Question
What exercises can I do to reduce the scoliosis curve in my neck?  I have a curve in my neck.  My head tends to curve toward the left.  I began seeing a chiropractor in Nov 08 and he took xrays.  These xrays definitely showed the curve in my neck.  I have been seeing him about twice a week.  His adjustments have made a big difference but he says he may not be able to affect the curve.  He is more concerned about pinched nerves.  I am a computer specialist and I work in front of a computer most of the day.  I am also blind in my right eye thus the reason I tend to look toward the left.  I still have some tightness in my right shoulder and on the right side of my neck because of the curve to the left.  Any help you can give me will be greatly appreciated.

Answer
Linda,

Doubtful that there is any exercise that can reduce the scoliosis in your neck.  There are various protocols and gizmos for forcing a cervical spine into extension over a fulcrum, thus forcing it into a normal curve.  There is no evidence that these work.  It can't hurt to try them, but if your chiropractor makes your neck and shoulders feel good, then I'd suggest forgetting about your neck curvature.  There's many folks with crazy neck curvature that do not have an ounce of pain.   That's why current guidelines advise not to take xrays of the spine.  They can lead you down a useless worrisome path.   Get the treatment and see if you feel and function better.  That's a worthwhile goal, not straightening your neck curve.

Dr. G