A picture, not a diagnosis
Military neck means your neck looks straight, or curves slightly the wrong way, on a side-on X-ray. It describes a picture, not a disease, and despite the name it has nothing to do with military service.
Posture guide
Military neck: a straight neck, what's normal and what exercise can change
Military neck is an informal name for a neck that looks straight on a side-on X-ray, or curves slightly the other way, instead of curving gently inward. X-ray reports call it loss or straightening of the cervical lordosis (the neck's inward curve), and some people call it straight neck syndrome. It's common: in studies of people without any neck pain, about a third had a straight or reversed neck.
Large studies find the same neck curves in people with and without neck pain, so a straight neck on its own isn't a diagnosis or a cause for alarm. If your neck hurts, strength work for the neck, shoulders and upper back has the best evidence, and it helps whatever your curve.
This guide covers how the curve is measured, what's normal, whiplash, phones, pillows and traction devices, the moves with 3D demos, and when to get your neck checked.
15 moves15 with 3D demosWhat's normalThe evidencePhones and pillowsExercisesRoutinesWhen to get checked
The short version
Common in people without neck pain
In 21 studies of 15,364 people without symptoms, about two in three had an inward neck curve, so roughly a third didn't. In 468 healthy volunteers, the average neck was close to straight.
At most weakly linked to pain
Large studies found the same neck curves in people with and without neck pain, and a review concluded that most studies show no link. A few small clinic studies did find differences.
Strength work helps neck pain, whatever your curve
Strength training for the neck, shoulders and upper back, motor control exercise, yoga and Pilates all eased chronic neck pain in trials. Train for strength and comfort, not to change an X-ray.
Curve-correction claims come from one group
Trials of extension traction devices report bigger curves, but almost all come from one research group whose authors declare commercial ties, and in its own trials pain improved just as much without traction by the end of treatment.
What military neck is
The shape
Seen from the side, a typical neck curves gently inward (a lordosis), like the lower back, while the upper back curves outward. In military neck the neck looks straight, or curves slightly outward, which doctors call cervical kyphosis, and some necks curve one way at the top and the other way lower down. X-ray reports describe it as 'loss', 'straightening' or 'reversal' of the cervical lordosis.
How it's measured
On a side-on X-ray taken standing, the angle between the second and seventh neck bones (C2 to C7) is measured either from their flat top and bottom surfaces (the Cobb method) or along their backs (the posterior tangent method). The two give different numbers: in people without symptoms, about 13 degrees by one and 19 by the other. Examiners measuring the same X-ray agree well.
Your neck changes from one X-ray to the next
Standing or sitting, and where you hold your arms, changed neck readings by 1 to 16.6 degrees across 8 studies. In one study, a person's curve could differ by up to 13.5 degrees between X-rays taken 4 weeks apart, and in 26 people the curve was smallest standing and about 17 degrees bigger sitting slumped.
Lying-down scans
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is done lying down, and on lying MRI a straight neck is the most common appearance. A report of 'straightening' on an MRI says little about how your neck sits when you're upright.
Source 18
A posture photo measures something else
Forward head posture, measured from a side-on photo, is about where your head sits in front of your shoulders, not the curve itself. In 120 people the two were only weakly related, so a photo can't tell you your neck's curve.
It begins before birth
The neck's inward curve begins before birth: an X-ray study of fetal spines found it much earlier in development than had been thought.
What causes it
Mostly normal variation: the tilt at the top of your chest, whether you sat or stood for the X-ray, and whether you're a man or a woman all shift it. Wear in the neck is common with or without symptoms, and in one study the curve was smaller only in people over 50 with marked disc narrowing. Rarely, a fixed reversed curve follows neck surgery, an injury or another condition, and a spinal specialist assesses it.
What's normal
About a third of healthy necks are straight or reversedStrong evidence
In 21 studies of 15,364 people without symptoms, 64% had an inward curve. A reversed curve was found in 26% of 958 adults without symptoms and in 32% of 84 healthy volunteers, and in a small study of 26 people standing, 73% had no inward curve.
Straight on averageEmerging evidence
In 468 healthy volunteers from 5 countries, the average C2 to C7 angle was minus 0.4 degrees, give or take 12.7: straight on average, with a wide spread either way.
Source 5
Three normal shapesEmerging evidence
In 84 healthy volunteers, necks fell into three groups: a reversed curve (32%), a medium curve (51%) and a large curve (17%). The group tracked the tilt at the top of the chest, and the authors call this 'the broad definition of normal'.
Source 4
Men, women and ageMixed evidence
Men average more curve than women, and women were more likely to have a straight neck in an older study. With age the results differ: the meta-analysis found no link, the MEANS study found more neck curve in older people as the upper back rounded, and in 958 adults a reversed curve was more common with age.
Is 30 to 40 degrees normal?Mixed evidence
A chiropractic X-ray study proposed 31 to 40 degrees as 'clinically normal' and linked under 20 degrees with neck complaints. But most groups without symptoms, measured the same way, average under 20 degrees, so there's no agreed normal number.
What the evidence says
The curve and neck painStrong evidence
In the meta-analysis, the curve didn't differ between people with and without symptoms. There was no link with neck pain in 762 community adults, in 107 adults over 45, or between 29 patients and 30 matched volunteers, and a review concluded that most studies show no correlation.
Small studies that did find differencesEmerging evidence
Some small clinic studies found weaker neck extensors (32 people against 31), smaller or less active muscles at the back of the neck and shoulders, longer headache attacks but not more frequent or severe ones (38 people against 38), straight necks more often in fibromyalgia, and different overall alignment in non-specific neck pain (25 against 25). Each looked at one point in time, so they can't show which came first.
Not a sign of muscle spasmEmerging evidence
In an older study, straight necks were as common on X-rays from a healthy population survey (42%) as in people with acute (19%) or chronic (26%) neck pain, though the survey's X-rays were taken differently. The idea that a straight neck means muscle spasm wasn't supported.
Source 23
WhiplashMixed evidence
In 488 people just after whiplash and 495 volunteers, straight and angled necks were equally common, which suggests they're normal variants rather than injuries. A reversed curve on MRI 10 days after the accident went with worse headache at first, but not with neck pain or headache a year later. One CT (computed tomography) study of 46 people linked two other neck angles with not recovering at 6 months.
Phones and screensEmerging evidence
Texting bends the top of the neck while you do it, without changing the overall curve on X-ray. In 396 adults followed for a year, how far they bent their neck while texting didn't predict neck pain, while poor sleep and too little activity did, and in 150 young adults text-neck posture wasn't linked with neck pain. A review of office workers didn't find posture among the confirmed risk factors.
Flatter necks in newer X-raysEmerging evidence
Two studies found flatter neck curves in people X-rayed recently than in people X-rayed years before: in China, from about 24 to 19 degrees in men and 20 to 13 in women between 2016 and 2024, and in Korea, inward curves fell from 20% to 9% of young women. These compare different groups of people, not the same people over time. Neither study recorded screen time, and the Chinese group were people who had asked for neck checks, so the cause is unknown.
Extension tractionMixed evidence
A review of 9 controlled trials reports curve gains of 12 to 18 degrees after 15 to 60 sessions of extension traction, in which a device such as the Denneroll holds the neck bent backwards. Almost all the trials come from one research group: the review's authors include a paid consultant to a chiropractic technique organisation and someone who sells rehabilitation products, and the senior author of the device trials heads a company that distributes it.
In those trials, pain and disability improved just as much without traction at the end of 10 weeks, and differed only a year later. A neutral review describes this group as the only one pursuing curve restoration, and no independent trial has confirmed it.
Neck-extensor exercise and the curveEmerging evidence
In one trial of 65 people with a straight neck, both groups took anti-inflammatory medicine for 10 days, and the curve 'returned to physiological' more often in the group who also did isometric neck extension at home for 3 months: 85% against 23%. We could read only the trial's summary, which doesn't say how 'physiological' was defined, so this is one small trial's result, not what to expect.
In 70 young adults, 12 months of neck-extensor training beat stretching for pain, disability and movement, but a normal curve was reached by 28% against 9%, which wasn't statistically significant. An uncontrolled study found a change of about 4 degrees, less than one person's curve varies between X-rays.
ManipulationEmerging evidence
Four weeks of manipulation for neck pain didn't change the curve. In one trial, adding manipulation to neck retraction exercise eased pain faster and changed alignment angles more than exercise alone.
Exercise for neck painStrong evidence
In a Cochrane review of 27 trials, strength training for the neck, shoulders and upper back reduced chronic neck pain by a moderate to large amount at the end of treatment, on moderate-quality evidence, while stretching alone may not help. A network analysis of 40 trials found motor control exercise, yoga, Pilates, tai chi or qigong, and strengthening about equally effective, though the certainty was very low.
Strength changes posture measures; stretching doesn'tStrong evidence
In 23 studies of healthy people, strengthening improved posture, most in the neck and upper back, while stretching didn't. In people with neck pain and forward head posture, exercise improved the head angle by about 3 degrees and pain by about 1.4 points out of 10.
Chin tucks and the curveEmerging evidence
In 36 healthy adults, a larger longus colli, one of the deep neck flexors that chin tucks train, went with a less curved neck. Chin tucks are for control and strength; they aren't expected to restore a curve.
Source 45
ScansStrong evidence
Neck X-rays often show wear that may not explain symptoms: by 60 to 65, 95% of men and 70% of women without symptoms had at least one sign of it. American radiology guidance warns that these common findings can mislead, so a report needs reading alongside your symptoms.
Phones, pillows and collars
Looking down at a phone
Looking down is a normal movement, and studies so far don't show that phones straighten the neck or cause neck pain. If long spells looking down feel uncomfortable, change position and take breaks (our editorial advice).
The head-weight figure
The often-quoted load on the neck when you look down comes from a calculation of forces, not from measuring anyone's pain or neck shape.
Source 47
Pillows
No pillow type has been shown to be clearly best for neck pain. Rubber or spring pillows eased pain slightly in one review, and pillow height and shape changed how the neck lined up lying on your side. For a sore neck, the NHS suggests a low, firm pillow, your head level with the rest of your body, and not sleeping on your front. We found no trial showing that a special pillow or a neck roll changes the curve.
Collars
The NHS says not to wear a neck collar for neck pain, or after whiplash: it's better to keep your neck moving.
What helps, and how much
If your neck doesn't hurt
Nothing is needed. A straight neck on an X-ray done for something else is a common finding in people without symptoms.
A starting programme
Two or three sessions a week of neck, shoulder and upper-back strength work for at least 8 weeks, which is our editorial starting point; the trials ran for weeks to months. The neck and shoulder strength routine below puts it together, and yoga or Pilates are reasonable alternatives.
Neck strength
The front and back neck press at the move page's dose: build to a 10-second press, 3 times each way, for 3 rounds, starting with light pressure. Four-way neck holds, 3 to 5 holds of 5 to 10 seconds each way at a light effort; lying chin tucks, up to 10 holds of up to 10 seconds once or twice a day at a very light effort; upright chin tucks, 10 holds of 5 seconds twice a day; then chin tucks with a head lift, 3 to 5 holds of 5 seconds building to 10 holds of 10 seconds (our editorial starting points, as on the forward head posture guide).
Upper back
Band rows at the move page's dose, 3 sets of 10 to 15. Y-T-W raises, 5 to 8 of each letter for 2 rounds; band pull-aparts and face pulls, 2 to 3 sets of 12 to 15; wall angels, 8 slow slides (our editorial starting points).
How hard to push
Some discomfort is fine if it settles by the next morning. Ease off any move that brings on a headache, dizziness, or pins and needles in an arm (our editorial advice).
For a sore neck
The NHS also suggests paracetamol or ibuprofen, heat or cold packs and gentle neck movement, and seeing a GP if the pain doesn't go away after a few weeks. In many areas you can refer yourself to NHS physiotherapy.
Source 50
Judge it by your neck, not an X-ray
Judge progress by pain, movement and strength. An X-ray isn't a good way to check: one person's curve can vary by up to 13.5 degrees between X-rays a month apart.
Source 16
How to do the neck press, front and back
The move page's dose, from an NHS physiotherapy leaflet: build to a 10-second press, 3 times in each direction, for 3 rounds. Ease off if a press brings on a headache.
- Sit tall with your chin gently tucked and your shoulders relaxed.
- Put the palm of one hand on your forehead. Press your head gently forward into your hand, building the pressure over 2 or 3 seconds, without letting your head move.
- Hold for up to 10 seconds while breathing normally, then ease off slowly.
- Clasp your hands behind your head and press back into them the same way.
- Start with light pressure and build to 3 presses each way, for 3 rounds.
See the movement on the 3D figure: Isometric neck press, front and back
Neck strength
Chin tucks and holds at the editorial doses above, 2 or 3 days a week, and the neck press at its move page's dose. Stop a move that brings on dizziness or pins and needles in an arm.
Upper back and shoulder blades
Band rows at the move page's dose; Y-T-W raises, pull-aparts, face pulls and wall angels at the editorial doses above. The seated upper-back lift suits anyone who'd rather not get down on the floor.
Movement breaks
Neck circles, upper-back rotations, open books and the upper trap release at their move pages' doses, as breaks from sitting. They feel good, but stretching and mobility work haven't changed posture in trials.
Routines to follow
The neck and shoulder strength routine is the best fit: 2 or 3 times a week for at least 8 weeks (editorial). The Pilates and yoga classes are gentler alternatives, and the desk break is for long days sitting.
Neck and shoulder strength routine
Deep neck holds and shoulder-blade strength in under 20 minutes: one of the best-supported kinds of exercise for a stiff, sore neck.
18 minBeginner11 movesA band, An anchor point
Pilates for neck pain: a 20-minute head-supported class
A 20-minute Pilates class for neck pain: head-supported core work, upper-back and shoulder-blade strength, gentle neck movement and slow breathing.
20 minBeginner15 movesA wall
Yoga for neck pain: a 20-minute gentle sequence
Twenty minutes of slow breathing, small neck movements, poses that keep your head supported or level, and upper-back strength, with nothing that loads the neck.
20 minBeginner14 movesA step
Upper back mobility routine
A 12-minute routine for a stiff upper back and rounded shoulders: chin tucks, wall angels, Y-T-W raises and open books.
12 minBeginner8 movesA foam roller, A wall
3-minute desk movement break
A 3-minute standing break to repeat every 30 to 60 minutes at your desk: sit-to-stands, calf raises, marching, an upper-back turn and chin tucks.
3 minBeginner5 movesA bench or box, A wallWhen to get your neck checked
Not a warning sign on its own
A straight or reversed neck reported on an X-ray or scan done for something else isn't a warning sign by itself.
Source 1
Call 999 (911 in the US)
Get emergency help for any of these:
- New problems walking, loss of bladder or bowel control, or a sudden lack of co-ordination, such as trouble doing up buttons.
- A drooping face, being unable to lift both arms and keep them up, or difficulty speaking.
Source 52
Get an urgent GP appointment or call NHS 111
Get advice soon (in the US, your doctor or urgent care) for any of these:
- Severe neck pain that starts suddenly or gets worse quickly.
- Heaviness or weakness in your arms or legs.
- Pins and needles in an arm, with neck or arm pain.
- Pain between your shoulder blades.
Source 52
After a neck injury, such as a car accident
Ask for an urgent GP appointment or call NHS 111 if you've injured your neck and have:
- Severe pain even after taking paracetamol or ibuprofen.
- Tingling or pins and needles on one or both sides of your body.
- Problems walking or sitting upright.
- A sudden 'electric shock' feeling in your neck and back, which may go into your arms and legs.
- Hands, arms or legs that feel weak.
Source 51
See a GP
See a GP if neck pain or stiffness hasn't gone after a few weeks, painkillers aren't helping, you have pins and needles or a cold arm, or you're worried. After whiplash, see a GP if your symptoms haven't improved after a week.
A neck shape that's changing
See a GP about a neck curve that's getting worse, a head that drops forward and can't be lifted upright, or new symptoms after neck surgery. A GP can refer you to a spinal specialist (our editorial advice).
Myths
"A straight neck is abnormal and causes neck pain."Strong evidence
About a third of people without symptoms have one, the average healthy neck in one large study was close to straight, and large studies find the same curves with and without neck pain.
"A straight neck comes from your phone."Emerging evidence
Texting bends the top of the neck only while you text, and neck bending on a phone didn't predict neck pain. Newer groups of X-rays do look flatter, but without screen-time data nobody knows why.
"A special pillow will fix it."Emerging evidence
No pillow type is clearly best even for neck pain, and no trial shows a pillow changes your neck's curve when you're upright.
"A straight neck on a scan means muscle spasm."Emerging evidence
Straight necks were as common in healthy people as in acute neck pain, and on lying-down MRI a straight neck is the most common appearance.
"Traction or adjustments will restore your curve and cure the pain."Mixed evidence
The traction trials come from one group with declared commercial ties, and pain improved as much without traction by the end of treatment. Manipulation didn't change the curve in 4 weeks.
"Chin tucks restore the curve."Emerging evidence
Chin tucks train the deep neck flexors, which in one study went with a less curved neck, not a more curved one. They're worth doing for control and strength.
"A normal neck curve is 30 to 40 degrees."Strong evidence
A chiropractic X-ray study proposed it, but people without symptoms average about 13 to 19 degrees depending on the method, about a third have a straight or reversed curve, and the average in one large study was straight.
"Military neck needs surgery."Strong evidence
The NHS considers neck surgery only for a trapped nerve or a problem with the spinal cord, and a straight neck is usually a normal finding.
Read next
- Forward head posture
- Neck hump
- Kyphosis
- Flat back: a flatter lower back
- Lordosis: the lower back's curve
- Sitting posture and desk set-up
- Posture guides
- Neck pain
- Stiff neck
- Tech neck
- Whiplash
- Neck arthritis
- Cervicogenic headache
- Neck pain when sleeping
- Deep neck flexors
- Splenius capitis
- Trapezius
- The spine
- Neck exercises
- Neck stretches
- Pilates for posture
- Yoga for posture
Questions people ask
What is military neck?
It's an informal name for a neck that looks straight on a side-on X-ray, or curves slightly the wrong way, instead of curving gently inward. X-ray reports call it loss or straightening of the cervical lordosis, or cervical kyphosis if the curve reverses. It describes a picture, not a diagnosis, and despite the name it has nothing to do with the army.
Is military neck bad or serious?
Usually not. About a third of people without any neck pain have a straight or reversed neck on X-ray, and in one large study the average healthy neck was close to straight. Large studies find the same neck curves in people with and without neck pain.
What causes a straight neck?
Mostly normal variation: the tilt at the top of your chest, whether you sat or stood for the X-ray, and whether you're a man or a woman all shift it. Wear in the neck is common with or without symptoms. Rarely, a fixed reversed curve follows surgery or an injury, and a specialist assesses it.
What's a normal neck curve?
There isn't one number. In people without symptoms the curve averages about 13 or 19 degrees depending on how it's measured, with a wide spread, and about 1 in 3 are straight or reversed. The '30 to 40 degrees' you may read online matches a range proposed in a chiropractic study and doesn't fit the larger data.
Can military neck cause headaches or dizziness?
One small study found headache attacks lasted longer in people with a straight neck, though they weren't more frequent or severe. The evidence on dizziness comes from one research group's traction trials. Headaches and dizziness have many causes, so see a GP rather than putting them down to the shape of your neck.
Is military neck the same as forward head posture or text neck?
No. Forward head posture is how far your head sits in front of your shoulders, and it's only weakly related to the curve on an X-ray. Text neck is neck pain blamed on phones, and studies so far don't show phone posture causes neck pain; our tech neck guide covers it.
Can military neck be reversed?
Small trials of neck-extensor exercise report the curve looking more normal in some people, and traction trials from one group report bigger changes. But one person's X-ray reading can vary by up to 13.5 degrees from month to month, and a curved-looking neck isn't needed for a comfortable one. Exercise is worth doing for strength and pain, not to change an X-ray.
What exercises help a straight neck?
Strength work for the neck, shoulders and upper back has the best evidence for neck pain: neck presses, chin tucks, rows and Y-T-W raises, 2 or 3 times a week. Yoga and Pilates helped too. The 3D demos and a follow-along routine are on this page.
What pillow is best for military neck?
No pillow type has been shown to be best, and none has been shown to change the neck's curve. For a sore neck, the NHS suggests a low, firm pillow that keeps your head level with your body, and not sleeping on your front. Choose the one you sleep best on.
My scan says 'loss of cervical lordosis, possibly due to muscle spasm'. What does that mean?
It means your neck looked straighter than average on that image. Straight necks are as common in healthy people as in people with neck pain, and MRI scans are done lying down, when a straight neck is the most common appearance. Ask your GP what it means for you; on its own it isn't a cause for concern.
Can whiplash cause a straight neck or a reverse curve?
Straight and angled necks were equally common in people just after whiplash and in healthy volunteers, so the shape usually isn't caused by the accident. A reversed curve after whiplash didn't predict lasting pain. See a GP urgently for weakness, pins and needles or trouble walking after a neck injury.
Does a Denneroll or neck traction work?
The trials come almost entirely from one research group whose authors declare commercial ties, including to a company that distributes the device. In its own trials, pain improved just as much without traction by the end of treatment. No independent trial has confirmed it.
Sources
- Guo 2018 · The neck's curve in 15,364 people without symptoms (meta-analysis, J Orthop Surg Res)
- Lippa 2017 · Loss of cervical lordosis: what is the prognosis? (narrative review, J Craniovertebr Junction Spine)
- Kim 2018 · A reversed neck curve in 958 adults without symptoms (X-ray study, Spine Journal)
- Virk 2020 · Three normal shapes of the neck: a review and 84 healthy volunteers (systematic review and X-ray study, J Bone Joint Surg Am)
- Sardar 2022 · Spinal and pelvic alignment by age and sex in 468 adults without symptoms: the MEANS study (cohort study, Spine)
- Kumagai 2014 · Neck X-rays and neck symptoms in 762 community adults (cross-sectional study, J Orthop Sci)
- Grob 2007 · The neck's curve and neck pain in 107 adults over 45 (cross-sectional study, Eur Spine J)
- Gross 2015 · Exercises for neck pain: 27 trials (Cochrane systematic review)
- de Zoete 2020 · Which exercise for chronic neck pain? 40 trials (systematic review and network meta-analysis, Br J Sports Med)
- Warneke 2024 · Stretching or strengthening and posture in healthy people: 23 studies (systematic review and meta-analysis, Sports Medicine Open)
- Oakley 2021 · Extension traction to restore the neck's curve: 9 controlled trials (systematic review by researchers who declare commercial ties, J Phys Ther Sci)
- Moustafa 2018 · Denneroll extension traction for neck muscle pain in 120 people (RCT; its senior author's company distributes the device, BMC Musculoskelet Disord)
- Chang 2026 · Neck curves in two groups of Korean women X-rayed in 2005 to 2010 and 2015 to 2022 (historical comparison, Sci Rep)
- Lightstone 2026 · How reliable neck X-ray measurements are (systematic review funded by a chiropractic technique organisation, J Clin Med)
- van Santbrink 2025 · How body position changes neck X-ray measurements (systematic review, Spine Journal)
- Shilton 2015 · The neck's curve in neck pain, and after 4 weeks of manipulation (cohort study, Chiropr Man Therap)
- Hey 2017 · The neck's curve standing, sitting upright and slumped in 26 people (X-ray study, Spine)
- Johansson 2011 · A reversed neck curve and symptoms a year after whiplash (cohort study, Manual Therapy)
- Oakley 2024 · Head posture on photos and the neck on X-rays in 120 people (comparison study by chiropractic technique researchers, J Clin Med)
- Rios-Peralta 2026 · Forward head posture and whole-spine alignment on X-rays of 201 adults (retrospective study, BMC Musculoskelet Disord)
- Bagnall 1977 · The neck's curve in the developing fetus (X-ray study, Journal of Anatomy; summary read)
- Gore 1986 · Neck X-ray findings in 200 people without symptoms (X-ray study, Spine)
- Helliwell 1994 · The straight neck: does it mean muscle spasm? (cross-sectional study, J Bone Joint Surg Br)
- McAviney 2005 · The neck's curve and neck complaints on 277 X-rays (chiropractic X-ray study, J Manipulative Physiol Ther)
- Alpayci 2016 · Neck muscle strength with a straight neck: 32 people and 31 controls (case-control study, Clin Biomech)
- Yoon 2018 · Neck muscle size and the neck's curve in neck pain (MRI study, Clin Anat)
- Lim 2023 · Neck and shoulder muscle activity with a straight neck (cross-sectional study, BMC Musculoskelet Disord)
- Delen 2023 · Headache in neck pain with and without a straight neck: 76 people (cross-sectional study, Med Sci Monit)
- Katz 2023 · Straight necks on X-rays of 155 people with fibromyalgia (records review, J Clin Rheumatol)
- Delen 2023 · The neck's curve in neck pain with and without fibromyalgia: 110 people (cross-sectional study, J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil)
- An 2026 · Neck alignment in non-specific neck pain, degenerative neck pain and healthy people: 70 people (retrospective study, Med Sci Monit)
- Matsumoto 1998 · The neck's curve after whiplash: 488 patients and 495 volunteers (comparative study, Injury)
- Rydman 2020 · Neck alignment and recovery after whiplash in 46 people (cohort study, Spine Journal)
- Trior Simonovich 2025 · Smartphone texting and the neck on X-rays of healthy young adults (X-ray study, J Spine Surg)
- Correia 2025 · Neck bending on a smartphone did not predict neck pain; poor sleep and low activity did (cohort study, Brazilian Journal of Physical Therapy)
- Damasceno 2018 · Text neck and neck pain in 18 to 21 year olds (cross-sectional study, European Spine Journal)
- Jun 2017 · Physical risk factors for neck pain in office workers (systematic review and meta-analysis, International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health)
- Liu 2026 · Neck curves on X-rays of two groups of adults without symptoms, 2016 and 2024 (comparison study, BMC Musculoskelet Disord)
- Moustafa 2017 · Denneroll extension traction for neck pain with dizziness in 72 people (RCT, Eur J Phys Rehabil Med)
- Alpayci 2017 · Isometric neck extension and the neck's curve in 65 people (RCT; summary read, Am J Phys Med Rehabil)
- Zhang 2024 · Twelve months of neck-extensor training against stretching in 70 young adults (RCT, J Orthop Surg Res)
- Lee 2020 · A neck and shoulder retraction programme in 47 people with a straight neck (uncontrolled study, Ann Rehabil Med)
- Wu 2025 · Manipulation added to neck retraction exercise for neck pain (RCT, Complement Ther Clin Pract)
- Xing 2026 · Exercise for forward head posture in people with neck pain (systematic review and meta-analysis, Journal of Pain Research)
- Mayoux-Benhamou 1994 · The longus colli and the neck's curve in 36 healthy adults (CT study, Surg Radiol Anat)
- McDonald 2019 · ACR Appropriateness Criteria: neck pain or cervical radiculopathy (expert panel guideline, J Am Coll Radiol)
- Hansraj 2014 · Stresses in the neck caused by the position of the head (Surgical Technology International)
- Ghosh 2025 · Pillows for chronic neck pain (systematic review, Rehabilitación)
- Chun-Yiu 2021 · Pillow designs, neck pain, sleep and alignment (systematic review and meta-analysis, Clin Biomech)
- NHS · Neck pain and stiff neck (past its review date: reviewed April 2023, review due April 2026)
- NHS · Whiplash
- NHS · Cervical spondylosis (past its review date: reviewed August 2023, review due August 2026)
Exercise education, not a diagnosis or treatment plan, and clinical review of these guides is pending. Get a curve or hunch that is new or getting worse checked, above all in a growing child or after a fall, and get urgent help for numbness or weakness in the legs or a change in bladder or bowel control. Health disclaimer.