Expert: Dr. Victor Dolan, DC, DACBSP - 3/18/2009

Question
I have been going to the same chiropractor since November. He took x-rays of my neck and back and it showed that I not only have lost the natural curvature of my neck, but it curves the wrong way!

I just stopped going because he had me going to the office 3 times per week since November. He has had me doing traction each time I go into the office, and for about 1.5 months he has had me doing a stretching traction exercise at home ( http://www.posturepump.com/productsummary.aspx ). Now my 26 visits of insurance-covered appointments are up and he wants me to pay considerably more per visit.

I can't afford to keep going at that price and had to call and cancel my future appointments.

I am getting married this October and was excited about finally not having a forward-head/neck position for my wedding. I still have the traction device. Can you recommend any stretched or exercises that I can do at home to help improve my neck by October? I know it is a long shot, but I am desperate.

Answer
Hello Bethany,

Sorry to hear of your condition.

Restoring spinal curvature is a controversial issue in Chiropractic. Some doctors think it is of paramount importance, some do not think it important. Some doctors think it CAN be done, some do not believe it can be done.

I do think that restoration of normal spinal curvature is important. However, more important then normal curves- is pain free motion.

In 26 visits, your pain should have ben greatly reduced or eliminated.
In 26 visits your range of motion should have improved, your strength and function should have improved.

After 26 visits did this doctor take 'post' Xrays to compare and chart change- progress?  He(she) should have.

If a patient has a good range of motion, is pain free, perhaps the 'gold standard' of a perfect curve needs not to be met.

Some techniques in chiropractic 'specialize' in restoring more normal curves: PST- pierce stillwagon technique, pettibon are two techniques that work on restoring curves.  Was your treating doctor utilizing one of these approaches?

http://www.pettibonsystem.com/system/chiropractic_principles.php  
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiropractic_treatment_techniques  
http://www.chiro.org/ChiroZine/pierce.shtml

The posture pump is a good device, and I would utilize it as instructed.

Did your doctor do something called the 'C5 toggle' or something similar?  This is a move to help restore the cervical curve.

Sometimes we are all shy.  You sound like a compliant patient- you are working to improve your health.  The doctor who has been taking care of you,,,, I would communicate, ask, talk- the insurance has 'run out' will this doctor 'run out' on you?  Sometimes doctors will not budge, but sometimes payment plans or a discount may be available- it is always worth asking.  If not, perhaps another doctor in your community will offer similar care, perhaps at a less expensive fee, ask.

I would also look for care that includes techniques that have as a priority- restoring curves- see above for those moves/ techniques; ask your doctor(s) if they use those techniques.

Similar questions on the curve in the neck:

http://en.allexperts.com/q/Chiropractors-965/2008/8/Cervical-spine-straightening...

http://en.allexperts.com/q/Chiropractors-965/neck-curvature.htm

http://en.allexperts.com/q/Chiropractors-965/2008/7/Regaining-curve-neck.htm

http://en.allexperts.com/q/Chiropractors-965/loss-curve-neck.htm

http://en.allexperts.com/q/Chiropractors-965/Neck-Pain-6.htm

I hope this information helps.  If you need further, do not hesitate to REcontact me here at ALLexperts.com
  http://www.allexperts.com/ep/965-100794/Chiropractors/Victor-Dolan-DC.htm  

I wish you good luck and Good Health Naturally,

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