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Loss of curve in neck
9/26 8:55:09

Question
I was just told I have 90% loss of curve in my neck,and also that it's rare that
it's that bad. He also said it can be treated if I see a chiropractor 3 times a
week for 3 months. My regular doctor said if I didn't get better within a
month I should see a spine specialist. I'm just wondering if it can be treated
in 3 months and/or if I should still see a specialist for another opinion.
Thanks for any advice!

Answer
Jane,

Both of your doctors are incorrect.  There is very little chance of changing your lost neck curve.  There is limited evidence that neck traction while your neck is leveraged into an extended position can improve neck curves.  Unfortunately, there is no evidence that this has any benefit.   Your "regular" doctor needs to ask what the need is for a spine specialist.  You simply have to obtain treatment to make your neck feel and function better.   Three times per week for three months is clearly outside the guidelines for neck treatment.  Fill out a neck disability questionnaire.  This link should take you to one:
https://www.yeomanschiropracticeducation.com/PDF%20files/07ApplyingOM.pdf

Please go to the link (above) and provide this information to your chiropractor.  The bottom line is this: if you are making progress and you are happy with the care, then continue.  If you are not making progress and/or are not happy with the care, make a change.  Outcome assessment tools, as described and provided in the .pdf article highlighted above, allow a practitioner and patient to know if progress is being made.  These tools (questionnaires)generate numerical scores that can be tracked over the course of care.   

This is a valid way to know when you should continue or not with your treatment, not when the chiropractor has treated you for three months to improve a neck curve.   My personal opinion is that you should find an evidence-based chiropractor that will attempt to improve your neck condition in a few visits, then decide - with you - what care you need.  Maybe a few weeks of care that tapers off, not 3x/week for three months.   

'Hope this helps.

Dr. G

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