QuestionHave been seeing a chiropractor 2-3 times a week for 3-4 months. Neck X-rays indicate no improvement in re-gaining some curve in my neck (was at, and still am at 0 degree). This week I had my first session with weights on my head. The chiropractor started at 6 lbs. for 15 minutes, and then took a new x-ray while I still had the weights on my head. He was pleased with the curve that the x-rays showed, indicating that getting the curve back would be possible with using weights on a regular basis. Do you have any experience with this form of treatment and/or is there any evidence-based research? After he finds out the cost of the head weights he is encouraging me to purchase them so I can do this at home. I would really appreciate any input that you might have.
P.S. My main problem is headaches, sore/tight shoulders and neck. This has been on-going for 25 years. I have gone to chiropractors for that long but never as intensely as I am presently.
Thanks for any insight you may have. Carole
Answerhead weights
Hello Carole,
Sorry to hear of your pain. Sorry to hear of your condition.
I hope I can be of some help.
".....My main problem is headaches, sore/tight shoulders and neck. This has been on-going for 25 years. .....", usually Chiropractic is very efficient in lessening headache, tightness. While under Chiropractic care I hope your headaches, shoulder/neck tightness has been greatly reduced, even eliminated. Periodic care- ie once per month is common in chiropractic care, but after a few weeks of intensive care (2- 3x per week) there should be great improvement.
Restoration of curves is controversial in Chiropractic. Just as some medical doctors believe in certain medications or certain surgeries- but have colleagues that say that particular medicine, that particular surgery does not work,,,,,,, Well, there is controversy in Chiropractic as well.
Some Doctors of Chiropractic will tell you that restoration of the normal, usual, natural curve is unimportant. Some Doctors believe restoration of the normal curve is of paramount importance.
One technique that works on restoration of normal natural cervical curves is the Chiropractic Pettibon Technique. I do not utilize this technique, but this sounds like what your Doctor is doing.
Information on the Pettibon Technique:
http://www.pettibonsystem.com
http://www.pettibonsystem.com/system/spinal_model.php
http://www.spinalfitness.com/pettibon_spinal_biomechanics_proof.htm
http://www.upcspine.com/tech7.htm
Similar question here at AllExperts.com : http://en.allexperts.com/q/Chiropractors-965/2009/3/Neck-Curves-Wrong-Way.htm
"....Do you have any experience with this form of treatment and/or is there any evidence-based research? ...." I do not utilize this Pettibon Technique, a good friend of mine does, and I discussed your question with him. He is a Pettibon Practitioner, apparently there is research that shows head weighting, spine weighting can change curves towards normal in the spine.
"....After he finds out the cost of the head weights he is encouraging me to purchase them so I can do this at home...." This is a goal of treatment, that initial weight exercise be performed in-office, a patient learning curve, and then home exercise. Chiropractic care at the Doctor's office will still be necessary, but the exercises may be done at home and in-office.
"Military neck", or reversed curve does seem related to neck complaints and degeneration. I would endeavour to restore the normal curve if I could.
I would speak to your Doctor, why did he/she just start this with you? Is the doctor new to the technique? Discuss this with your DC. Go to the websites I have provided for even further information.
If you need further, please do not hesitate to re-contact me here at AllExperts.com
http://www.allexperts.com/ep/965-100794/Chiropractors/Victor-Dolan-DC-DACBSP.htm
I wish you Good Luck and Good Health,
Dr. Victor Dolan, DC
Email newsletter: http://drvictordolan.chiroweb.com
Information I handout to my Staten Island Neck Pain Patients:
PAIN
Pain is a 憆ed light on the dashboard?
Pain is your body telling you that something is wrong.
That RED LIGHT on the dashboard of your car-
-- do you ignore it until the car breaks down,
or do you get it checked and correct the problem?
Pain,
pain in your body-
-- do you ignore it until your body breaks down, or do you get it checked and correct the problem?
Pain,
do you cover up the pain by taking a painkiller?
Take a painkiller, mask the pain, and allow a problem to progress in your body?
NOTICE ON PAIN RELIEVERS:
Label changes ORDERED by FDA; the FDA announced proposed label changes for OTC over-the-counter pain relievers to include the potential for stomach bleeding and liver damage (FDA news 206- 207; 12-9-06) ;
The American Heart Association issued a scientific statement recommending medical doctors change the way they prescribe OTC pain relievers from a first choice to an alternate of recommending non-pharmacologic treatment (AHA statement 2-26-07).
NSAID Acceleration of ARTHRITIS; an important side effect of Aspirin and other NSAIDS is that it will inhibit cartilage repair and accelerate cartilage destruction ( Journal of Rheumatology, 1982; 9: 3- 5 ). Many times people take NSAIDS for the pain of Arthritis, not realizing these drugs may make the underlying condition worse. These medications cover up the pain, and cause the problem to worsen.
Pain can often be the result of the Vertebral Subluxation Complex.
Vertebral Subluxation ( 慥SC?, 憇ubluxation? )
Vertebral Subluxation is actually a quite common condition. Doctors of Chiropractic look for pathological conditions which may require referral to other specialties, and also look for 慡ubluxation? Other disciplines look for pathology, but overlook the importance of alignment and movement in the spine which affects our nervous system (the master control system- ALL health disciplines learn this). VSC- 慡ubluxation??can be the cause of many symptoms and conditions.
Only a Doctor of Chiropractic will evaluate and treat for VSC, as well as other pathology.
The course of VSC is highly variable. Some patients with VSC literally cannot walk, yet other patients with similar test findings may be able to run marathons or lift heavy weights. Some patients immediately develop symptoms related to the VSC, some patients take years to develop symptoms. Some people suffer for only a few days with pain and symptoms, some people suffer for months. Some people recover in days, some take months or years, depending upon severity of the condition.
A subluxation interferes with the proper functioning of the nervous system (the master system which controls and coordinates all function within the body) and may cause various other conditions, symptoms and problems.
The Vertebral Subluxation Complex describes what happens when spinal bones lose their normal movement patterns and position. When subluxated, joints are in a stressed, vulnerable, compromised condition. Subluxation may cause Arthritis, Disk Herniation, or aggravate such conditions.
Vertebral Subluxation cannot be corrected through chemicals (medicine), stretching, yoga, vitamins or physical therapy alone. Subluxation- a neuro/skeletal/muscular- mechanical- problem requires a mechanical correction- - - a manipulation, best performed with the chiropractic adjustment.
Dr. Victor E. Dolan, Doctor of Chiropractic; Diplomat, American Chiropractic Board of Sport Physicians; Diplomat, American Academy of Pain Management; Certified Clinical Nutritionist (IAACN); FIRST Chief of Chiropractic in a Hospital in New York State (DHSI); As Seen in PREVENTION Magazine
揝tiff Neck?
( Also Known As- wryneck, torticollis, neck muscle spasm )
-can be caused by big bad things: cancers, tumors, fractures, even heart attacks- only history/ examination/ evaluation by an appropriate health professional can differentiate these problems/ conditions.
USUALLY these complaints are neuro-musculo-skeletal.
For example: sometimes we can wake up with a 憇tiff neck? or a muscle spasm.... sometimes a slip, trip, fall, heavy lift, or even a motor vehicle accident can cause a 憇tiff neck?
Sometimes we just slept wrong ! Often- the true c a u s e of the neck stiffness and pain; the underlying c a u s e of the complaint - is a misalignment, a 慿ink? in the neck - more properly termed a Vertebral Subluxation. Treat the c a u s e, not just the symptoms - for true improvement.
Vertebral Subluxation Complex (a.k.a. 憇ubluxation?
The vertebral subluxation complex is the underlying cause of many healthcare problems. A subluxation interferes with the proper functioning of the nervous system (the master system which controls and coordinates all function within the body) and may cause various other conditions, symptoms and problems.
This is a serious condition identified by its five parts:
Spinal Kinesiopathology:
This is fancy way of saying the bones of the spine have lost their normal motion and position. It restricts your ability to turn and bend. It sets in motion the other four components.
Neuropathophysiology:
Improper spinal function can choke, stretch, or irritate delicate nerve tissue. The resulting nerve system dysfunction can cause symptoms elsewhere in the body.
Myopathology:
Muscles supporting the spine can weaken, atrophy, or become tight and go into spasm. The resulting scar tissue changes muscle tone, requiring repeated spinal adjustments.
Histopathology:
A rise in temperature from an increase in blood and lymph supplies result in swelling and inflammation. Discs can bulge, herniate, tear, or degenerate. Other soft tissues may suffer permanent damage.
Pathophysiology:
Bone spurs and other abnormal bony growths attempt to fuse malfunctioning spinal joints. This spinal decay, scar tissue, and long-term nerve dysfunction can cause other systems of the body to malfunction.
The Vertebral Subluxation Complex describes what happens when spinal bones lose their normal movement patterns and position.
Automobile accidents, improper lifting, improper posture, alcohol, emotional stress, chemical imbalances, and long periods of sitting can cause the Vertebral Subluxation Complex.
Vertebral Subluxation cannot be corrected through chemicals (medicine), stretching, yoga, vitamins or physical therapy alone. Subluxation- a neuro/skeletal/muscular- mechanical- problem requires a mechanical correction- - - a manipulation, best performed with the chiropractic adjustment. For good health- Treat the Cause, not just the Symptoms.
Dr. Victor E. Dolan, Doctor of Chiropractic; Diplomat, American Chiropractic Board of Sport Physicians; Diplomat, American Academy of Pain Management; Certified Clinical Nutritionist (IAACN); FIRST Chief of Chiropractic in a Hospital in New York State (DHSI); As Seen in PREVENTION Magazine
