Expert: Gerald Anzalone, D.C. - 10/14/2008

Question
I have had reversal of the normal cervical curvature for about 6 years now.  About 4 years ago my chiropractor got it back to where it should be, but of course it came back with a vengence.  My neck is so sore with pain at the base of my skull.  Sometimes it's hard to keep me head up without resting it back on something.  Nothing seems to be helping.  My chiropractor did an MUA on my which helped for about a week and then the pain was back.  I went for a cortisone injection and they want me to come back for another one, but the first one didn't help at all.  I have been in so much pain for the last 2 years and I can't find help anywhere.  I'm not sure where to turn to next.  Can you help me?

Answer
Alyse,

I can't provide you with specific treatment advice over the Internet, but I can tell you that there is no convincing evidence to show that correction of spinal curvatures confers any specific health benefits.

Muscular and postural distortions probably account for a good number of the neck pain cases that are not associated with arthritis or disc herniations. Bones don't move bones; muscles move bones, so a person with chronic neck pain might benefit more from muscular treatment (eg., massage or acupuncture) and postural training (eg., physical therapy) than passive joint manipulation.

I hope this answers your question.