Expert: Dr. Paul Newhart - 2/13/2010

Question
I had a consultation with a chiropractor who recommended 72 visits over 10 months. I am all for preventative medicine but after reading some other answers I'm not sure I need this: I am 32 years old and have no pain or mobility issues. X-rays during the consultation showed I have 10-deg curve in my upper back and my neck doesn't have much curve to it. The chiropractor described it as the neck of a 65-year-old.

How does this strike you?

Thanks!

Answer
I am not a fan of putting a number on visits...this is usually a marketing ploy.  Your neck may actually be correct for you:  yes..we have a "set" number for degree of curvature.  But, every spine being different, each person will have a differing degree.  What you see may be correct for you, or close to it.  I would suggest, as preventative treatment goes, to see a different chiropractor, and have an evaluation.  You may find one or two adjustments, with maintenance, works perfectly fine for you.