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What is the solution for short neck?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have had a short neck since birth. I am attaching my recent X-ray report with this post. Kindly help me out in understanding my condition.

  1. What particular solution would you suggest for the same?
  2. I also came across cervical traction devices. Will they help in my case?

Please explain.

Answered by Dr. J. Mariano Anto Bruno Mascarenhas

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. J. Mariano Anto Bruno Mascarenhas is a highly experienced Neurosurgeon specializing in the diagnosis and surgical management of complex neurological conditions. His expertise includes brain and spine surgeries, minimally invasive neurosurgical techniques, trauma management, and patient-focused care. He is dedicated to advanced treatment planning, precision surgery, and improving neurological outcomes for his patients.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have gone through the X-ray (attachment removed to protect patient identity). The condition you have is called block vertebrae or congenital fusion of cervical vertebrae. This is most likely a congenital problem. That means this is present right from birth.

Other than cosmetic issues, this may sometimes compress nerves and produce weakness or numbness. Traction devices will be of little help. Unless this gives you any specific trouble like weakness or numbness, there is no need to meddle with this.

I hope this answers your query.

Please let me know if I can assist you further.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At May 26, 2016
Reviewed At November 12, 2025

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. J. Mariano Anto Bruno Mascarenhas is a highly experienced Neurosurgeon specializing in the diagnosis and surgical management of complex neurological conditions. His expertise includes brain and spine surgeries, minimally invasive neurosurgical techniques, trauma management, and patient-focused care. He is dedicated to advanced treatment planning, precision surgery, and improving neurological outcomes for his patients.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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Companion

Congenital Block Vertebrae Short Neck Companion

How it works

A short neck can be due to various factors, including congenital conditions like block vertebrae. Here's what you need to know about this condition.

1

Neck
Anatomy

2

Block
Vertebrae

3

Congenital
Origin

4

Nerve
Compression

5

Watch
Symptoms

6

Treatment
Options

This information is based on general medical guidance. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice; consult a qualified clinician.

Always consult a doctor before taking medication; self-medication carries serious health risks. Take exact prescribed doses, and never start, change, or stop treatment without medical supervision.

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. J. Mariano Anto Bruno Mascarenhas is a highly experienced Neurosurgeon specializing in the diagnosis and surgical management of complex neurological conditions. His expertise includes brain and spine surgeries, minimally invasive neurosurgical techniques, trauma management, and patient-focused care. He is dedicated to advanced treatment planning, precision surgery, and improving neurological outcomes for his patients.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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