Cervical Hypolordosis: A Case Study Report Of Treatments And Outcomes

Abstract

Cervical hypolordosis is a condition affecting the cervical vertebrae in which the normal anterior curvature shifts posteriorly from its original position, creating a flattening, causing pain and neuropathy in patients. Little data exists on the causes, treatment, and progression of this condition which gives motive for this case study report. A moderately active 51 year old female patient sought chiropractic treatment after experiencing numbness in the 3rd, 4th, and 5th digits of the left hand. She was diagnosed with a strain within the supraclavicular region. A hypolordotic curve of the cervical vertebrae was noted upon visual examination. She was treated using chiropractic techniques and regained 90% pre injury strength eradicating her symptoms. The patient later returned to the clinic with further neuropathy signs and symptoms. A differential diagnosis included thoracic outlet syndrome or disk herniation of the cervical vertebrae. An MRI revealed reverse cervical curvature and otseophytes along the lateral bodies of C5/C6 vertebrae. A treatment plan and protocol was followed addressing biochemical changes utilizing proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, stretching exercises, and a home exercise program. Within only 4 treatments the patient reported 90% self improvement of symptoms. With so little evidence about cervical hypolordosis it is important to note the positive outcomes of this patient and to utilize the information to treat and/or educate others who suffer from cervical hypolordosis.