Question
Hi, i had a car accicent in 2005 and after 3months the the finally got the problem for my neck pain and headaches. My neck got injured, something to do with the nerves, neckdisks that got injured. and because of that i have chronic headaches and neck pains everyday. I went dec 2006 for option 2 from the doctor for the injection in the neck, head for the pain. but it didnt work. i went for physio, say a ciropractor, wnet for massages, have my own massager for neck. but nothing works. i cant keep on drinking pills, its not good for stomach. what other option do i have? its been 2 years and im still walking with this problem.now i get pains in my head, feels like someone is using a knife in me...please help!!!!

Answer
Hi Esmeralde,

I would strongly recommend you see a different Chiropractor. I would have never let you get injections, these can usually make the patient worse along with physical therapy.
The reason you are prescribed these treatments is so that when they fail, they always do, the surgeon can justify surgery.
Find a good D.C. that utilizes flexion/distraction therapy and you won't look back!
Expect a 50% reduction in pain after the second week.

Flexion-Distraction Therapy - What is it?

Flexion-Distraction, (F/D) is a gentle, chiropractic treatment procedure utilized for back and neck pain. Flexion-Distraction is a safe alternative to back surgery for those 95% of patients whose conditions do not demand surgical intervention. The doctor is in control of the treatment movements at all times.

Flexion-Distraction is utilized for many conditions such as:

Failed Back surgical Syndromes
Disc Herniation/Ruptured Disc / Bulging Disc / Herniated Disc
Sciatica / Leg pain
"Whiplash" injuries
Stenosis
Arm Pain
Neck Pain
Failed course of Steroid Injections
Chemical Radiculitis
Spondylolisthesis
Headache
Transitional segment
Many more conditions?
How does Flexion-Distraction Work?

For Disc related conditions:

Increases the intervertebral disc height to remove annular tension on the annular fibers and nerve by making more room and improving circulation.
Allows the nucleus pulposus, the center of the disc, to assume its central position within the annular fibers and relieves irritation of the spinal nerve.
Restores vertebral joints to their physiological relationships of motion.
Improves posture and locomotion while relieving pain, improving body functions, and creating a state of well-being.
For Non-Disc related conditions:

Patients with other conditions causing back pain (facet syndrome, spondylolisthesis, sprain/strain, scoliosis, transitional vertebra, sacroiliac restrictions and misalignment, certain types of spinal stenosis), Flexion/Distraction provides all of the above benefits plus the ability to place the spinal joints into normal, painless movements so as to restore spinal motion without pain:

The posterior disc space increases in height.
F/D decreases disc protrusion and reduces stenosis.
Flexion stretches the ligamentum flavum to reduce stenosis.
Flexion opens the vertebral canal by 2 mm (16%) or 3.5 to 6mm more than extension.
Flexion increases metabolite transport into the disc.
Flexion opens the apophyseal joints and reduces posterior disc stress
The nucleus pulposus does not move on flexion. Intradiscal pressure drops under distraction to below 100mm Hg. On extension the nucleus or annulus is seen to protrude posterior into the vertebral canal.
Intervertebral foraminal openings enlarge giving patency to the nerve.

Reference: Cox JM, Feller JA, Cox-Cid JA: Topics in clinical Chiropractic 1996; 3(3):45-59

Get this done as soon as practicable,
Sincerely,
Dr. Timothy Durnin
drs.chiroweb.com