23-year-old develops rare condition
Rare Case of Drug-Induced Neck Deformity
A 23-year-old man from Iran developed a rare and alarming condition—
his neck could no longer support his head.
Doctors said the amphetamine user’s chin would
“fall to his chest for prolonged periods of time,” leading to a “fixed kyphotic neck position.”
Cause Linked to Drug Abuse
The man regularly used heroin, opium, and speed. Before his addiction, there were no signs of neck issues.
Dr. Majid Rezvan explained, “We discovered that drug abuse contributed to the
uncommon development of severe complicated cervical kyphosis.”
How It Happened
“The drug does not have a direct effect on musculoskeletal changes,” Dr. Rezvan said.
“Instead… they remain in a certain position for a long time, and over months this results in musculoskeletal changes.”
Treatment and Recovery
Surgery corrected his spine, and he walked a day later with a hard collar.
He is now expected to enter rehab.
