Objective: We discuss the management of cooperative cervical total disc replacement and Chiropractic BioPhysics® interventions pre- and post-operatively aimed at restoring physiologic cervical lordosis.
Clinical Features: A 38-year-old woman had neck pain radiating into her right shoulder and scapula coupled with paresthesia to the first and second digits, bilaterally. Radiographs revealed significant loss of segmental and global lordosis with degenerative stenosis at C5-C6.
Intervention and Outcome: Preoperatively, conservative methods of chiropractic therapy were completed with progress toward restoration of cervical lordosis but without resolution of symptoms. The patient underwent anterior cervical discectomy at C5-6 and a total disc replacement. Postoperatively, traditional physical therapy failed and Chiropractic BioPhysics cervical extension traction methods helped improve clinical symptoms and lordosis. Successful results were maintained at a 2.5-year follow-up.
Conclusion: This case demonstrates how a combined approach of cervical total disc replacement and Chiropractic BioPhysics technique may help manage degenerative changes in the neck. This can then help lead to future cooperation between specialties.
Author keywords: Total Disc Replacement; Cervical Lordosis; Cervical Spine; Chiropractic
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