Case 7 is another case of a 50 year old. In this case, curvature of the shoulders and forward head carriage can be seen. Increased curvatures in the side profile along with forward head carriage are commonly associated with teenagers of both genders especially using electronic devices. Awareness is critical.
Background
A 50 year old married male and with 2 children suffered chronic neck middle back and low back pain. The pain was enough to cause waking twice per night for many years or “forever” with a twitch a burning character and was getting worse. He describes feeling old when waking and has a tendency to lean to one side in all his pictures.
His concern is that as a squash player and being extremely fit, he may have to give up activity due to his worsening condition. He wants to obtain correct posture and feel pain free.
Treatment
Corrective care commenced after a detailed analysis of his history and behavioral patterns. A 2-fold strategy was implemented were key behaviors were addressed and specific exercises were tailored to his unique curve. Sessions were performed for 1 hour a day, twice per week over the last 2-weeks.
Key behavioral hazards were identified and eliminated with the view to halt progression and control the pain.
Specific spinal exercises were also used to attempt to reduce the curve.
Visual improvement over 2 Weeks
Results
- Both side and front profiles improved (as seen from above pictures)
- A 17 degree drop in forward head carriage was noted.
- Reduced pain was noted within the first week and confirmed in the second week. A subsequent reduction in medication was achieved.
- Right shoulder internal rotation limitation improved and now equals left shoulder
- Sleep improvements noted.
- Early morning ‘Old-man’ feelings that were noted over many years have stopped completely.
- Increased tone in back musculature
Discussion
It is easy enough on a conscious basis (voluntary) to change a head that is held forward and bring the head back into midline. Doing so in a relaxed manner (resting position) is not so easy. This client commented that he was in his relaxed state in the ‘After’ photograph and that it felt quite natural. Forward head carriage and the ‘Doweger’s’ bump at the base of the neck occurs in both men and women. Frighteningly, this disfigurement is also becoming more evident in the younger generation. School students and the increased prevalence of electronic devices. What starts as a small painful junction at the base of the neck to an overgrown bump with consequent functional loss down the arm or radiating to the head.
Traditional approaches to ease discomfort in this area range from medications to surgical. Chiropractic may also afford some relief. Addressing the bio-mechanical cause focuses on behaviours that promote excessive over-growth at the base of the cervical spine. Adjustments are very good for short term relief however a longer term strategy is required.
I have observed a certain correlation between deafness and the presence of the Dowedger’s ‘hump’.
The literature also reveals that for every mm forward, an additional load is placed on the pivot point where the head and neck join at the thorax. 180 gms per mm. In some cases there maybe up to 10 kgs of load borne at this. pivot point
This case demonstrates the spine’s potential to improve the posture when viewed from the side (sagittal view) In a 50 year old male in just over 2 weeks.
Along with a more centralized Centre of Gravity (load line), the spine is better able to tolerate the vertical force of gravity and this is thought to have a direct influence of the stages of arthritis in the spine. Preservation of the cervical lordosis (neck curve) greatly enhances a person’s ability to turn their head. Even at this age, this client noted 20% improved mobility and far less pain (subjective rating). He commented that his driving has now become safer.
What is most interesting is that these changes occurred in a 50 year old who only used behavioural strategies to change the way he performed his daily duties, and specific exercises to help improve muscle tone. No manipulations were used at all to achieve the “After’ sagittal profile (side-view)
Increased lung volume, gastric motility and decreased neck / head pain as well as an increase in height can also be expected in some cases.
Poor posture, the use of smart-phones and gaming positions must be monitored from an early stage. This case shows that it is not too late to make changes, however, this person’s quality of life was considerably affected for as long as he could remember.
Attention to lifestyle positions / recreational, occupational and recreational forces is warranted. Student’s are well advised to adopt a more sensible strategy with e-devices.
Increased thoracic curves (mid back) is common in men with Scheuermann’s disorder, triatheltes (positional forces) and in people with chronic poor posture and in ladies with osteoporosis. With proper understanding, this case demonstrates a long-standing complaint that is responding well to a non-surgical and non-bracing strategy
. NB: Results vary from case to case. Our commitment is to make a break-through for large curves and to prevent smaller curves from getting bigger.
Where reduction is possible it is often seen within months.
All results on this site have been achieved without bracing, machines, surgery or medications.