A member asked:

My x-ray report says "slight reversal of the normal cervical lordosis at c4 and c5" what kind of injury is this? i know it's "straightening"

9 doctors weighed in across 3 answers

Muscle spasm: Muscle spasm pulls the cervical spin out of its normal curvature. Massage, physical therapy, exercises, manipulation, acupuncture, or medications may help.

Answered 1/7/2019

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Dr. Stan Lee answered

Talk to ordering doc: Radiology reports must be contextualized and are not meant directly for patients without the ordering doctor's interpretation. A finding of "reversal of the normal lordosis at c4-5" can be an incidental finding, but in certain circumstances, may be more concerning. The ordering physician should have specific conditions in mind when ordering a study and can best discuss the context of results.

Answered 2/4/2019

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Not important: Straightening is seen in muscle spasm (stiff neck) which usually resolves in a few days. I see this often in people with minor injuries. However, this is a finding on an x-ray and is meaningless without knowing your symptoms and physical findings. This "slight" change may be a normal finding for you. Also, what one radiologist calls slight, another will call normal.

Answered 1/27/2016

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