From the Guidelines
The claim by Chiropractic BioPhysics (CBP) that cervical curve correction matters has limited scientific support. While maintaining proper cervical lordosis (the natural C-shaped curve in the neck) is important for biomechanical function, the evidence that deliberately altering this curve improves health outcomes is not robust, as noted in studies such as 1. Some patients with abnormal cervical curves do experience neck pain, headaches, and reduced mobility, but many people with "abnormal" curves on imaging have no symptoms at all. CBP practitioners use specialized techniques including mirror image exercises, traction, and spinal adjustments to restore what they consider ideal cervical alignment. However, most mainstream medical and physical therapy approaches focus on improving function and reducing pain rather than achieving specific curve measurements. The relationship between cervical curve measurements and clinical symptoms is complex and not as straightforward as CBP often suggests, with studies like 1 and 1 indicating that the effectiveness of spinal manipulation does not significantly vary depending on the presence or absence of radiating pain or the profession or training of the manipulator.
Key points to consider:
- The evidence for the effectiveness of cervical curve correction in improving health outcomes is limited, with most studies focusing on low back pain rather than cervical issues, as seen in 1 and 1.
- Spinal manipulation, which includes techniques used by CBP practitioners, has been found to be moderately superior to sham manipulation and some other therapies for chronic low back pain, but its effectiveness for cervical issues is less clear.
- Mainstream medical and physical therapy approaches prioritize improving function and reducing pain over achieving specific curve measurements.
- Patients experiencing neck pain or related symptoms should consult with multiple providers, including physical therapists, orthopedists, and chiropractors, to determine the most appropriate treatment approach for their specific condition, considering the findings of studies such as 1 and 1.
From the Research
Importance of Cervical Lordosis Correction
The correction of cervical lordosis is a crucial aspect of chiropractic treatment, particularly in the context of Chiropractic BioPhysics (CBP) technique. Studies have shown that the restoration of cervical lordosis can lead to significant improvements in patient outcomes, including reduced pain and disability 2, 3, 4.
Chiropractic BioPhysics Technique
The CBP technique involves the use of cervical extension exercises, traction, and spinal manipulative therapy to restore cervical lordosis. Research has demonstrated that this approach can be effective in increasing cervical lordosis and improving patient outcomes, including pain relief and functional measures 2, 3, 4.
Comparison with Other Treatments
Comparative studies have shown that CBP technique can be more effective than other forms of treatment, including multimodal rehabilitation without extension traction, in maintaining long-term improvements in pain and disability 3, 4. Additionally, research has compared the efficacy of different types of traction, including static, intermittent, and manual traction, with intermittent traction showing significant benefits in terms of pain relief and range of motion 5.
Long-Term Outcomes
Long-term follow-up studies have demonstrated that the improvements in cervical lordosis and patient outcomes achieved through CBP technique can be maintained over time, with some studies showing maintenance of benefits up to 1.5 years after treatment cessation 3, 4.
Clinical Implications
The evidence suggests that the correction of cervical lordosis is an important aspect of chiropractic treatment, particularly in the context of CBP technique. Clinicians should consider the use of cervical extension exercises, traction, and spinal manipulative therapy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for patients with cervical spine disorders 2, 3, 4.
Key Findings
- CBP technique can effectively increase cervical lordosis and improve patient outcomes, including pain relief and functional measures 2, 3, 4.
- CBP technique can be more effective than other forms of treatment in maintaining long-term improvements in pain and disability 3, 4.
- Intermittent traction can be an effective form of treatment for cervical spine disorders, showing significant benefits in terms of pain relief and range of motion 5.
- Long-term follow-up studies have demonstrated that the improvements in cervical lordosis and patient outcomes achieved through CBP technique can be maintained over time 3, 4.