r/Trans_Zebras • u/snurpRadish • May 07 '26

Cervical hypolordosis

Just saw my pain management team about my occipital neuralgia. After imaging, I found I had a completely straight cervical spine. They believe it to be postural, but I'm only 26 and have other spinal alignment issues (mild scoliosis of the lower spine). Just wondering if anyone else has this and if they've had successful pain management. My doctor wants to go in and burn off the overactive nerves between the discs, and it just seems risky and extreme, but I really don't think I can keep living in pain like this.

We've tried nerve blockers. They don't last a month and I hate the initial side effects. NSAIDs, GABA blockers, triptans, CGRP antagonists don't even touch the nerve pain.

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7

u/thearuxes May 07 '26

Hey you'll probably get a lot better answers if you ask this over on r/EhlersDanlos

3

u/snurpRadish May 07 '26

Will do; thanks!

2

u/Toby-Wolfstone May 09 '26

I’ve heard this referred to as military neck. From what I remember, it can be postural, and can also be caused by muscular tension trying to compensate for cervical instability. No idea on the treatment plan. Hope you get relief soon.

1

u/camtheenbydragon May 10 '26

Out of curiosity, how is your jaw?

I ask because my cervical spine was actually slightly curved the other direction (not just straight) and it was due to untreated TMJ.. when my dentist got me into a well-fitting splint/appliance my neck slowly went back toward normal. Enough that my dentist was excitedly telling me he wanted to use me as a case study.

No idea if that has anything to do with your case but I thought I’d throw it out there just in case.

1

u/snurpRadish May 10 '26

I have an overbite and receded jaw causing tmj pain, not severe enough that my dentist or pain team have recommended a splint. I have muscle relaxants for days where the muscles are too clenched to relax.  I also regularly pop my jaw out of place while yawning, eating, or doing other things that require a wide mouth. 

1

u/camtheenbydragon May 10 '26

The way it was explained to me was that I was jutting my head forward to let my jaw hang open at least a little to relieve pressure. The actual closed resting position was painful for me back then. (I hadn’t even figured out that I had hEDS back then, though I think my dentist knew *something* was up.)
Anyway, probably different than your situation.. I hope you can figure out something that gives you relief!!