Question
I started having pain between my shoulders  decided to see a chiropractor.  He took x-rays and said my spine has a turn between T6 and T7 and my neck was too straight. I was fine after the first adjustment and the DC always asked me if I was ok after each movement.  The second visit I told him I was fine with the adjustments, although still hurting.  He decided to do more aggressive adjustments.  Later that night I was in so much pain that I called his emergency number and was informed to use ice.  This went away after 5 days or so.  Since then he was "taking it easy for now." Yesterday (3 weeks later) I was feeling great and had no pain, therefore he decided to try a more aggressive adjustment.  I am now again in excruciating pain.  I cannot move my head or bend over or sneeze!!!  I could find no comfortable position to sleep and had to take Vicodin to knock myself out.  I called him this morning and he agreed to meet me tomorrow (on a Sunday, which is nice).  Long story, I know, but I wanted to be thorough to get a good answer.  My question is, should I be looking for some other reason for this pain other than the curve in the spine?  Should I see a MD about it?  Is this normal to go to excruciating pain from no pain?  Please advise.

Answer
It is not normal to have excruciating pain after an adjustment.  Occasionally there can be some discomfort, but this usually doesn't last for five days.  What is he doing that he was taking it easy and then being more aggressive.  Adjusting is adjusting, only varying by technique; it shouldn't be leading to pain.  He should also, if pain is being caused, be able to do a more gentle technique which may be more appropriate for you.  As far as putting a curve back into a spine, as a chiropractor, I cannot do that.  Only your body knows what should be there; a straighter spine may be right for you, and forcing one in would be incorrect.  Hope that this helps