Question
I have a negative three degree curve in my C-Spine. It goes forward right at C5. IT has caused me to loose the normal curve in my T-spine and L-spine. I have pain all the way down my spine and down my legs. I also have some bulging disks in my lower back.

I have been going to a chiropractor for about three months. He says that I should make a 100% recovery; however, it could take up to two years for it to be corrected completely. I cant tell that I am doing any better.

During my visits I have muscle stimulation on my lower back and then I am placed in a chair that massages your whole back. I then am moved to table flexion. I lay on my stomach, and the lower portion of the table goes down and does some decompression therapy on my lower back.

I then am adjusted manually and placed in neck traction. I lay on my back. My neck is on a bar and a weight is hung from my head.

I am suppose to receive my orthopedic insoles tomorrow. Hopefully that will help with some of the low back pain.

I am in a lot of pain. Especially my lower back. Does the above sound like the best plan of action for my condition? The chiropractor thinks that I had an old whiplash injury that was never diagnosed, and it turned into a systemic spinal problem. I am 27 years old. The chiropractor thinks it happened from playing quarterback in high school a past automobile accident that I was in.

Does the treatment sound about right? Is there anything that could expedite my recovery? I am open to anything I have been fighting back pain for many years and am very tired.

Thanks for your time,

Answer
Neil,

Please search previous answers of mine regarding cervical curves.  Your course of care is not valid.   There is no proof that treatment will correct the curves.  There is no validity to predicting that it will take two years to fix anything.  A (-) 3 degree curve is not the cause of all your problems.  Do you know how many people are walking around with altered curves and have no pain?  There is no data to support cervical curve alteration and neck or back pain.  While I understand the logic behind altered loading on the spine with a lost cervical curve, there is no guarantee that the curve can be fixed, and no gurantee that changing it will reduce your pain. Your care must be geared towards reducing your pain and improving your functional abilities.   Foot orthotics are no guarantee in changing your back pain.  I sure hope you didn't spent too much money on the orthotics.  Good, custom fabricated foot orthotics run around $300.  Some are passed off as "custom" but really are not good products.  I would be weary of foot levelers and good feet.  For most people who overpronate, and who do not have significant foot issues, a prefabricated orthotic such as PowerSteps, SuperFeet, or ALINE's often do the trick for $35-$60.  It seems that the best treatment for spine conditions involves the combination of manual joint manipulation, soft tissue treatment including active myofascial release procedures, exercise, and home-care/ergonomic strategies.  Just lying on the table while the doctor adjusts your spine being the only treatment is usually a formula for failed results.  Electric stimulation doesn't fix anything!  The extension-traction you're getting is questionable.  The leg pain may be from your lumbar discs and there is no way your neck is the cause of that.  The doctor must assess for nerve root irritation/compression or sciatic nerve adhesion/compromise with standard examination procedures.    After three months of treatment, you should not be complaining of "a lot of pain."  Your condition should change after a few weeks of care, and improve over a few months.  Otherwise, something is wrong...

'Hope this was helpful.

Dr. G
www.drgillman.com
www.westhartfordgroup.com