Kier- yes straightening of the cervical curve will cause neck pain and sometimes headaches. This is often called a "military neck", or decrease in the cervical lordosis- and it puts stress on the cervical nerves. Normally you should a c curve in your neck. This reduction of the neck curve can occur with a trauma (such as a Whiplash accident), repetitive motions where your neck is in an awkward position, sleeping incorrectly, bad posture, bad ergonomic set up at work– these things will all contribute to straighening of the cervical curve. The nerves of the neck supply the neck muscles, the blood vessels, your ability to talk and everything else to do with your head +neck- so if there is pressure, then headaches are possible. There may be other contributing factors for your headaches such as diet, loud noises etc, but a misalignment in the spine will affect them as well.

I think traction of the neck will ease some of the neck pain, and also sleeping with a traction pillow will help- this will put your head and neck in the optimal position. Read more information about cervical supports and traction here: http://www.arc4life.com/site/615058/page/623226; You can easily do traction at home everyday. Consider getting a traction pillow for at night: The Cervical Traction Neck Pillow can help you with that. Sometimes it can take a while to get used to, but it is useful because it aligns the cervical spine in the optimal position.

Before you do traction of the neck, make sure you get a proper evaluation by your Dr- a consultation, exam and x-rays may be necessary. It sounds like you may already have had the x-rays taken. Before starting traction, you want to make sure you are healthy enough to do it, and there are no contraindications.

I Hope this helps you out.

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