Question
Dear Dr. Tran,
I have been experiencing moderate neck/back pain for several years. It only flared after aggravating activities, computer work, sitting for long periods, bending down the wrong way, etc.
I have seen a chiropractor intermittently over the years, and last year for about three months. She told me I had very mild scoliosis in the lower back.
But, in the past two months, after a few nights of uncomfortable beds and stress, the pain has become unbearable. I have almost constant numbness in the left arm, at one point my whole face was numb. I cant sit, sleep, walk, without pain in the upper back.
I have been to an osteopath twice now and he says I have a severe loss of cervical curve, which is causing most of the pain and "rocks in my back". He is unable to tell me how long it will take to correct the problem. What is usual? Should I still see a GP or specialist for other scans, x-rays, etc? How worried should I be? My husband and I do volunteer work in a third world country for most of the year and were planning to return soon, within a month or so. Is this a good idea, or is it harmful to stop treatments now? Is swimming a good exercise to try for this problem?

Answer
Dear Liana,

It would be a good idea to continue therapy.  Your condition may become worse with daily activities if you don't have treatment of your neck and low back.  I would recommend to see a chiropractor and ask about a cervical pillow that may help with neck curvature.  You may also need to do some physical therapy with exercises to strengthen the neck and low back as to prevent the pain and injury.

Having pain and numbness do not indicate your condition being severe.  It can be if it progress to loss of muscle control in your arms.  That is why it is important to have the condition taken care of as soon as possible.

As for swimming, if you do not experience any pain or discomfort with the activities, then it should be ok to do.  

I hope you will feel better so as to do all the wonderful work for the third world country who truly needs you and your husband.

God bless you.