What is the normal cervical lordotic curve?

What is the normal cervical lordotic curve?

• A. 0-10 degrees
• B. 50-70 degrees
• C. -5 to 5 degrees
• D. 20-40 degrees

Answer: (D)

The normal cervical spine forms a gentle forward curve when viewed from the side, called cervical lordosis. In healthy adults, this curve is typically about 20 to 40 degrees on a standard lateral X-ray, usually measured with the Cobb angle between lines along the endplates of the upper and lower cervical vertebrae (commonly C2 and C7). This range reflects the normal balance and shock-absorbing capability of the neck; too little curvature would mean a flattened or straightened neck, while too much curvature would be an exaggerated curve, which can be associated with muscle imbalance or other issues. Values far outside this range are not considered normal: a small or zero curvature indicates straightening, and a markedly larger angle indicates hyperlordosis.

The normal cervical spine forms a gentle forward curve when viewed from the side, called cervical lordosis. In healthy adults, this curve is typically about 20 to 40 degrees on a standard lateral X-ray, usually measured with the Cobb angle between lines along the endplates of the upper and lower cervical vertebrae (commonly C2 and C7). This range reflects the normal balance and shock-absorbing capability of the neck; too little curvature would mean a flattened or straightened neck, while too much curvature would be an exaggerated curve, which can be associated with muscle imbalance or other issues. Values far outside this range are not considered normal: a small or zero curvature indicates straightening, and a markedly larger angle indicates hyperlordosis.