Chiropractors/Regaining curve in neck

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Expert: - 7/3/2008


Question
Hello,
Based on xrays from my chiropractors over the years, I understand I have a straight neck rather than having the normal c curve.  I have been suffering from major muscle pain/headaches from this when I am tired or after exercise. I am going to a chiropractor who does adjustments and some traction using a device she puts behind my neck and she then pulls upon.  She hasn't set me up with regular appointments but tells me to come in when I can.  How often should I be seen and is this the correct traction for this problem? Thank you.

Answer
Hello Linda,

Sorry to hear of your problem, sorry to hear of lack of progress.

There are certain exercises, certain movements, certain postures, certain adjustments that should be utilized to restore your curve.

Easy step:  sleep with an orthopedic cervical support pillow.  Your pillow should be thicker at the neck and thinner at the head.  Almost like a pillow with a crater or cradle low spot for the head- support the neck.

Along the same lines; roll up a towel or use the cervical pillow for an exercise:  Place the neck support under your supine neck, bring your neck down into the pillow towards the table, strengthen your extensor muscles, stretch the neck into extension.  Work on the thoracic spine: place a towel roll under your supine spine, between the shoulder blades, let your back rest and stretch over the towel roll.

Changing the curve is difficult and controversial.  Some chiropractors think it cannot be done, some think it should not be done, most think it should be done and can be done.

Perhaps your Doctor of Chiropractic should also be doing a prone C5 PST toggle move to restore the curve (p > a thrust, prone, C5, drop headpiece).

The straightened curve is a cause of headache, spasm, fatigue, pain.

I would recommend the exercises daily and adjustments once per week for a period of time.

Good Luck,

Dr. Victor Dolan, DC
www.GoodHealthNaturally.info
www.DocDolan.net
http://drvictordolan.chiroweb.com      (email newsletter)

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Dr. Victor Dolan, DC, DACBSP

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Staten Island Chiropractor Dr. Victor Dolan | 718-981-9755 | www.drvictordolan.net | www.statenislandchiropractor.com | Nutrition, Sciatica, Headache, Neck Pain, Back Pain, Herniated Disc, Workers Compensation, Auto Accident Claims, Vertebral Subluxation Complex, Muscle Spasm

Experience

Palmer College Graduate 1983; Thirty years in practice in my hometown of Staten Island, New York. Expert in Neuro-musculo-skeletal complaints. Utilizing techniques such as Chiropractic via Palmer Package, Diversified, Thompson, SOT, Activator, Manipulation Under Anesthesia and Nutritional Guidance. I am also a Certified Nutritionist.

Organizations
Pi Kappa Chi Alumni Association President; PKX Alumni Brother of the Year; Knights of Columbus Masons; Ancient Order of Hibernians

Publications
American Public Health Association (2003) - Oral Presentation

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Science (cum laude) Wagner College 1979; Doctorate of Chiropractic (cum laude) Palmer Chiropractic 1983; Licensed Doctor of Chiropractic, New Jersey (38MC00634000) & New York (X3567); Diplomat, National Board of Chiropractic Examiners; Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician - A.C.A./New York Chiropractic College (1986); Diplomat, American Chiropractic Board of Sport Physicians (1996); Diplomat, American Academy of Pain Management (1998); Certified Personal Fitness Trainer; Certified Emergency Medical Technician - New York State and National Registry; Certified Manipulation Under Anesthesia (1998); Certified Clinical Nutritionist - International & American Assoc. of Clinical Nutrition (1999)

Awards and Honors
Prevention Magazine – Award for Chiropractic Excellence 1998; Chief of Chiropractic - Doctors Hospital - New York 1997; SICTV NOVA (Notable, Outstanding Video Achievement Award) - Award for Most Popular Series (1996/1997/1998); Volunteer Heart Resuscition Unit - Commendation for Meritorious Service (1994); SICTV NOVA (Notable, Outstanding Video Achievement Award) - Best Health Series (1994); Staten Island Richmond Lions - Melvin Jones Fellowship Award (1993); Pi Kappa Chi - Alumni Fraternity Brother of the Year (1987/1988); American Public Health Association (2003); American Chiropractic Board of Sport Physicians Symposium Presentation - Adolescent Athletic Injury (2004)

Past/Present Clients
Doctors Hospital of Staten Island - Chief of Chiropractic (1997-2001); Curtis High School Football (1988 to present)- New York City PSAL Football CHAMPION (2007)

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