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].”
Although he clarified the drugs themselves do not directly alter the musculoskeletal system, he explained: “Instead, there is an indirect effect:
When the patient uses the drug, they remain in a certain position for a long time, and over months this results in musculoskeletal changes that led to kyphoscoliosis.”
