Expert: Dr. Paul Newhart - 3/11/2009

Question
I have had neck ache and discomfort for the last 6 months now, it is most problematic when i am sitting down, wether on a bus or trying to study i have to hold my head up with my hand to support my neck and to relieve the pressure off my neck, it cant hold itself up on its own without really aching and causing discomfort.
I have had 8 sessions so far with a chiropracter.. sometimes i think it feels better and most of the time it hurts just as much as it did before i started the chiropractic treatment. I had an xray, it showed that there was some loss of normal lordosis in my cervical spine and in my thoratic spine there is a moderate mid dorsal scoliosis present but no underlying bony formality in either x ray. My chiropracter said this loss of curve in my neck is why poor posture and every day wear and tear effects me more than other people. He says that the muscles in my neck are weak at the moment so this is why i have to hold my head up to relieve the pressure and ache off my neck myself.
Is this loss of curve enough to warrant no real response to the treatment yet after 8 sessions? Is the weakness of muscles a temporary problem that will dissapear with time and treatment? And can too much chiropractic treatment: the spinal manipulations cause more problems in the long run than it solves and if so what?
I am only a 21 year old girl and have never had this problem up until 6 months ago it started gradually, im also wondering why it suddenly started to be a problem?
I'm getting really down and fed up about it now thinking that its just never going to go.
I would love another chiropracters advice

Answer
Typically, if you have no change after 8-10 visits, it is time to reassess your treatment plan, or refer you out.  Has a rehab. program been discussed?  This would be essential to help restore the tone of the muscles, and bring back their strength.  Are any therapies being done on the neck and shoulder muscles?  Sometimes they are a necessity when dealing with spinal issues, as the muscles are what supports the spine.  Do not get fed up.  Ask questions of your chiropractor, and you should get answers.