I have "military neck." That's why I've purchased your book. My chiropractor wants me to do aggressive stretching (w/posture pump, hanging weight from my head, etc.) but they just increased the numbness in my fingertips. Four years of chiropractic care didn't "correct" the cervical curve and I have arthritis in my neck, along with stenosis. Throughout most of my life I've had poor posture, especially standing and sitting (I'm tall-6'3"). Neither my chiropractor nor my orthopedist is recommending surgery, yet. What hooked me for your method were your examples showing the rather straight necks of the people you studied. Is my "military neck" something to worry about? My orthopedist made no comment regarding it. I've been working with your book for a week now and I do feel a difference overall though the numbness and tingling in my hands and and fingers isn't gone; but I do feel a lessening of it from time to time. I know anything will take time. I've been working with chiropractors for now for 4 straight years! And I am very active; I run (barefoot), skip rope, and practice karate on a regular basis. I'm 48. Any comments you have will be appreciated. Thank you. Oh, by the way, not one chiropractor, MD, or specialist ever asked me about my posture.
military neck
December 30, 2011 - 7:00pm | 5 posts
#1
military neck
3 years 9 months ago
12/15/2010 - 7:51am
Hi Michael,
The neck is a somewhat slow changing area, so I would definitely advise you to move slowly and gently towards a lengthened cervical spine. Using your hands, as demonstrated in 8 Steps to a Pain-Free Back, to pull your head a little back and then letting the chin angle downward is recommended. This can be done seated, standing, or when lying down. I'm glad to hear that you have already noticed some improvements! Finding ways to rest your head can also be helpful, like using the headrest in your car or other chairs that come up high enough. If you are have additional questions or would like a well-rounded overview of the Gokhale Method, participate in one of our Free Online classes. I find them to be rich with information and useful tips.
Enjoy!
-Charlene Hannibal
Gokhale Method Instructor, Palo Alto and San Francisco
12 years 6 months ago
05/10/2012 - 4:40pm
I have military neck and I'm 42. Have never been in a car accident and have some osteoarthritis too. Can you refer me to this book or link me to the exercises? I'm not seeing anything other than this one page on my mobile Internet for some reason. Thanks!
3 years 4 months ago
12/06/2016 - 4:46am
Hello, I’m glad that I found someone already followed Gokhale Method to resolve the same issue I'm having (military neck).
Have you followed the method in the book more than a week? Have you seen any significant improvements? If you dont mind telling me where in the book that are useful in treatment of military neck?
Looking forward to seeing your response here!
5 years 10 months ago
02/11/2017 - 7:35pm
Hi,
Thank you for bringing up the topic about Military Neck.
“Chin up and chest out” is a common misunderstanding of good posture.
This military stance is achieved by contracting the muscles in the neck and low back. Not only does this create tension, it exaggerates the cervical and lumbar curves, hindering circulation to these areas and potentially pinching nerve roots. On page 44 and 45 of the book, 8 Steps to a Pain-Free Back, is a overview of healthy neck posture. The contraindication to neck positioning is paresthesias or nerve impingement. The Online University has several videos about the neck. This is available by subscription and offers invaluable information about posture and musculoskeletal matters. Also included are Live Chats with Esther. https://gokhalemethod.com/online_university
I personally do not have this condition but one of my students, who is retired from the Airforce, reported improvement in her neck after using the Gokhale Method.
Best,
Laura Winholt
Gokhale Method Teacher, Hilton Head, SC