Question
My 34-year-old daughter has had TMJ surgery at age 13, has pectus excavatum requiring
breast implant on her right side, scoliosis, etc.  She has been a long-distance swimmer for over a 20 years.  On her 30th birthday in preparation for 1/2 marathon, she literally had a "collapse of her skeletal structure on her right side.  She has never been the same.  Her only relief comes from neck alignment with an orthoganol, which holds only temporarily.  She has pulling on her right side affecting her ribs (which pop out on occasion), pulling on her shoulder/neck muscles, and just horrible muscle tightness with pain.  She has been to so many specialists, spending thousands of dollars, but no one knows the answer.  She is on constant pain medication, which concerns her.  Ironically, she has her doctorate in physical therapy, but now is in such a state that she has to take a leave from work.  Her neck "goes out" for no apparent reason, and then the whole thing starts again.  It takes her weeks to getting feeling better, but she never has total relief from her symptoms.  She lives in Chicago and has to travel 45 to 60 minutes to a chiropractor with the orthogonal machine.  Can you please recommend a specialist who perhaps has some insight as to what to do for her?  We have been to UCLA, to a specialist in pectus excavatum, to numerous musculoskeletal specialists and physiatrists, to the Rehab Center in Chicago (who treats with pain meds and pain management).  However, she is so young and has been on medication for so long, we are all concerned about the effects of all this.  She cannot function at the present time in any working capacity.,  Please, any help you could give us or the name of someone who deals with such unique situation.  We are at our wits end.  And add to this depression.  Sincerely, Randy

Answer
Randy;

It's great when you hear doctors say, "Fascinating case.... hmmm." but that doesn't really help all that much, does it?  

Right now your daughter is going to see a chiropractor who barely does anything.  I've spent hundreds of hours with a doctor who works at the chiropractic college (I believe its National University of Health Sciences)?  there in Chicago, his name is Dr. Terry Elder.  He teaches technique class at the school, and sits on the Chiropractic Board of Examiners.  Since he has another job, taking the time necessary with your daughter to help her out.  His level of knowledge will appeal to your daughter, and his hand skills have made him a legend in chiropractic.

He knows who I am, and it may set you in good stead if you dropped my name (feel free to).  He's a busy guy.

If there is something to be done, he can do it, and it's who I would trust my child, even my grown child, with. Dispensing hope, I've found, is the best treatment for depression, and it's my hope that this recommendation works out for you both.