Question
I have ready pros and cons on whether adding traction both in office and at home to a chiropractic treatment program can benefit someone with misalignment in the C1,C2 and C5,C6 areas with loss of cervical curve and early detection of some cervical kyphosis.  One cervical specialist uses the Blair technique and does not normally recommend traction but does say exercise and even physical therapy can be beneficial but usually after the bone starts holding and the muscles start to balance from side to side.  On the other hand, I have (2) chiropractors of BioPhysics say that the only way to reverse any curvature is with traction.  
1.  What is your opinion of BioPhysics chiropractic care and do they treat sublaxations differently especially for the cervical areas?
2.  Would this doctor do a hands-on technique and what would be the name of a few that could be used?
3.  What is your opinion on using traction and when should it be added to the care program when treating sublaxations and curve issues?
4.  Is it possible for a CBP to recommend traction too early?  Should the spine be balanced first?

Thanks,
Sophie

Answer
Hi Sophie,

First:  There is no such thing a a subluxation as defined in the traditional, old, outdated, dogmatic chiropractic system.  It is a theoretical entity that has never been proven to exist the way it was first conceptualized, that being a bone out of place that interferes with the nerve.  There truly is a definition of subluxation - that being a bone out of place that is less than a dislocation.    This is hugely different than the crapola that the CBP people tout.   It's pseudoscience.  It's well established that you cannot look at an x-ray, erroneously draw a bunch of lines on it, and presume that there are bones that misalign themselves such that it can be moved into some other position.  It's a great system for making money for CBP practitioner, keeping the patient coming back over and over to "correct" an entity that we cannot undertand ("vertebral subluxation complex" in chiropractic terms).
Second: the doctor should use whatever technique brings the patient the fastest relief of pain and best improvement in function and daily living activities.   Almost always, you don't need x-rays to achieve this.  That's why current evidence based guidelines advise to not have x-rays taken of your spine unless you are looking to rule out a fracture, tumor, or dislocation (not subluxation), for example.    Thus, thirdly, I am not convinced in the least that any forcefull tractioning with the neck fulcrumed and arched over a wedge is a viable treatment option for everyone with less than an ideal neck curve (like most everyone).   In fact, it could even be harmful.  Mostly, though, you use the term subluxations and curve issues.   The former is like saying "unicorns."   The DC can simply make up what he wants to believe it is, regardless of whether it is truly valid.    Lastly, you use the term "balanced."  What, exactly, are the parameters of "balanced?"    Balance of what and in what way? Measured how?  More x-rays?   These are all vague terms.   Manual and mechanical neck traction devices have been around for many decades.   The bottom line is that if you have a very stiff and sore neck and a doctor's manual or mechanical traction procedure makes you feel (and function) better, without having to do it 100 times, then surely go for it.  Most people, in my opinion, do not need CPB style neck fulcruming traction.  

'Best,

Dr. G