Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is the most common cause of spinal cord dysfunction in patients over 55 years of age. Direct measurement of changes in CSM, especially in the early stages, is almost impossible. Since most cases of (CSM) are accompanied by a reduced lordotic or even kyphotic cervical curve, this paper explores the possibility that the reduced curve may be a causative or at least an aggravating factor in CSM.
The relationship of the upper cervical misalignment to kyphosis is neither well documented nor well recognized. A small pilot study was undertaken using ten consecutive patients to study the effects of upper cervical care in restoring the normal cervical curve. Spinal stenosis and the role of the dentate ligament spinal cord and brain stem traction mechanisms are discussed at length.
Author Keywords: Atlas-axis, dentate ligament, spinal cord traction, spinal stenosis, spondylotic myelopathy, upper cervical subluxation
This abstract is reproduced with the permission of the publisher.
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