Improved Cervical Lordosis Following Chiropractic in an Adolescent with Chronic Cervicogenic Symptoms from a Motor Vehicle Collision: A Case Report & Review of the Literature
Improved Cervical Lordosis Following Chiropractic in an Adolescent with Chronic Cervicogenic Symptoms from a Motor Vehicle Collision: A Case Report & Review of the Literature
Authors
- Michael L. Underhill, DC
- Paul A. Oakley, DC, MSc
- Deed E. Harrison, DC
Publication
Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health. September 10, 2018; 99-108
Article Link
Abstract
Objective: To describe the treatment of an adolescent male with chronic neck pain, headaches, and cervical kyphosis following a motor vehicle collision (MVC) injury.
Clinical Features: A 13-year-old male involved in a rear-impact MVC developed chronic neck pain, headache, and dizziness. The patient was diagnosed with cervical strain/sprain injury and vertebral subluxation. He was initially managed with Diversified and Cranial-Sacral techniques over the course of the first year but received only transient symptomatic reduction.
Intervention and Outcome: After being released from care with the initial chiropractor and one year after the MVC, the patient presented to a second chiropractor utilizing CBP® mirror-image cervical spine adjustments, exercise, and cervical extension traction to reduce forward head posture and a persistent cervical kyphosis. Following a 16-week course of care with 20-in office sessions, the adolescent’s cervical kyphosis returned to lordosis. His initial Neck Disability Index (NDI) was 37.5% and the 0 to 10 Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) was a 7/10. Following CBP® treatment, the NDI was 0% and NRS was 0. The patient discontinued treatment and one year follow-up showed a gradual partial return of symptoms.
Conclusion: An adolescent patient with chronic cervicogenic impairments as a result of an MVC and cervical kyphosis experienced an improvement in symptoms and function after the use of CBP® chiropractic protocols.