Question
QUESTION: Hi Dr. Starbuck,

I am 28 years old.  I sit at a computer for work, but I have since developed good posture (since I did not have great posture before).  I have the computer set at eye level, a keyboard tray to keep my arms closer to my body, and a supportive office chair with adjustable arms to support the arms as well.  I have muscle knots around the neck, shoulder, and scapula area.  I see a massage therapist and next week an acupuncturist for muscle knots.  I have nerve irritation which corresponds with the muscle knots.  The nerve irritation seems to come from the tight muscles, since it responds to both muscle tightness or massage/heat. I also do some neck traction and neck stretches.  I have had headaches for 10 years, but they are not as bad as they used to be.   Here is the result of my MRI. Can you tell me what this means?  Is my disc degenerating and will it continue to degenerate?  Does it ever "heal" itself?  Please advise.  (I know what the neurologist told me, but I would like your input as well; he stated that the results were 搉ormal?and that most people have these types of results, and that he didn抰 think the nerve irritation was coming from the neck.)  But I would like to still like to know about the degeneration factor.  Thanks for your help!

1. Broad based central disc protrusion at C5-C6 and a smaller broad based central disc bulge at C4-C5 but without evidence of spinal canal stenosis or neural foraminal narrowing.  
2. Mild straightening of the normal cervical spine lordosis.
3. No evidence of cervical cord expansion or enhancing demyelinating lesions.

Sincerely,
Bonnie


ANSWER: The problem is your neck is in bad alignment.  From years of "bad posture" the muscles and joints have become unstable.  The body responds to this instability by tightening muscles, which results in abnormal pressure on the discs and bony degeneration.  This will not heal itself.  Massage and acupuncture is great for the muscles, but to realign the bones you need to see a chiropractor.  Realigning the bones will decrease the muscle spasms, ultimately decreasing the headaches.  I suggest a special type of chiropractic mainly because I practice it and know it will help.  Go to sorsi.com to locate a doctor near you.  The members of this organization are located all over the U.S. and we do cranial adjusting.  It sounds odd, but it is effective, and it is easier to explain why in person.  I am located in St. Paul, Minnesota and would be happy to see you.  If you have any other questions or concerns, please email me.

Dr. Starbuck

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Dr. Starbuck,  Thanks for your reply!  I actually have seen chiropractors in the past.  I recently moved to another state, so I am far away from the last chiropractor, which was very helpful.  Is SOT a gentle treatment?  I have responded well to chiropractic in the past when the neck adjustment was gentle (using a drop-down table).  I am NOT fond of neck twisting, if you know what I mean.  Can you tell me briefly what type of adjustment SOT is? Is there anything else that can help with avoiding further degeneration?  Or is having good posture and getting adjusted all I can do?  Also, is the degeneration going to accelerate at a fast rate since I already have a little, even if I make changes?  I guess I'm worried about developing stenosis or having a neck fusion years later. Please tell me what you think my chances are.  I'm willing to do whatever it takes to get well.  Thanks!
Bonnie

Answer
I feel I am a good doctor, but I am not good enough to tell the future.  I do know that chiropractic has helped to diminish the progression of such complications and sometimes halt it, but getting older isn't always fun.  As for SOT, it is a series of "indicators" that assist us in determining what exactly is wrong and where to adjust.  The body can tell us what is going on and how we can help.  Not all chiropractors think this way, that is why I suggested SOT.  As for the adjusting, we use any type of adjusting we deem necessary, whether it is a drop piece, a twist, or any other kind we have been taught through the years.  I suggest you look up a doctor close to you and make an appointment to talk with them and see if it would be a good fit for you.  Again the website is www.sorsi.com.  Good Luck!

Dr. Starbuck