wrong angles, ensuring a sitting posture in accordance with ergonomic rules, using a pillow to support the inward angle of the neck while lying down and developing a regular exercise habit.
Üsküdar University NPISTANBUL Hospital Physical Therapy Specialist Dr. Nurten Korkmaz made evaluations regarding neck flattening, which affects the quality of life of the person.
Dr. Nurten Korkmaz, who defines neck flattening as "the cervical spine, which is called the cervical spine, is normally inward (cervical lordosis) and becomes flat", said, "Cervical lordosis is the angle where the load distribution is most appropriate and prevents the head from standing balanced on the cervical spine and overloading the vertebrae and discs."
Beware of computer use at wrong angles!
Referring to the causes of neck corrections, Dr. Nurten Korkmaz said, "If there is a pathology originating from the cervical spine, the inward angle of the spine flattens as reflex muscle spasm develops. This is often a temporary condition and when the muscle spasm is resolved, the angle of the spine returns to normal. In more permanent spinal pathologies, the muscle spasm may not be resolved and the angle may not be corrected. Similarly, frequent use of the spine at wrong angles can also affect the cervical angle. Computer use at wrong angles, fixed posture for a long time, sitting and lying in bad posture, not exercising can cause deterioration of the neck angle."
Dr. Nurten Korkmaz stated that neck straightening can be temporary or permanent due to muscle spasm in those with degenerative, traumatic, congenital pathology in the cervical spine and can be seen in those who work in the wrong posture and those who do not exercise for this.
Most of the time asymptomatic
Noting that neck flattening is often asymptomatic, that is, it does not show symptoms and the patient may not notice it, Dr. Nurten Korkmaz warned, "Long-term impaired cervical angle may cause degenerations as excessive load will be placed on the joints, discs, muscles and bones in the spine."
Attention to pillow use
Stating that neck flattening can be treated, Dr. Nurten Korkmaz also noted that exercises are important in the treatment process and said the following:
"First of all, the underlying pathology should be investigated and treated in flattening that develops in reaction to muscle spasm. With this treatment, muscle spasm will be resolved and the angle will become normal. After ergonomic adjustments are made in those due to improper use, strengthening exercises should be performed to increase the cervical lordosis, posture for the neck and back, and strengthening exercises that ensure that the angle is inclined inward. Exercises should be done regularly every day, if possible 3 times a day for 10 repetitions and should be continued for at least 3 months. When lying down, the inward angle of the neck should be supported with a pillow, neither too high nor without a pillow."