Question
Hi,  I have always suffered from migraines but in March  I was rear ended in a car accident and from then on my neck has constantly hurt and my migraines have increased significantly.  I had them under control for 15 years and now My neurologist and I cannot find a medication to help.  Friday I finally had an MRI done and my Dr. left me a phone  message saying that the MRI showed I had DDD from c-4 to c-7 + arthritis in neck which could be why my headaches have increased so much.  In your opinion is the car accident the reason for this to happen?  I am only 33 and have two small children and now I am afraid always picking them up will only make the condition worse.

Answer
Hi Samantha,

DDD is not the cause of your headaches, post traumatic Cervicogenic headache is the culprit. The greater occipital nerve that travels between the first vertebrae and the base of your skull is entrapped due to muscle spasm secondary to the whiplash.
This is easily corrected with a home traction unit purchased at most Chiropractic offices. Towel traction will rehydrate the degenerative discs after a few sessions and with maintenance care can prevent further disease.
Glucosamine sulfate has been proven to stop and even reverse arthritis in most individuals. Therapeutic ultrasound used in combination with towel cervical traction, GS and MSM will offer significant relief and repair.
Google GS with MSM research and you will find this evidence. I strongly recommend you address the problem instead of masking symptomatology since this only accelerates the disease process and does nothing to correct the problem. Make an appointment with a DC and get it repaired before it is bone on bone and permanent.

If you have further questions or need a referral, please don't hesitate to ask.

Good Luck!

Dr. Timothy Durnin
drs.chiroweb.com