Cervical & Lumborsacral Spine Query on Results

[Aleibsha]

Hello there.

I have just been to a Chiropractor (for the first time) and can't stand my neck being cracked...for psychological reasons.  I was refered to have an xray.

I have recently had an xray on my Full Spine & Pelvis (AP and Lateral views).
My results were as follows:

CERVICAL SPINE - "There is a reversal of the usual cervical lordosis with some flexion.  Marginal anterior osteophytic lippingis noted at C4/5, C5/6 and C6/7 with ossification of the anterior longitudinal ligament."  The disc heights are apparently well maintained.

LUMBORSACRAL SPINE and PELVIS - "Minor anterior osteophytic lipping is noted at L4/5  but the disc all well maintained. no spondylolisthesis or spondylolysis."

I have told my Chiropractor that I was assaulted (in the neck region) way back in Feb 2000, and that my neck keeps going on me (painful to move/can't move at all) plus I get the pain down my left arm into my hand.  At times I feel my strength in my left arm is not there and I have to take Celebrex and paracetamol to feel better.

Sometimes it's my arm that plays up and others it's my neck or both at the same time.  It can occur with the change in weather, if I'm worrying about something or it can occur as simply as from lifting my arm up to brush my hair.

I am 34 years old...can someone please explain to me, what the above means in laymans terms, and if there is anything I can do to fix my situation?

Thank you for your assistance.

Kind regards.

[Adam Tanase, D.C.]

As for the imaging report, the curve that belongs in your neck (similar to a banana) is now going the opposite direction. This needs to be corrected.

As for the "lipping" mentioned, that sounds Australian for vertebral body degeneration... the bones of the spine are mechanically stressed, so they're beginning to alter their shape to compensate.

The ligament that runs along part of the spine for protection and stabilization appears to have turned to bone (ossification). This is probably due to a previous injury.

The only way I know of to correct a reversed cervical curve is through cervical neck adjustments, traction, and at-home exercises. You don't have to necessarily get your neck "cracked" because there are a number of different adjustment methods that do not involve twisting or popping.

Take a look at this website - www.UpCspine.com and see if there's a specialist near by who can provide this alternative method of care.

Adam Tanase, D.C.
www.drtanase.com

[Aleibsha]

Hi Adam,

Thank you very much for replying to my question.  Your answer was really helpful and you explained all the jargon really well.

I will definitely continue to correct my neck problem as you suggested.

Kind regards,
Aleisha