Question
Dear Sir,
I have been suffering from Migraine Headaches for a few years, along with a ten year history of Tension Headaches, and neck/shoulder pain. Recently on an MRI addressing the Migraines, we found that I have three bulging discs in my cervical spine. During the past year, I went through corrective therapy to reshape my spine by using "traction" at home with weight. As of March07 my spine had a normal curve. As of Nov07, the MRI showed no curve again. Would the 3x/week chirpractic adjustments have caused disc bulging, or should it have helped? Would the traction have caused damage? Do you recommend this type of treatment, and am I getting too many adjustments. In the last three weeks, I am down to once a week, but still have migraines and neck pain.
Thank you for your time.
Sierra

Answer
The adjustments and traction probably did not cause or aggravate the bulging. How long have you had the same treatment without any improvements? If you are constantly going back for the same treatments and there is no measurable improvement, then I would considering exploring other treatments. It sounds like you have been receiving passive care (something the doctor or therapist does for you). I would suggest you implement an active care program into your therapy as well(doing self directed exercises, stretches, strengthening, etc). This allows you to do more in terms of managing your own treatment, and you can address any underlying tightness, weakness, or other muscular imbalances that the adjustments and traction do not address. You may want to try doing cervical retractions and postural correction exercises and limit the amount of sitting you do. Migraines typically are not related to cervical disc bulging, but the adjustments can be beneficial and they should definitely help with your neck pain.