Question
Hello,

Thank you for taking the time to read my question! Four months ago, I saw an osteopath b/c my lower back has hurt for 5 years. The MRI is negative -- the doctors all said to stop running. So I figured the osteopath might be a good idea as the MDs couldn't come up with a solution.

Immediately after the osteopath's adjustment (the next morning) the back of my neck began to hurt. I adjusted my computer at work, but the pain continued. A few weeks later, it began radiating into my head. I now virtually consistently have bitemporal headaches as well as pain throughout the frontal part of my head.

Moreover, I am nauseas, dizzy and just feel zapped of energy. The back of my neck does not really hurt but it's painful when anyone presses on it. The sides of my neck and front spasm uncontrollably. Often times the front of my neck feels so tight that I feel like I can't breathe.

I have gotten an MRI of my neck, MRI of my brain, CT scan and flexion/extension xrays. All are negative. I have been doing acupuncture for 1.5 months. It provides temporary relief (a few hours) but then the pain comes back. I have tried traction, massage, physical therapy ... nothing works!!

The newest problem is that my whole face and head feel very full, as though I'm experiencing a sinus headache. I tried taking Excedrin and Advil -- no relief. Today, my ears began hurting. I'm guessing that has something to do with the headaches and tension in my neck/head.

I'm just scared this is going to last forever as it's been 4 months and my conditions have only worsened. Please let me know what you think I can do! I live in San Francisco but am moving to Cambridge, MA to attend school in a few days. I fear I might have to defer enrolling this year, however, as my condition is preventing me from existing normally.

Thank you immensely for your time!

Best,
Danielle

P.S. It's probably worth mentioning that even before this ocurred, I was very anxious about leaving for school. The longer this injury has remained, the more anxious I've become and I'm guessing the anxiety is exacerbating the problem.

Answer
Hi Danielle,

First and foremost check to make sure you are not running a temperature. This will elevate with Mastoiditis and other infections causes. I suspect the Osteopath hasn't adjusted many people in his/her career. I went to Osteopathic school at Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine (CCOM) and can tell you their adjusting techniques are quite brutal.
Get it realigned by a highly recommended Chiropractor since that's all they do. Osteopaths only perform less than 5% of all manipulation done in the world. Practice makes perfect.
I also would get a Davis series before another neck manipulation, since you already had neck x-rays, all you need is flexion/extension excursion films (two total). They may have performed these earlier but I doubt it.
This will show any ligamentous instability that guilds the D.C. into the correct technique to use such as a modified combo (a diversified technique that requires no rotation/twisting of the neck). Towel traction is also very comfortable and extremely effective for these presentations after a bad adjustment.
Finding a good D.C. can be challenging, so ask around to see who is the best in your area. Stay away from D.C.'s that do activator, these are doctors that usually can't adjust so they use a device instead. There is nothing wrong with using one as long as the patient is 90 years old, on someone as young as yourself, there is no excuse.  

You need to be readjusted and you'll be fine, these things happen often and Chiropractors usually ask the patient before they leave if it feels corrected. Leaving the office feeling worse and not telling the doctor only hurts the patient, always let the physician know something still isn't right before leaving. If you need a referral, I will be happy to find you a qualified one.

Good Luck Danielle!

Dr. Timothy Durnin
drs.chiroweb.com