Stress Concentrations in the Straight Neck
In this paper, the authors note that the sagittal "curves are important because they are useful to increase strength, and to maintain balance, shock absorption, and fracture protection." (emphasis mine.) Using that data they created "a high-quality finite element model of the complete cervical spine with straightened" cervical curve. Once the model was created they then used sophisticated mapping and mesh deformation methods to study the biomechanical differences between the straightened configuration and a more normal (lordotic) curvature.
Here are some of the study’s key points:
A. Depending on the degree and nature of postural change, straightening of the cervical spine caused a 24-33% loss of motion and a 5-95% increase of mechanical stress.
B. Increased mechanical stress was concentrated in "the facet joint cartilage, uncovertebral joint and the
disk."
C. Straightening of the cervical spine is thought to lead to vertebral deformity (cervical spondylosis) due
to the increased loading stresses and loss of normal vertebral motion.
D. The authors suggest loss of the “cervical lordosis may have a direct impact on cervical spondylosis
treatment."
E. Finally, they also note the observed stress concentrations might also give rise to " abnormal tensions
on the hind-brain, cranial nerves, cervical cord, and cervical nerve roots."
Study: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13246-013-0182-4
