Lateral cervical curve changes in patients receiving chiropractic care after a motor vehicle collision: a retrospective case series☆

Abstract 

Objective

To examine radiological changes of the lateral cervical curve in patients who received chiropractic care after motor vehicle collisions.

Design

A retrospective case series. Thirteen patients who had received chiropractic care after motor vehicle collisions were selected from a northeastern Washington chiropractic office. Patients had a lateral cervical radiograph taken prior to the initiation of chiropractic treatment and a comparative lateral cervical radiograph subsequent to a period of care. Cases were included if they met the previously stated criteria and if the radiographs were of sufficient quality to determine the lateral cervical curve from C2-C7.

Results

Adjustments rendered using an Activator Adjusting Instrument. Eleven of the subjects were also instructed to perform stretching exercises. Compared to the initial lateral cervical radiograph, the comparative radiographs demonstrated a mean increase in cervical lordosis between C2 and C7 of 6.4° (SD = 8.2). The standard error estimate of the population was 2.3°, with a 95% confidence interval of 1.4° to 11.4°.

Conclusion

There was a mean increase in the cervical lordosis of 6.4° (SD = 8.2). The standard error estimate of the population was 2.3°, with a 95% confidence interval of 1.4° to 11.4°. We were not able to determine the individual effects of adjustment, stretching, and natural progression of the condition. The results suggest that further study of this phenomenon should be undertaken.

Keywords:  Chiropractic Manipulation, Cervical Vertebrae, Motor Vehicle Collision, Radiology