Expert: Dr. Victor Dolan, DC, DACBSP - 3/12/2009

Question
I have had problems with my neck, shoulders and back for over 10 years now. I was recently in a car accident and went to Urgent Care the following day for treatment. They did some X-rays of my neck and found that I have no curve in my neck. Until now I didn't know that that was an issue. I am wondering, could my not having a neck curve be the reason why I've had all of these problems? My spine and neck feel stiff and I have random, painful muscle spasms and sometimes tingling along with them. My muscles are very stiff as well. It is very painful and I have been to several doctors over the years. They never seem to find anything and can't explain my pain. I was diagnosed with tendinitis once and was treated to no avail. I am almost 25 and I have been living with this pain since I was about 13. Any information you have would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time.

Answer
Loss of neck curve , spinal curves , reversed curve , neck pain , spinal degeneration , staten island auto accident , staten island motor vehicle accident, MVA






Hello Kandy,

I am sorry to hear that you have had 'problems with my neck, shoulders and back for over 10 years '.  Sorry for your motor vehicle accident as well; which superimposed upon your pre-existing neck will cause further problems.

Let me apologize for the time lapse in answering your question also.  I have had nothing but computer problems for almost 3 weeks.  Life with a sick computer is no fun.  Hopefully this computer is A-okay now.  I hope my answer, although late, is still of some help to you.

Spinal curves, even among Doctors of Chiropractic (DCs) are controversial.  Many Doctors think that 'proper', normal, usual curves are necessary for health.  Some Doctors think the curve is unimportant.

I think if Mother Nature put a curve in our necks, lower backs; if we are engineered to have certain curves, then we should have those curves.  I think we should endeavour to restore those curves when we can.  Sometimes those curves can be retored, sometimes the curve cannot be restored.  Should we try,,, yes; should we 'go crazy' trying to return the normal curve,,,,,,, hmmmm, probably not.

After your MVA  ( motor vehicle accident ), you had Xrays and "..They did some X-rays of my neck and found that I have no curve in my neck".   This loss of curve is significant in the medical-legal arena.
Loss of either the cervical (neck) or lumbar (lower back) curve can be a sign of spasm, injury, damage.  The lawyer LIKES to see a sign of 'damage' - this allows a law$uit to take place.  Doctors do NOT like to see signs of damage-- this means the patient has a problem, and may have further problems down the road.

After the motor vehicle accident (MVA), this 'loss of the normal cervical curve', 'straightened cervical curve', or worse: 'reversed cervical curve'- can be considered evidence that you were injured in this MVA.  The above 'terms' are all very common in the radiologist report.

This loss of curve is commonly called Cervical Acceleration- Deceleration injury, Cervical flexion-extension injury, Cervical sprain- strain, or even , , , 'whiplash'.  I treat many Staten Island Automobile Accident cases in my office.  I often hand out an information sheet on cervical sprain/ strain- this may be helpful to you:




“Whiplash”    
( Also Known As-  Cervical  Sprain/ Strain,  CAD= Cervical Acceleration/ Deceleration Injury)

Sometimes  a slip, trip, fall, heavy lift, or a motor vehicle accident can cause a ‘Whiplash Injury’.  

This can result in ligament sprain, muscle strain, and ‘pinched nerves’.

Often  -  the    c a u s e   of  the CONTINUED neck stiffness and pain; a cause of stretched ligaments and muscle strain is a misalignment,  a ‘kink’ in the neck- more properly termed a Vertebral Subluxation.  

Sometimes ‘Whiplash’ symptoms can come immediately, sometimes days, weeks or even months after the actual trauma !


Vertebral   Subluxation   Complex    (a.k.a.  ‘subluxation’)
The vertebral subluxation complex is the underlying cause of many healthcare problems.

A  subluxation  interferes with the proper functioning of the nervous system  (the master system  which controls and coordinates all function within the body)  and may cause various other conditions, symptoms and problems.


This is a serious condition identified by its five parts:

    Spinal Kinesiopathology:
         This is fancy way of saying the bones of the spine have lost their normal motion and position. It restricts your ability to turn and bend. It sets in motion the other four components.

    Neuropathophysiology:
         Improper spinal function can choke, stretch, or irritate delicate nerve tissue. The resulting nerve system dysfunction can cause symptoms elsewhere in the body.

    Myopathology:
          Muscles supporting the spine can weaken, atrophy, or become tight and go into spasm. The resulting scar tissue changes muscle tone, requiring repeated spinal adjustments.

    Histopathology:
         A rise in temperature from an increase in blood and lymph supplies result in swelling and inflammation. Discs can bulge, herniate, tear, or degenerate. Other soft tissues may suffer permanent damage.

    Pathophysiology:
         Bone spurs and other abnormal bony growths attempt to fuse malfunctioning spinal joints. This spinal decay, scar tissue, and long-term nerve dysfunction can cause other systems of the body to malfunction.



The Vertebral Subluxation Complex describes what happens when spinal bones lose their normal movement patterns and position.

         Automobile accidents, improper lifting, improper posture, alcohol, emotional stress, chemical imbalances, and long periods of sitting can cause the Vertebral Subluxation Complex.

          Vertebral  Subluxation  cannot be corrected through chemicals (medicine), stretching, yoga, vitamins or physical therapy alone.  Subluxation- a neuro/skeletal/muscular- mechanical- problem requires a mechanical correction-  -  -    a manipulation,     best performed with the chiropractic adjustment.  For good health- Treat the   Cause,  not just the Symptoms.

Dr. Victor E. Dolan,   Doctor of Chiropractic;   Diplomat, American Chiropractic Board of Sport Physicians; Diplomat, American Academy of Pain Management; Certified Clinical Nutritionist (IAACN); FIRST  Chief of Chiropractic  in  a  Hospital  in  New York State (DHSI);  As  Seen  in  PREVENTION  Magazine
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"I am wondering, could my not having a neck curve be the reason why I've had all of these problems?",  answer = yes.
              "I have been to several doctors over the years. They never seem to find anything and can't explain my pain.",  the loss of the natural curve is an explanation of your pain.  I am surprised none of the doctors discussed this with you.  Spinal misalignment, curve alterations, mean a joint is not functioning as it was engineered to.  This alteration means muscle spasm, nerve irritation, increased wear and tear, accelerated joint deterioration (ie- quicker osteoarthritic degeneration).

With the Xray evidence of misalignment- the curve alteration- I would certainly find a Doctor of Chiropractic for evaluation and possible treatment if appropriate.  The MD's have different specialties, and so do DC's; I would look for a doctor with credentials in one of these: sports injuries, orthopedics, rehab, or neurology.  You can see the Chiropractic specialties at:  http://www.acatoday.org/pdf/ApprovedChiropracticSpecialtyPrograms.pdf


If examination finds you a candidate for conservative, non-invasive, safe, effective Chiropractic treatment: your spinal misalignments may be adjusted gently into more proper position and movement, nutritional recommendations may be given to help repair/ regeneration, physiotherapy may be applied, support such as a cervical orthopedic support pillow may be ordered.

One goal of treatment would be to increase function while decreasing pain.  Please be aware that pain medications may 'kill the pain', but may be covering up a problem, and even allowing a problem to worsen!

Again, another information sheet I hand out to my Staten Island MVA (motor vehicle accident) patients:



PAIN    

Pain  is a  ‘red light on the dashboard’.  

Pain is your body telling you that something is wrong.

That RED LIGHT on the dashboard of your car-
-- do you ignore it until the car breaks down,
or do you get it checked and correct the problem?  

Pain,
pain in your body-
-- do you ignore it until your body breaks down,
or do you get it checked and correct the problem?   

Pain,  
do you cover up the pain by taking a painkiller?  
Take a painkiller, mask the pain, and allow a problem to progress in your body?


       NOTICE  ON  PAIN  RELIEVERS:
 
Label changes ORDERED by FDA;  the FDA announced proposed label changes for OTC over-the-counter pain relievers to include the potential for stomach bleeding and liver damage (FDA news  206- 207;  12-9-06) ;

The  American Heart Association issued a scientific statement recommending medical doctors change the way they prescribe OTC pain relievers from a first choice to an alternate of recommending non-pharmacologic treatment (AHA statement  2-26-07).

NSAID Acceleration of ARTHRITIS; an important side effect of Aspirin and other NSAIDS is that it will inhibit cartilage repair and accelerate cartilage  destruction ( Journal of Rheumatology, 1982; 9: 3- 5 ). Many times people take NSAIDS for the pain of Arthritis, not realizing these drugs may make the underlying condition worse.  These medications cover up the pain, and cause the problem to worsen.



Pain  can  often  be  the  result  of  the  Vertebral  Subluxation  Complex.


Vertebral  Subluxation           (  ‘VSC’ ,    ‘subluxation’   )
Vertebral Subluxation  is  actually  a  quite  common  condition.

  Doctors of Chiropractic look for pathological conditions which may require referral to other specialties,   and also look for ‘Subluxation’.

Other disciplines look for pathology, but overlook the importance of alignment and movement in the spine which affects our nervous system  (the master control system- ALL health disciplines learn this).  VSC- ‘Subluxation’ – can be the cause of many symptoms and conditions.



Only  a  Doctor of Chiropractic  will  evaluate  and  treat  for  VSC,   as  well  as  other  pathology.



The course of VSC is highly variable.   Some patients with VSC literally cannot walk, yet other patients with similar test findings may be able to run marathons or lift heavy weights.    Some patients immediately develop symptoms related to the VSC,  some patients take years to develop symptoms.  Some people suffer for only a few days with pain and symptoms, some people suffer for months.  Some people recover in days, some take months or years, depending upon severity of the condition.

A subluxation interferes with the proper functioning of the nervous system (the master system which controls and coordinates all function within the body) and may cause various other conditions, symptoms and problems.


The Vertebral Subluxation Complex describes what happens when spinal bones lose their normal movement patterns and position.  When subluxated, joints are in a stressed, vulnerable, compromised condition.  Subluxation may cause Arthritis, Disk Herniation, or aggravate such conditions.

       Vertebral  Subluxation   cannot   be corrected through chemicals (medicine), stretching,  yoga,  vitamins  or  physical  therapy  alone.       Subluxation- a neuro/skeletal/muscular-    mechanical-    problem  requires  a    mechanical correction-  -  -    a manipulation,         best  performed  with  the  chiropractic  adjustment.

Dr. Victor E. Dolan,   Doctor of Chiropractic;   Diplomat, American Chiropractic Board of Sport Physicians; Diplomat, American Academy of Pain Management; Certified Clinical Nutritionist (IAACN); FIRST  Chief of Chiropractic  in  a  Hospital  in  New York State (DHSI);  As  Seen  in  PREVENTION  Magazine
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While you are in pain and inflammed, I would recommend nutritional supplements that are anti-inflammatory such as proteolytic enzymes and Omega 3 Essential Fatty Acids.

Long term I would recommend Glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, Vitamin C, Calcium, Magnesium, Vit D -  to help rebuild the joints.

I would also recommend either moist heat to loosen spasmed muscles or ice to break the pain cycle.  I call this the 'P.R.I.C.E. protocol'- and here is some information on that :



P.R.I.C.E. =    

P  protection.   R rest.   I  ice.   C  compression.   E  elevation.

Hurt  yourself ??  injury/ trauma/  bruise/ not even sure - - a broken bone ??

You should certainly get to the Doctor or trained health professional to be examined  if you think it  is  bad  enough.     BUT  in  the  meantime,  some  simple  steps  may  help.   

PRICE.


The  PRICE  protocol will usually help just about any musculoskeletal injury.


P = Protection;  protect the area from further injury- stop what you are doing, can you pad  or bandage the area ? Tape the area? Do something to protect the area !

R = Rest;  rest the area as much as possible, if a part is damaged, give the body time to repair the area

I = Ice;  ice is a potent anti-inflammatory; it will slow swelling, help with pain control (ice is analgesic), place ice over cloth over the injured area for 5, 10 minutes, off the injured area for 30 minutes; then back on again

C = Compression;  to help prevent swelling compression may be helpful- for example if it is an ankle, wrap the ankle with an ace bandage and ice the area.  Many body parts may not be applicable to compression.

E = Elevation; again to fight swelling and pain, raising the injured body part above the heart may be helpful- ie raise an ankle or knee, you lay down, raise the injured part


PRICE  may  help :    Sprains,  Strains,  musculo-skeletal injury,  bruise,  contusion

Sometimes  a slip, trip, fall, heavy lift, athletic injury, or a motor vehicle accident can cause a bump or bruise, sprain or strain.  Sometimes also involved with the injury is a vertebral subluxation (or other joint subluxation) (subluxation is a mechanical problem- of any joint- and requires a mechanical correction).  In the spine, a sprain/strain  is a misalignment,  a ‘kink’ in the joint, a stretch of the muscles, tendons and/ or ligaments:- more properly termed a Vertebral Subluxation.   Sometimes symptoms can come immediately, sometimes days, weeks or even months later!- Well after the actual trauma !!!

         Spinal = Vertebral   Subluxation   Complex    (a.k.a.  ‘subluxation’)  ;   ( subluxation COULD be any joint )
The vertebral subluxation complex is the underlying cause of many healthcare problems.

A  subluxation  interferes with the proper functioning of the nervous system  (the master system  which controls and coordinates all function within the body)  and may cause various other conditions, symptoms and problems.
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"They never seem to find anything and can't explain my pain",  well, your spinal curve alteration is the sign of an injury.  This alteration in your biomechanics can easily explain your pain.

Tend to the cause of your pain and symptoms- attend to the spinal joint misalignments.  Treat the cause, not the symptoms.

I recommend you see a local Doctor of Chiropractic.  Of course, bring any and ALL of the information you have accumulated, pre and post MVA.

If you need further information, do not hesitate to re-contact me here at
AllExperts.com @
http://allexperts.com/ep/965-100794/Chiropractors/Victor-Dolan-DC-DACBSP.htm




Thank you for the question, sorry for the time lapse.


Good Luck and I wish you Good Health Naturally,


Dr. Victor Dolan, DC, DACBSP
http://drvictordolan.chiroweb.com (Email newsletter)


similar question:
http://en.allexperts.com/q/Chiropractors-965/2009/3/Neck-Curves-Wrong-Way.htm