Question
Hello:
I am a 21 year old very healthy woman. I was having migraines and my doctor noticed the tension in my neck and suggested a chiropractor. I enter with what I thought was pretty good health and leave with a shocking diagnosis. Apparently my pelvic bones are tilted, my spine is curved, a bone is displaced in my neck, and the curve in my neck is disappearing. The doctor suggests 40 visits where he will adjust my spine and this will be enough to correct my problems. The problem is my insurance only covers 20 visits and the rest of the visits would be very costly, all totaling nearly $4500! I have gotten two adjustments thus far and my neck feels ok but there is still do much muscle tension in my shoulders! I already know I need physical therapy for both shoulders because they are both slightly separated causing pain, but I can't afford both this chiropractor and physical therapy. My questions are: do you think all these problems the doctor says I have are a scheme to get money? Doesn't everyone have some kind of flaws in their spine and can't they live normal lives? Can standing in an imperfect position while getting the X-rays make is just LOOK like my neck curve is gone? Are there any studies that show years will be taken from your life if my problems aren't treated(this is what he told me)? I know I have so many questions but I really need some help.?br> Thanks,
TR

Answer
he is right when your nervous system is not in alignment it will shorten yourlife over time slowly. more importantly is the diagnosis of spinal misalignments. It is common to have pelvis out of alignment and a bone in your neck. these are all joints and they come out of proper position easily and through poor posture , accidents, sports injuries and slips and falls. Your doctor is right there is a 90% chance that those headaches are being caused by tension in the neck. Chiropractic can and will help eith your headaches. there is no guarantee that the curve in your neck will be corrected in 40 visits and if he says it is a gaurantee then get it in writing.
also: You are coming up towards the end of the year(calendar) and your insurance will reset and you will get another 20 visits. so, my suggestion is to do 20 visits over the rest of the year or 25 whatever you are comfortable with. If you cannot afford it then you cannot afford it. As long as he ehlps you with your headaches  thats all that matters.
as far as physical therapy: that you can do after he fixes the headaches. I would suggest doing periodic chiropractic treatments to keep the headaches at bay and to keep healthy. good luck!!