The Reduction of Cervical Hyperlordosis and Resolution of Craniocervical Symptoms in an Adolescent Female: A Chiropractic Biophysics Case Report With Long-Term Follow-Up

TL;DR

A 15-year-old girl with cervical hyperlordosis and chronic migraines showed significant improvement after 12 weeks of Chiropractic Biophysics treatment, with long-term symptom resolution.

Contribution

This is the first documented case of successful cervical hyperlordosis reduction using Chiropractic Biophysics in peer-reviewed literature.

Findings

After 12 weeks of treatment, the patient experienced full recovery from migraines and neck pain with an 8° reduction in cervical lordosis.

At 15 months post-treatment, the patient remained symptom-free with a total 13° reduction in the cervical curve.

The study suggests excessive cervical curvature may cause adverse soft tissue stress and pathological symptoms.

Abstract

Cervical hyperlordosis is a rare condition in the pediatric population. We present a unique case of the application of Chiropractic Biophysics® (CBP®) technique protocols to reduce a hyperlordotic cervical spine corresponding with many craniocervical symptoms, including chronic migraines and neck pain. A 15-year-old female presented with chronic headaches, neck pain, and neck stiffness among other complaints following a martial arts sprain injury several months prior. There were many positive orthopedic tests and limited range of motion. Radiographs revealed a cervical hyperlordosis and a right lateral head translation. CBP® treatment was given and involved cervical distraction traction as well as corrective exercises twice a week for 12 weeks, and then monthly for one year with a complementary home program. After 12 weeks, there was a full recovery from migraines and neck pain correlating with an 8° reduction in lordosis and correction of head translation. At 15 months, the patient remained well and achieved a 13° total reduction in the neck curve. This is the first case documenting the successful application of CBP® methods to reduce cervical spine hyperlordosis in peer-reviewed literature. We propose too much curve may be as detrimental as too little curve in the cervical spine with respect to causing adverse stresses and strains in the surrounding soft tissues leading to pathological processes and nociceptive tendencies.

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