Chiropractors/Cervical spine is STRAIGHT

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Expert: Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman - 8/11/2008


Question
I've been told that my cervical spine is straight - it doesn't have the natural curve.  I have seen the xrays.  I was told this several years ago, and again more recently.  My "holding" pattern for stress is normally my left shoulder into my neck.  I  have never been in a car accident or had any traumatic injury that I can remember.  I understand that chiropractic manipulation can help restore this to its natural curve.  However, I am not able to afford chiropractic services right now.  We are in dire straights.  Is there anything I can do for myself that could help restore the natural curve?  Exercise, sleep pillow, etc?

Answer
Dear Karen,

Rehabilitation of the spine to include remodeling the cervical spine has been the topic of many research papers.  In fact there are specific techniques in chiropractic formulated around the restructuring of lost curves in the spine.  Over the last twenty years, two of these techniques have risen to the top because they have frequently gotten favorable results and have been proven successful in follow-up radiographs.  They are Chiropractic Biophysics and Pettibon technique.  Both of these techniques have found that you cannot regain a lost curve with spinal adjustments alone, and you need to incorporate resistance exercises and or traction to attain measurable and lasting improvements.  I would recommend that you research them both.

www.idealspine.com
www.pettibontechnique.com

YES...there are things you can do at home such as utilizing an orthopedic pillow (cervical pillow) to support the normal curve while sleeping at night.  I would further suggest a device called the posture pump manufactured by a company called Posture Pro.  The posture pump can be purchased online for about $200.00 and utilizes expanding ellipsoidal traction of the neck to help restore the curve and reduce degeneration...you may be able to find inexpensive used ones on Ebay or somewhere else.  I use these for home care with my patients often, and they are easy to implement and understand.  

Hope this helps Karen.

Respectfully,
Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman
www.suncoasthealthcare.net

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Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman

Expertise

I can answer questions on general chiropractic care, sports injury, whiplash and auto crash, mild traumatic brain injury, structural and functional rehabilitation of the spine, nutrition for inflammation and repair, fitness training, nutrition for sports performance and other general health and nutrition related inquiries. I currently lecture on automobile trauma, occupant kinematics, and forensic risk analysis to local EMS, Fire and Police, as well as nutrition and sports injury to community groups. Rest assured all answers are generated from my clinical experience, and scientific research.

Experience

I have accumulated over 1100 hours of post-doctoral training to include; Certifications in Spinal Trauma and Mild Traumatic Brain Injury from the Spine Research Institute of San Diego, Certification in Chiropractic Spinal Trauma from the International Chiropractic Association, Certification in Low Speed Auto Crash Reconstruction and Certification in Forensic Risk Analysis from The Center for Research Into Automotive Safety and Health, Certified Proficiency in spinal and extremity diagnostic procedures from The Motion Palpation Institute, Certified in Sports Injury and Rehabilitation from the National University of Health Sciences and The American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians, Nationally Certified Fellow of Structural Rehabilitation from The Chiropractic Biophysics Organization, and I have advanced training in manipulation under anesthesia and nutrition. Feel free to check out my website for course listings: www.suncoasthealthcare.net

Organizations
International Chiropractic Association, Florida Chiropractic Association, American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians, American Academy of Pain Management, Chiropractic Biophysics, Spine Research Institute of San Diego, Center for Research Into Automotive Safety and Health, Motion Palpation Organization, American Academy of Manual and Physical Medicine, Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce

Education/Credentials
B.A. (Psychology)The University of Cincinnati B.S. (Human Biology)Cleveland Chiropractic College D.C. (Doctor of Chiropractic) Cleveland Chiropractic College C.C.S.T. (Certification in Chiropractic Spinal Trauma)The International Chiropractic Association C.C.S.P. (Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician)The American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians. *CCST and CCSP 120 hour certification courses are not recognized by the Florida Chiropractic Board due to the fact that they are not 300 hour diplomate level courses*

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