Expert: Dr. Man Tran, Ph.D., D.C., L.Ac. - 2/6/2009

Question
I saw a Chiropractor today, and was told that I have a 119%loss of curvature, and an 8 degree kyphosis.  Now I am only 26, and do have moderate cervical and thoracic pain. I also have a almost completely pinched nerve at c3, if I remember correctly.  I of course have a lot of numbness and tingling in that arm. My Dr wants to do the Pettibon system, and quoted me about 10 months of therapy to correct.  I guess I just want to know, am I being taken for $1300?

Answer
Hi Sarah,

I do not know what the "Pettibon system" is.

However, with the condition you described, my recommendation to my patients would usually to have maintenance care to reduce the pain and monitor any progression of the numbness and tingling in the arm due to the pinched nerve in your neck area.  

Exercises that focus on your posture can also help with your condition.  Since the spine is straighten out and you are 26 years old, nothing much can be done to change the curvature.  But active care such as exercise can help with the muscles surrounding the area to keep the curvature from getting worse and adapt to the curvature of the spine.