Question
QUESTION: I have a significant disc protrusion at C6/7 level causing numbness and pain at my left arm and hands. In addition, chiropractor has determined that my cervical curve is reversed at -7 degrees compared to normal 43 degrees curve. I had close to 6 months of chiropractic treatment but the original one year program had to be terminated because the clinic closed down and all patients cannot recover the money paid. In the process of traction sessions, my ribs also got twisted. Just before the close down, I had another x-ray done after 3 months of treatment and the chiropractor says that my cervical curve is now at 4 degrees, an improvement of 11 degrees. I have gone without treatment for 3 months now and my current condition is such that I don't feel any numbness but pain once in a while, which seem to worsen lately. I am scared that the bad symptoms would come back soon.I am thinking of having another MRI (my first MRI was done one year ago) to see if there is any improvement in the slipped disc and move on from there. What is my next best course of action? Before the chiropractic treatment, I had physiotherapy and medication from 1st orthopaedic doc but it didn't work well. I had 2nd opinion from another orthopaedic doc who actually suggested artificial disc replacement because the disc protrusion is big. It was only through referral that I tried chiropractic treatment.

ANSWER: Helen,
You want to avoid any kind of spinal surgery if it is at all possible.  My greatest recommendation to you would be to go and see an Upper Cervical Specific Doctor of Chiropractic.  This is a Doctor that has received special training and devotes his or her entire practice to the Upper Cervical Spine where the Vital Brainstem Resides.  The Brainstem is "Houston Control" in the body, all messages are sent through the brainstem for the body below and for the brain above.  Any Upper Cervical Subluxation (locked-out-of-alignment C1-C2 Vertebrae that distort the mental impulse between the brain and the body.
Without harmful drugs, radiation, or surgery an Upper Cervical Doctor will determine the cause of your health problems and offer a plan of action to efficiently correct that cause.
If you are interested in truly getting well, then send me your town and state and allow me a couple of days to find you a doctor in your area.  Please keep in mind that there are less than 500 of us in the world and so you may have to travel some for your care, but it is entirely worth it to do so.

Yours in Best Health,
Dr Rob Arnone, DC
Upper Cervical Specific Doctor
"Brainstem Specialist"
Arnone Specific Chiropractic
711 Old Ballas Road Suite 104
Creve Coeur, MO 63141
314.995.5719

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QUESTION: Thanks so much for your quick reply. Unfortunately, I'm located in Singapore and chiropractic care is actually still considered a new field in Asia. It was unfortunate that the previous chiropractor I received treatment from was not even registered under Singapore Association, hence I had some fear in approaching another chiropractor without any good referral. In addition, the marketing strategy of having patients to pay upfront a package sum and now causing many patients to lose their money (in thousands or more) as well as their so-called lifelong wellness program made me lose some hope in chiropractic care towards my full recovery which I hope to achieve. Surgery is definitely a last resort and not something I would consider now. But recently I am starting to experience shortness of breath and dizziness, which I am not sure if it's related to my cervical curve and slipped disc. So I am worried that my condition gets worse and chiropractic care evenutally didn't work well on me.

Answer
Helen,
I am here to offer you the best advice for your health, I am not really here to get into location issues or payment issues, just strictly health issues.  I KNOW that Upper Cervical Specific Care is what can get you well and what you need right now.  If you cannot follow my recommendation for whatever reason, then I will not be able to help you, and then I simply suggest the next best thing which would be something that is naturally based without drugs and certainly not surgery until it is the very last possible thing to attempt.
Your desire to get well is up to you entirely, but I have patients who travel from other states and now since we have implemented the 14 day, 21 day, and 28 day intensive care programs we are seeing people coming from other countries to get well also.
I am here to help you in any way that I can, just ask me if you have a question.

Yours in Best Health,
Dr Rob Arnone, DC
Upper Cervical Chiropractor
"Brainstem Specialist"
Arnone Specific Chiropractic
St Louis, MO 63141
314.995.5719