The treatment and rationale for the correction of a cervical kyphosis spinal deformity in a cervical asymptomatic young female: a Chiropractic BioPhysics ® case report with follow-up
The treatment and rationale for the correction of a cervical kyphosis spinal deformity in a cervical asymptomatic young female: a Chiropractic BioPhysics ® case report with follow-up
Authors
- Paul A. Oakley, DC, PhD candidate, MSc
- Sean Z. Kallan DC candidate
- Lance D. Haines, DC
- Deed E. Harrison, DC
Publication
The Journal of Physical Therapy Science. 35: 389–394, 2023
Article Link
Abstract
Abstract. [Purpose] To present a case demonstrating dramatic restoration of the cervical lordosis and reduction of forward head posture by use of Chiropractic BioPhysics ® (CBP ®) technique. [Participant and Methods] A 24-year-old cervical asymptomatic female presented with poor craniocervical posture. Radiography revealed forward head posture and an exaggerated cervical kyphosis. [Results] The patient received CBP care including mirror image ® cervical extension exercises, cervical extension traction and spinal manipulative therapy. After 36 treatments over 17-weeks, repeat radiography demonstrated a dramatic improvement of an alteration of the cervical kyphosis to a lordosis and a reduction of forward head posture. Subsequent treatment increased the lordosis further. Long-term follow-up at 3.5 years showed some loss of original correction, however, a maintenance of the global lordosis. [Conclusion] This case demonstrates that non-surgical reversal of a cervical kyphosis to a lordosis is possible in a short time using CBP cervical extension protocols. It is logical if the kyphosis had not been corrected, over time, osteoarthritis and various craniovertebral symptoms would have evolved as the literature indicates. The
diagnosis of gross spinal deformity, we argue, requires its correction prior to the onset of symptoms and permanent degenerative changes.