While you would normally expect serious neck trauma to lead to a situation as alarming as this, as seen with cases of internal decapitation in past spinal trauma reports, it appears that the young man’s condition stemmed from long-term use of heroin, opium, and speed.
Such substances are often associated with neuromuscular degeneration, orthopedic deterioration, and the need for long-term care planning.
The incident raises concerns about how opioid misuse may cause hidden complications that go beyond addiction.
Including risks that would require inpatient rehabilitation, mobility assistance equipment, and even insurance-covered surgery for spinal repair.
Medical Malpractice? Or Delayed Treatment?
The doctors found that prior to his history of drug use, there was no medical reason to suspect that this severe neck misalignment would occur. Dr. Majid Rezvani, co-author of the case study, said:
“We discovered that drug abuse contributed to the uncommon development of severe complicated cervical kyphosis [excessive rounding of the upper back].”
