Expert: Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman - 7/12/2006

Question
I visited a chiropractor for the first time a few days ago, and the x-rays showed that my neck has lost a signficant amount of curvature, to the extent that it appears completely straight.  My chiropractor says I probably can't expect a complete recovery, but given my age (I'm 23), I can expect a 70-80% improvement in the curvature assuming I receive 3 months of treatment (3x/week for first month, 2x/week for second month, 1x/week for third month).  Is that a reasonable prognosis?
Also, are there exercises I can do at home to prevent the problem from progressing?    

I am definitely planning on getting the necessary adjustments, but I'm just curious as to what would happen if I didn't.  Is progression of the problem inevitable?  What would happen eventually?  

Thanks in advance.

Answer
Dear Rita,

First of all, I do not agree with your chiropractor.  At your age, you should be able to get 90-100% of your correct spinal alignment back.  In addition I would have you in the office for treatment 3x /week for 12 weeks.  Let me explain.

To restructure a lost curve in the neck requires a time commitment on your part and your chiropractors.  You should be in a program that has you on specific exercises, adjustments, and traction of the spine. To do this correctly it needs to be intense over a short period of time, just like training for a race. I have worked with alot of patients with a reversed or straightened curves and when treated appropriately, significant changes can be made toward optimal structure.  

I do not know what your Chiropractor's proposed treatment plan is, but I can tell you if he/she doesn't plan on using traction which is applied to the correct spinal segments and at the correct angle, you will not get your curve back from adjustments alone. You will still gain benefit from regular chiropractic adjustments, but a structural change is highly unlikely.

Make sure that you know exactly what is entailed in the program, and have the doctor explain to you why the treatment plan should be initiated...what is the MEASURABLE GOAL/outcome of treatment.  I want you to check out a website, www.idealspine.com.  Read the website in detail and formulate questions for your doctor.  Also, on the website, look for doctors in your area that have certification in structural rehabilitation of the spine...I am certified in this technique, is your chiropractor listed?  There are other techniques that can make a change such as Pettibon, ask your doctor about his/her training and make sure he/she actually has post doctoral trainning.

Lastly, Progression of the problem is an absolute consequence of not getting it fixed as soon as possible, but again you are 23 years old.  You have some time to check all this out.  You need to research your spinal configuration and feel good about the rehabilitation program you are about to start.  If you waited 2-5 years to fix the problem, it would be more difficult, and you would have more symptoms, but it would still be fairly easy to correct.  If left untreated for 10 plus years, you can expect accelerated degeneration of the spine ... arthritic changes, and poor posture.  Further complications are unlikely until you reach your forties.

The bottom line is you are young, your prognosis is great. Make sure you are with the right doctor to get the best results, and that those results can be quantified and/or measured.  Ask for hard facts and research backing your doctors opinions!  Good luck, I applaud your commitment to resolving the situation and maintaining spinal health.

For additional health information, you can also go to my website for an unbiased opinion on quality health information, www.suncoasthealthcare.net.

Respectfully, Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman