Expert: Dr. Victor Dolan, DC, DACBSP - 4/16/2008

Question
Hello,
I was wondering what my options are with this condition in your opinion.  ( reversal of the normal forward neck curve) My chiropractor has been treating me for this and in the past. I have had success with relieving my pain and headaches.  However, lately I have been having no relief of pain and have very little movement when I turn my head in anyway.  I do not know the severity of the problem. I would like to know if it can be fixed or will I have to live with this miserable pain?  I appreciate any advice you may have.  Thank you.


Answer
Hello Shana, sorry to hear of your pain.

That is the most important consideration- pain.  Chiropractic should relieve your pain.  A regimen of chiropractic care should relieve your pain for an extended period of time.

If your condition is worsening (pain worsening) your chiropractor should try a different technique(s), or you should try a different chiropractor.

Reversal of the curve, from a chiropractic perspective, is serious.  Reversal predisposes you to joint deterioration, arthritic progression, herniated discs, pinched nerves, headaches.  Reversal of the curve is often evidence of an injury.  The injury could have been something sudden like a car accident causing 'whiplash' which can reverse the curve.  Injury could be: poor posture over many years, such as sleeping on your stomach, and ultimately the neck is injured and the curve is evidence of that  poor posture.

Returning that normal curve is a  goal.  However, I have seen few curves restored.  

For your pain, and your joints sake, I would take enzymes as an anti-inflammatory measure,  Glucosamine/ chondroitin for the joints, and I would continue chiropractic, but perhaps with a different technique or different Doctor of Chiropractic.

I would sleep with a cervical orthopedic pillow, and sleep on my back if possible.

I would look for a DC (I would talk with the one I was utilizing, or call others) and ask if they use PST technique or perhaps Pettibon technique.  These two techniques in particular pride themselves on curve restoration.  PST technique stands for Pierce Stillwagon Technique, and a maneuver they use is a 'C5 toggle'.  Spinal Cervical decompression traction may also be helpful to reduce spasm, straighten the curve, and then perhaps return the curve.

I have not been successful at restoring the cervical curve, but I do not practice those particular techniques.  I do think restoration of the curve is an appropriate goal.  The normal healthy spine has certain curves in it.  Whether it is "God" or "Mother Nature", the neck is designed to have a certain curve, therefore- restoration is a goal.  But, again, Pain is the number one concern, reduction of pain and functioning AS WELL AS IT CAN is also a goal.  Take the nutrition I recommended, talk with your chiro, change techniques and see what happens.

Thank you for your question.  Hope this helps.  Talk to your personal Doctor of Chiropractic; these recommendations are not specific, and are for informational or educational purposes only.

Wishing You- Good Health Naturally,

Victor Dolan, DC DACBSP
http://www.DocDolan.net