Question
Dear Doctor G,

I have been attending a chiropractor for a number of years now for pain and stiffness in my neck. It used to be just an occasional visit when I "put it out" in some way through some activity. However this year I seem to be doing so on a constant basis and every time my chiropractor adjusted me and sorted it out, I would be "out" again a week or two later. I attributed this mainly to the large amount of dancing I do (salsa) where you have to kindof "whip" your neck around very rapidly in order not to get dizzy when spinning and the contrast to my day job which involves all day long sitting at a computer.

However in the last few months, neither my chiropractor or myself were happy with the way the adjustment only seemed to be a quick fix that never lasted long. So last week I got X-rays of my neck done and they showed the cervical area to be completely straight with no curvature at all. my chiropractor says that this is the reason that the adjustments weren't working more than temporarily and why I was putting it out so quickly again...that I had no protective cushioning that the curve of the neck usually offers.
So he says this can be fixed within 9-12 months with gradually introducing the curve back into the neck. He has come up with a treatment plan of adjustments 3 times a week for 3 months followed by bi-weekly appointments for another 3 months and then once a week for either 3 or 6 months, depending on progress.
After reading your answer to Lori though I am now worried that a) this treatment is unwarranted and b) that even if he does restore my neck curve it won't solve my neck pain problems?

I would be very grateful for your opinion.
Best Regards,
Annemarie

P.S. I attended a different chiropractor years ago when I lived in a different city and I am going to see him next week for a second opinion. Are there any particular questions I should ask him?

Answer
Annemarie,

Yes, this duration and frequency of care is very good for the chiropractor ($$) and not so good for the patient.   There is absolutely no guarantee that your neck will feel better in 6 months at 3x/week.   I would suggest that you find a Graston Technique provider in your area and see if your condition improves in a few treatment sessions of GT.  You can go to www.grastontechnique.com to find a provider.  Also, if you are not exercising to strengthen and condition your neck and scapular muscles, then that may also be the cause of your continually returning symptoms.  This means lifting weights, using machines, or using other equipment (tubing/gym balls) to work the neck and upper spine extensor muscles ("Superman" on a gym ball), exercising all the muscles that pull your shoulder blade back and down (chest row, lat pull down, bent-over row)...etc.  I think you get the idea.   Try these logical, rational approaches first before anything else.  Pass this on to your chiropractor.  

'Regards,

Dr. G