What Are The Best Non-Surgical Interventions For Cervical Kyphosis?

There is hope if you have cervical kyphosis, the most common deformity of the cervical spine, and one which can lead to significant disability, according to a 2019 research in Asian Spine Journal. People with extreme cases of cervical kyphosis may be advised that surgery is the best or only option to correct the condition, which is characterized by an abnormal curvature of the cervical spine—the portion of the spine that runs through the neck. However, several non-surgical alternatives exist, including one backed by research and endorsed by world-renowned neurosurgeons, which will be highlighted below.

What is Cervical Kyphosis?

The normal curvature of the cervical spine is a slight lordotic curve, meaning it has a gentle inward curve. However, this natural curve becomes greatly exaggerated with cervical kyphosis, resulting in a more pronounced forward curvature. A normal cervical posture should have a lordotic curve of approximately 43 degrees measured from C2 to C7. In severe cases of cervical kyphosis, the lordotic curve may be significantly reduced or even absent. Without this normal lordosis, the balance of the head's weight is tilted forward and creates increased wear and tear on the intervertebral discs and the vertebral bodies.

What Causes Cervical Kyphosis?

It can be caused by various factors, including:

• Degenerative changes in the spine
• Trauma (from an accident)
• Congenital (present at birth) abnormalities
• Poor posture

What Are The Symptoms of Cervical Kyphosis?

Symptoms will vary, depending on the severity. The most common physiological manifestations include:

• Neck pain
• Stiffness
• Neurological issues (if the spinal cord or nerves are compressed)
• Forward Head Posture

How is Cervical Kyphosis Different From Forward Head Posture?

While forward head posture can be a symptom of cervical kyphosis, not all cases of forward head posture necessarily involve an abnormal curvature of the cervical spine. Forward head posture is a specific aspect of poor posture where the head is positioned more forward than is typical for the neutral alignment of the spine. It often involves the head extending forward from the shoulders, which can contribute to strain on the neck and upper back muscles.

In other words, forward head posture is a more general term, referring to the positioning of the head in relation to the rest of the body. On the other hand, cervical kyphosis specifically denotes an abnormal curvature of the cervical spine.

How is Cervical Kyphosis Diagnosed?

According to a research review in the Journal of Spine Surgery co-written by researchers from the Norton Leatherman Spine Center in Louisville, KY, the major underlying conditions of cervical kyphosis include:

• Disc degeneration
• Undergoing a laminectomy: The removal of the lamina, a part of the vertebra, to alleviate pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.
• Ankylosing spondylitis: A chronic inflammatory condition that primarily affects the spine, causing pain and stiffness, and can lead to the fusion of spinal vertebrae over time.

Patients with cervical kyphosis, according to the researchers from Norton Leatherman, will present with one or more of the following symptoms (in addition to neck pain):

• Myelopathy: Damage or dysfunction of the spinal cord, often resulting in symptoms such as weakness, numbness, and problems with coordination.
• Radiculopathy: Compression or irritation of a spinal nerve root, leading to symptoms such as pain, tingling, or weakness along the nerve pathway.
• Problems with horizontal eye movement.
• Difficulty swallowing and breathing.

(A note for practitioners: The researchers suggest cervical kyphosis should be evaluated by assessing cervical lordosis, C2-7 sagittal vertical axis, chin-brow to vertical angle, and T1 slope from the upright lateral 36-inch film.)

Best Non-Surgical Alternatives for Cervical Kyphosis

A highly effective tool for restoring the normal lordotic curve of the cervical spine exists for individuals with cervical kyphosis, & can be used from the comfort of home.

Posture Pump® Disc Hydrator®

Expanding Ellipsoidal Decompression (EED®) in Posture Pump® neck and back pain relief devices is a patented technology that decompresses the cervical spine. Created in 1994 with over 3 million units sold, Posture Pump® devices are designed for home use and are also easy to travel with. In just one daily 5-15 minute session, Posture Pump® can alleviate pressure on the intervertebral discs, reduce nerve compression, and potentially improve the spine's alignment.

Gently stretching the spine, Posture Pump® devices create a negative pressure within the intervertebral discs. This negative pressure can help draw bulging or herniated disc material back into place and promote hydration and nutrient exchange within the discs. The end result? Posture Pump® may restore the natural lordotic curve of the cervical spine (the opposite of a kyphotic curve, or kyphosis).

EED® vs Linear Traction

Axial linear traction is often cited as a viable treatment for cervical misalignment. However, research shows that traditional linear traction (applying a gentle, longitudinal force along the axis of the spine) is subpar to the technology of Expanding Ellipsoidal Decompression (EED®) found in Posture Pump® devices when it comes to restoring normal cervical lordosis.

In a study of 36 patients led by neurosurgeon C. Norman Shealy, MD, PhD, the inventor of the modern transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) unit, with axial linear traction, the cervical lordotic curve of the patients was flattened or even buckled posterior into kyphosis in 83% of subjects with a variety of variations in the degree of such change. On the other hand, when EED® was applied via Posture Pump®, joints were decompressed, and the lordotic curve was enhanced or restored. Cervical curves were actually compromised or made worse in 30 of 36 subjects during axial linear traction. In contrast, the cervical curve after using Posture Pump® was improved in 26 of 36 subjects. None of the subjects had any significant discomfort during the procedure, and in all 36 subjects, posture during Posture Pump® usage was superior to axial linear traction.

Reviews of Posture Pump® For Cervical Kyphosis

Cervical kyphosis may also be improved with physical therapy, orthotic devices, pilates or yoga, and ultrasound- and TENS therapy, to name a few.

However, Posture Pump® devices offer the most bang for your buck for ease of use, convenience, affordability, portability, and efficacy.

We’re so confident you’ll experience significant improvements, we offer a 60-day satisfaction guarantee. See what others are saying about Posture Pump®, including this review:

"I was diagnosed with cervical kyphosis/forward head posture, and at the ripe old age of 31 I had some obvious signs of degenerative disc disease on my X-rays. Some of the physical aspects of the Army were becoming increasingly difficult for me and the Army’s solution to back issues seemed to be to pump you full of pain killers and muscle relaxers, which I hate. While looking for something new on the internet, I came across your website and gave the Model 1400-D a try. I basically consider it a miracle device, by far it has been the best thing I have ever used on my back. I am now lifting weights twice a week which I have not been able to do for probably 6 years. I have only been using the thing for about 2 months and my upper back and neck are as good as they have been for years."

- M. L., United States Army Veteran, Ashburn, VA