 | Dr. Jennifer Peterson graduated Summa Cum Laude from Cleveland Chiropractic College in Kansas City. She was awarded the prestigious Clinic Service Award in recognition of dedicated commitment and service to patients at the Cleveland Chiropractic Health Clinic. Dr. Peterson has done post-graduate work and been certified in Meridian Therapy (Acupuncture) and Cox Flexion-Distraction technique. Dr. Peterson is originally from Winfield, KS. She graduated from Winfield High School and then attended the University of Kansas. After graduating with a degree in Spanish from KU, she moved to Kansas City to attend Cleveland Chiropractic College. Dr. Peterson worked as an associate doctor for a year in Jackson, Mississippi before returning to Kansas to be closer to family and open her own clinic. Dr. Peterson enjoys walking, rollerblading and spending time with her infant niece, Alivia. You may e-mail her petersonchiropractic@birch.net, or call her at Peterson Chiropractic at (316) 448-0398. |
Chiropractic Care
2004-10-01 10:31:00
Normal curvature of the neck
: I was told that my neck does not have the normal curvature? What causes this and can it be repaired?
ANSWER: The neck normally has a C-shaped curve called a lordosis. Many people lose the normal curve in their neck due to injuries, improper posture or years of repetitive movements or stresses on the area. The first change that typically occurs is the straightening of the curve, also known as military neck. Without the normal lordosis in the neck, the bones and joints begin to wear out or degenerate, often forming bone spurs and eventually causing pain and stiffness. When allowed to progress to a severe stage, the patient many times has pain into his or her arms and fingers. There may also be signs of weakness in those areas. This can often be treated with chiropractic manipulation which will keep those areas moving properly. If the degeneration has progressed far enough, manipulation can slow down or stop the process but will probably not reverse this process. This is not to say that one should not treat this condition even in the severe stages, as proper treatment can alleviate some of the symptoms and help the patient maintain a certain amount of mobility. The amount of progress a patient makes is dependent upon their condition when they begin treatment as well as their involvement in their own care. When a patient exercises regularly, eats nutritious meals and takes care of themselves, he or she will function better than the patient who does not do those things.
