If you’ve been told you have military neck—a loss or flattening of the natural curve in your cervical spine—you may be wondering what it means for your health, and more importantly, what you can do about it. While the diagnosis can sound concerning, it doesn’t have to be a hopeless situation.
In a recent episode of The Headache Doctor Podcast, Dr. Taves explains what military neck really is, why it happens, and how to move forward toward relief.
What Is Military Neck?
Military neck refers to a reduced or flattened curvature in the cervical spine. Instead of having a gentle “C” shape that helps absorb stress, the neck appears straighter. People often worry this posture alone causes pain, but as Dr. Taves points out, it’s less about perfect alignment and more about how well your neck moves.
Why Military Neck Happens
A number of factors can contribute to military neck, including:
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Posture: Long hours of sitting or looking down at screens.
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Tight Muscles: Overactive accessory muscles in the shoulders and upper back.
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Movement Patterns: Lack of mobility in the low and mid-back, which shifts stress up into the neck.
Over time, this can create tension, reduce mobility, and trigger symptoms like headaches or migraines.
How Military Neck Affects Headaches
When your neck doesn’t move the way it should, the muscles around it work overtime. This often leads to pain at the base of the skull, tension headaches, or even migraines. As Dr. Taves explains, the key is understanding the symptoms and movement patterns rather than focusing solely on the shape of your spine.
Practical Steps to Reduce Symptoms
The good news is that military neck is manageable. Dr. Taves recommends practical strategies such as:
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Lumbar support to improve posture while sitting.
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Lat stretches to improve mobility in the mid-back and shoulders.
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Chin tucks to gently restore healthy movement in the neck.
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Tools like the SAM device, which can mimic key aspects of physical therapy treatment to release tension and improve alignment.
With consistent care, most people can significantly reduce symptoms and improve their quality of life.
Moving Forward with Confidence
Being diagnosed with military neck doesn’t mean you’re stuck with chronic pain. The real solution lies in addressing posture, movement, and the underlying physical issues contributing to your symptoms. With the right approach, you can find relief from headaches and migraines, restore mobility, and move forward with confidence.
👉 Ready to take the next step? Book your free discovery visit with Novera: Headache Center at www.noveraheadachecenter.com.
