How Abnormal Neck Curvature Can Increase Spinal Stress 6–10× and Accelerate Arthritis & Disc Disease
People with reversed or abnormal neck curvature (instead of the natural ‘C’-shaped curve) may load their spine 6 to 10 times more than normal.
These abnormal curves increase stress on the front of the vertebrae and discs.
Over time, this elevated stress contributes to:
Spinal arthritis (bone spurs/osteophytes forming at high-stress areas)
Degenerative disc disease (disc thinning, bulging, or herniations
Why This Matters Even Without Pain
Studies show asymptomatic people (those without symptoms) already develop degeneration if they have abnormal neck curves, and then they often develop symptoms later.
Reversing or abnormal curves are strong predictors of future neck issues.
The modeling by CBP researchers (Harrison et al.) shows that even small curve changes drastically increase mechanical load.
Implications for Chiropractic Biophysics (CBP)
CBP practitioners measure cervical curvature precisely with X-ray imaging to detect early deviations.
Early detection allows CBP protocols to restore proper lordosis (natural forward curve), reducing stress loads and slowing or preventing degeneration.
This proactive approach offers potential to reduce development of:
Chronic neck pain
Headaches
Accelerated spinal arthritis and disc disease
Takeaways
Neck posture is more than cosmetic. Curve shape changes how forces distribute through your spine.
Even if you’re not in pain, your neck structure may be quietly deteriorating.
CBP offers structural correction, not just symptom relief.
Early evaluation (e.g., X-ray, curve measurement) gives you a chance to correct before degeneration becomes significant.
