Question
Hi, I am a 35 year old female from VA.  Several years ago I went to a neurologist due to numbness in my right arm and leg.  He appeared to do an emotional test (the ever famous stress must be causing this) and then reluctantly did an MRI.  The MRI showed straightening of my cervical spine and showed several "spots" on my brain.  I was given this information over the phone and never invited back into his office for treatment options or anything.  I still get numbness in my right arm and leg----not all the time but quite a bit.  The "spots" also concern me.  I have no clue how I would end up with straightening of the cervical spine as I thought it happened to althetes.  I have almost constant headaces that primarily end up in my neck.  My question is this---could all of these symptoms be linked?  Is there help for any of them?  And finally---my boss mentioned MS.  I'm not ready to hear that sort of diagnosis but could these symptoms represent MS?  I have no clue what type of doctor to see or what questions to ask but I know I need to do something as these symptoms affect my every day functioning and I have to work.  Also if youre not rich (I'm not) how can you find the help you need without a lot of money?  I do have insurance through work.

Answer
First and foremost you need to follow up with the "spots on the brain".  This should be of the utmost concern.  If the neurologist will not talk to you about it, ask for the MRI's and the report and take them to your family doctor.  As for the headaches and straight cervical spine, they can definitely be related.  As the cervical spine straightens the muscles tighten and can cause mutliple symptoms, including headaches.  The leg pain can be related, but it is doubtful, it is probably due to lower spine problems, whether muscle or bone.  After, or at the same time, talking to your family doctor, I suggest seeing a chiropractor for the headaches/spinal problems.  I am part of a special group of chiropractors that specialize in cranial motion, call craniopathy.  They also do "traditional" chiropractic.  Go to www.sorsi.com to find a doctor in your area.  I don't know where in VA you live, but if you are near a border such as MD look up that state too.  If you have question, give me some cities you are close to and I can suggest a doctor in that area.  Not all chiropractors do this special treatment, that is why I suggest this group.  I am a part of this group and would trust any one of them with my own family.