Question
I am 50 years old and have had Chiropractic care 10 or so years ago.  The treatment was for a straight neck which caused many problems.  Even though I followed the instructions and got my adjustments, my neck did not improve that I could tell from the X-rays. I'm now considering trying again and have had a consult visit with a Chiropractor claiming to use the Blair tech.  He is very young and I'm concerned about him doing more damage than good.  At my age, can my neck really be improved?  I am now starting to have high blood pressure, some numbness in by skin at the top of my left leg, my ears started ringing 3 years ago and other issues.  I'm wondering if any of this is related and if it can be stopped.  I'm in the 29615 zip code area (thats where I work) if you have any recommendations for a doctor.

Answer
Dear Scott,

Chiropractic care can restore the lost cervical curve you have described, but there are only a few specific techniques that have been proven to do so.  Specifically, Chiropractic Biophysics (CBP) and Pettibon techniques have clinical research that proves they can restructure the spinal curves of the spine.  

And yes at your age, the curve can still be improved.  The amount of improvement will depend on how much degeneration is present, and how much curve loss you have.  I have to tell you that one of my most extreme cases was a 64 year old woman with a reversed curve that measured -18 degrees (normal is 35-43 degrees).  After a CBP structural program I was able to improve and change her curve to 29 degrees.  A significant improvement that we were both happy with...we didn't try to get to 43 in her case as she had no continuing complaints after completion of the program.

Concerning Blair technique, this is an upper cervical spinal analysis and adjusting technique.  There is nothing wrong with this technique and it is a very specific form of chiropractic care.  You don't have anything to worry about as far as damaging the neck from this technique.  However, it has not been proven to restructure the lost cervical curve.  If the doctor you are seeing is stating that he can regain your curve with this technique, tell him to prove it.  Ask him to show you the research that proves it, and some pre and post x-rays of previous patients he has treated.  I say this because spinal adjustments alone will not change the shape of the curves in the spine.

Below you will find a local doctor who has completed some advanced training in CBP technique.  If you are interested in changing your curve, I would suggest that you call Dr. Miller and schedule a consultation. You can discuss the research and should be able to view some cases in Dr. Miller's office.  To learn more about the CBP technique, check out www.idealspine.com   

Dr. Kelly Miller, DC
Greenville, SC   
864-458-7822

Hope this helps Scott.  Good Luck.

Respectfully,
Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman
www.suncoasthealthcare.net