QuestionHi there. Back in January, during a period of great stress which included a bad virus, I started getting dizzy spells. Chiropractor did help a little, and I assumed it would go away. It did, but came back, even after another chiro visit, and I panicked and it got really bad until I finally went to see an ENT. They put me through so much stress in terms of not calming my fears that it was something serious, and then the test anticipation, and then the horrors of the actual test, that the dizziness got really severe. When the horrible dizzy test was over, and after another week I finally got the results saying that it was not a tumor or anything, just a dizziness that would go away with exercises and time, my symptoms greatly decreased! I think all the stress made it much worse than it would have been. But the stress of it all brought on TMJ and a bad neck pain that spread into my shoulder and then seemed to affect my arm. My forefinger is almost always numb now, and my whole hand often has pins and needles. I have pain in the shoulder and neck, which slightly lessened with acupuncture but came back after a few days; and the numbness doesn't go away, just gets worse or better sometimes but is always there. I have weakness in my wrist as well. I co-sleep with a toddler and end up usually sleeping in odd positions to nurse her while sleeping, and I have been carrying her on my back in the ergo for almost two years, so this of course exacerbates it all.
With this, as with the dizzy thing, I find that I get so panicked about it indicating something more serious that I am no doubt making it worse, and probably am holding myself in odd positions such that now I also have lower back pain! (Have had some tendency towards sciatica since having an epidural with first child, thus did home birth with second.)
I wanted to know if time or chiropractry would heal this problem. From what I have read, most standard things don't work, and I don't want to go the route of a neurologist with drugs and more horrible tests. I did somewhat like my chiropractor, but sometimes can't tell if he helps at all, and for full disclosure -- he has a tendency to get too inappropriately chatty and even tell dirty jokes before the session, such that I don't want to go to him anymore! But if you recommend further chiro treatment, I would try someone new. I am in New York City.
AnswerDizzy, stress, chiropractic, Staten Island Chiropractic, New York Chiropractic, TMJ, neck pain, numbness, pins and needles, neck- shoulder- arm pain, staten island lower back pain, herniated disc, staten island sciatica, new york city, vertebral subluxation, Staten Island Chiropractor, chiropractic neurology,
Hello Evelyn,
I am sorry to hear of your pain and stress. I am also sorry to hear of your long road to discover the cause of your complaints, with no resolution.
I will start with your last paragraph:
"I wanted to know if time or chiropractry would heal this problem. From what I have read, most standard things don't work, and I don't want to go the route of a neurologist with drugs and more horrible tests. I did somewhat like my chiropractor, but sometimes can't tell if he helps at all, and for full disclosure -- he has a tendency to get too inappropriately chatty and even tell dirty jokes before the session, such that I don't want to go to him anymore! But if you recommend further chiro treatment, I would try someone new. I am in New York City....."
"......I wanted to know if time or chiropractry would heal this problem.......": Time could heal this problem, OR over time you may adapt/ compensate to this problem. Just because symptoms reduce or subside does NOT mean the problem has been corrected. The body is a WONDERFUL adaptive machine, and can compensate to cover up almost any condition. I would recommend a Doctor of Chiropractic or a Medical Doctor to evaluate you- even if your symptoms reduce. You do not want to leave something latent that could come back later and be much progressed and worse. Compensation is a tricky thing- perhaps you have walked out into a sunny day--- and for a few seconds been blinded by the light, BUT the body adapts-> after 10, 20, 30 seconds your body adapts and that 'blinding light' just becomes strong sunlight that you ADAPT to. Perhaps you have walked into a LOUD bar, disco, club, restaurant; when you first walk in-- you cannot hear anything but LOUD music, then in a few moments your body adapts-> you get used to the loud music, and it seems 'normal' because you have ADAPTED/ compensated.
"......I wanted to know if time or chiropractry would heal this problem.......": This is a type of problem that often comes to the Chiropractic Doctor. Dizziness, pain/ numbness into the neck/ shoulder/ arm/ hand is very common to present at the chiropractic office. I can easily recommend a DC (Doctor of Chiropractic) for your type of complaint/ history.
You have been to other doctors. WHATEVER discipline you choose: Chiropractic or Medicine, you need a complete proper evaluation. When you visit a NEW doctor- bring results of ALL of the tests you have had, any licensed practitioner will want to see what diagnostic workup has been performed and the results. Depending upon the tests run and the results- repeat tests may be ordered OR new, different tests may be necessary. For dizziness/ vertigo/ balance disorders various tests may be needed (From http://www.vestibular.org/vestibular-disorders/diagnostic-tests.php ) :
Tests of vestibular (balance) function include:
■Electronystagmography (ENG, VNG)
■Rotation tests
■Computerized Dynamic Posturography (CDP)
■Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential (VEMP)
Tests of auditory (hearing) function include:
■Pure-tone audiometry
■Speech audiometry
■Acoustic-reflex
■Electrocochleography (ECoG)
■Otoacoustic emissions (OAE)
■Auditory brainstem response test
(ABR; also known as BER, BSER, or BAER)
Other diagnostic tests include:
■Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
■Computerized axial tomography (CAT, or CT)
Your Chiropractor or Medical Doctor may order some of the above.
Can Chiropractic help? I would say yes. I would look for a Doctor with a good reputation- first, ask around your neighborhood--- who is a good Chiropractor, any close by?
I would also look into the Doctors credentials- any additional training? Chiropractic Doctors have specialties, just as Medical Doctors do- see: http://www.acatoday.org/pdf/ApprovedChiropracticSpecialtyPrograms.pdf
One specialty appropriate to you complaints could be a Chiropractic neurologist. I would recommend the book: http://www.amazon.com/Medications-Treatment-Dizziness-Fibromyalgia-Conditions/dp...
"........From what I have read, most standard things don't work, and I don't want to go the route of a neurologist with drugs and more horrible tests......."; Diagnostic tests are very important. We certainly want to rule out certain conditions. We certainly want MRIs, EMGs, Xrays, Blood Tests. Again, whether you visit the DC or MD, bring your previous results and expect more tests.
"........ I did somewhat like my chiropractor, but sometimes can't tell if he helps at all, and for full disclosure -- he has a tendency to get too inappropriately chatty and even tell dirty jokes before the session, such that I don't want to go to him anymore!..........." - - -
Inappropriate behaviour? YOU feel uncomfortable? Time for a new, different Doctor. Uncomfortable?- go to a new MD or DC. Ask around for a recommendation in your locale.
"......But if you recommend further chiro treatment, I would try someone new. I am in New York City......", would I recommend Chiropractic?, yes, your story is not uncommon in the Chiropractic office. There must be 500 Doctors in the city- choose the chiropractor best for you!
To the top of your description: "......during a period of great stress which included a bad virus, I started getting dizzy spells........"; stress can cause many things, stress can exacerbate many things-- whatever caused your stress,,, I hope it is over with.
"......They put me through so much stress in terms of not calming my fears that it was something serious, and then the test anticipation, and then the horrors of the actual test, that the dizziness got really severe. When the horrible dizzy test was over, and after another week I finally got the results saying that it was not a tumor or anything, just a dizziness that would go away with exercises and time, my symptoms greatly decreased! ......", hopefully your tests were thorough and complete. Gladly, the results look to be nothing greatly medically significant or life-threatening. Chiropractors LIKE seeing patients who have had thorough medical workups that show nothing medically wrong--- often these patients may not have a MEDICAL condition, but may have a CHIROPRACTIC condition that is causing their problem!
In my Staten Island Chiropractic office I give out this information, which may be helpful to you:
PAIN
Pain is a 憆ed light on the dashboard?
RED LIGHT = Trouble !!
Pain is your body telling you that something is wrong.
Think you should listen??
That RED LIGHT on the dashboard of your car-
-- do you ignore it until the car breaks down,
or do you get it checked and correct the problem?
Pain,
pain in your body-
-- do you ignore it until your body breaks down,
or do you get it checked and correct the problem?
Pain,
do you cover up the pain by taking a painkiller?
Take a painkiller,
mask the pain,
and allow a problem to progress in your body?
Pain Killing medication??? = 16,000 deaths ( probably under-reported )
DEATH ! ? ! ? better watch out on those medications!!!
NOTICE ON PAIN RELIEVERS:
Label changes ORDERED by FDA; the FDA announced proposed label changes for OTC over-the-counter pain relievers to include the potential for stomach bleeding and liver damage (FDA news 206- 207; 12-9-06) ;
SIXTEEN THOUSAND DEATHS: "Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are effective medications for the treatment of many chronically painful medical conditions. However, it is estimated that 25% of all serious adverse drug reactions involve NSAIDs, with more than 100,000 hospitalizations and 16,000 deaths occurring annually due to NSAID-induced gastrointestinal (GI) events."----- http://hhc.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/13/6/468 Home Health Care Management & Practice, Vol. 13, No. 6, 468-475 (2001) Motrin, Advil = NSAIDS
The American Heart Association issued a scientific statement recommending medical doctors change the way they prescribe OTC pain relievers from a first choice to an alternate of recommending non-pharmacologic treatment (AHA statement 2-26-07).
NSAID Acceleration of ARTHRITIS; an important side effect of Aspirin and other NSAIDS is that it will inhibit cartilage repair and accelerate cartilage destruction ( Journal of Rheumatology, 1982; 9: 3- 5 ). Many times people take NSAIDS for the pain of Arthritis, not realizing these drugs may make the underlying condition worse. These medications cover up the pain, and cause the problem to worsen.
http://rinf.com/alt-news/business-news/prescription-drugs-kill-300-percent-more-...
= An analysis of 168,900 autopsies conducted in Florida in 2007 found that three times as many people were killed by legal drugs as by cocaine, heroin and all methamphetamines put together. BE CAREFUL WITH THAT MEDICATION !!!
It was reported in 2000, that 700,000 U.S. citizens die as a result from medical causes (iatrogenics). Of course, other records and statistics had the number above the one million mark. Whether 700,000 or one million people, that's a lot of innocent people dying from visiting a hospital and trusting a medical doctor.= http://www.dherbs.com/articles/iatrogenics-99.html
Pain can often be the result of the Vertebral Subluxation Complex.
Vertebral Subluxation is actually a quite common condition. Doctors of Chiropractic look for pathological conditions which may require referral to other specialties, and also look for 慡ubluxation? Other disciplines look for pathology, but overlook the importance of alignment and movement in the spine which affects our nervous system (the master control system- ALL health disciplines learn this). VSC- 慡ubluxation??can be the cause of many symptoms and conditions.
Only a Doctor of Chiropractic will evaluate and treat for VSC, as well as other pathology.
The course of VSC is highly variable. Some patients with VSC literally cannot walk, yet other patients with similar test findings may be able to run marathons or lift heavy weights. Some patients immediately develop symptoms related to the VSC, some patients take years to develop symptoms. Some people suffer for only a few days with pain and symptoms, some people suffer for months. Some people recover in days, some take months or years, depending upon severity of the condition.
A subluxation interferes with the proper functioning of the nervous system (the master system which controls and coordinates all function within the body) and may cause various other conditions, symptoms and problems.
The Vertebral Subluxation Complex describes what happens when spinal bones lose their normal movement patterns and position. When subluxated, joints are in a stressed, vulnerable, compromised condition. Subluxation may cause Arthritis, Disk Herniation, or aggravate such conditions.
Vertebral Subluxation cannot be corrected through chemicals (medicine), stretching, yoga, vitamins or physical therapy alone. Subluxation- a neuro/skeletal/muscular- mechanical- problem requires a mechanical correction- - - a manipulation, best performed with the chiropractic adjustment.
Dr. Victor E. Dolan, Doctor of Chiropractic; Diplomate, American Chiropractic Board of Sport Physicians; Diplomate, American Academy of Pain Management; Certified Clinical Nutritionist (IAACN); FIRST Chief of Chiropractic in a Hospital in New York State (DHSI); As Seen in PREVENTION Magazine , Invited to Colorado Springs (Olympic Training Center) to Care for USA Olympic Athletes 2010 , Chiropractor to the Championship NYPD Football Team, and the PSAL High School Football Champions (Curtis) , Staten Island SPORTS Hall of Fame- Unsung Hero 2011
Along with that information, I often give this:
慥SC? the Vertebral Subluxation Complex (aka: the 揝ubluxation?
Many times a patient will come to the Doctor of Chiropractic ?憛as a last resort厭, often after 憛.everything else has been tried?? This is frustrating to the Doctor (the DC), yet also satisfying. Frustrating?, Satisfying?, ,,,why?- Many times a symptom, an ache a pain, a condition can be caused by the 慡ubluxation??the 慍hiropractic Lesion? Just as germs, the Virus or Bacteria- is the 憁edical lesion?(- the MD looks for germs, the DC looks for subluxation). Many times an unexplained condition, after exam after exam, blood tests, Xray, MRI, EKG, EMG, etc., etc., --- Chiropractic can help the patient. Why- because only a Doctor of Chiropractic will check for subluxation- as well as run the 憈raditional?tests.
Only a Doctor of Chiropractic will evaluate and treat for VSC, as well as other pathology.
The course of VSC is highly variable. Some patients with VSC literally cannot walk, yet other patients with similar test findings may be able to run marathons or lift heavy weights. Some patients immediately develop symptoms related to the VSC, some patients take years to develop symptoms. Some people suffer for only a few days with pain and symptoms, some people suffer for months. Some people recover in days, some take months or years, depending upon severity of the condition.
A subluxation interferes with the proper functioning of the nervous system (the master system which controls and coordinates all function within the body) and may cause various other conditions, symptoms and problems.
Subluxation is a serious condition identified by its five parts:
Spinal Kinesiopathology: This is fancy way of saying the bones of the spine have lost their normal motion and position. It restricts your ability to turn and bend. It sets in motion the other four components.
Neuropathophysiology: Improper spinal function can choke, stretch, or irritate delicate nerve tissue. The resulting nerve system dysfunction can cause symptoms elsewhere in the body.
Myopathology: Muscles supporting the spine can weaken, atrophy, or become tight and go into spasm. The resulting scar tissue changes muscle tone, requiring repeated spinal adjustments.
Histopathology: A rise in temperature from an increase in blood and lymph supplies result in swelling and inflammation. Discs can bulge, herniate, tear, or degenerate. Other soft tissues may suffer permanent damage.
Pathophysiology: The VSC contributes to OsteoArthritic degeneration. Bone spurs and other abnormal bony growths attempt to fuse malfunctioning spinal joints. This spinal decay, scar tissue, and long-term nerve dysfunction can cause other systems of the body to malfunction.
The Vertebral Subluxation Complex describes what happens when spinal bones lose their normal movement patterns and position. When subluxated, joints are in a stressed, vulnerable, compromised condition. Subluxation may cause Arthritis, Disk Herniation, or aggravate such conditions.
Vertebral Subluxation cannot be corrected through chemicals (medicine), stretching, yoga, vitamins or physical therapy alone. Subluxation- a neuro/skeletal/muscular- mechanical- problem requires a mechanical correction- - - a manipulation, best performed with the chiropractic adjustment.
Dr. Victor E. Dolan, Doctor of Chiropractic; Diplomat, American Chiropractic Board of Sport Physicians; Diplomat, American Academy of Pain Management; Certified Clinical Nutritionist (IAACN); FIRST Chief of Chiropractic in a Hospital in New York State (DHSI); As Seen in PREVENTION Magazine
You state: "......But the stress of it all brought on TMJ and a bad neck pain that spread into my shoulder and then seemed to affect my arm. My forefinger is almost always numb now, and my whole hand often has pins and needles. I have pain in the shoulder and neck, which slightly lessened with acupuncture but came back after a few days; and the numbness doesn't go away, just gets worse or better sometimes but is always there. I have weakness in my wrist as well.....",
These symptoms could be comiing from your neck! TMJ and the cervical spine are intimately connected. The C-spine feeds the shoulder/ arm/ hand the NERVES that control the area. Perhaps your complaint is coming from a 'pinched nerve'. Chiropractic works well with irritated/ pinched nerves.
My Staten Island 'pinched nerve' patients get this handout:
揚inched Nerve? ( Also Known As- neuritis, neuralgia, brachial-neuritis, sciatica )
損inched nerve??is only ?a diagnosis, WHAT is causing the 憄inch? Your Doctor of Chiropractic will examine and evaluate you to make sure you are not showing signs of neurological damage or disease, tumors, cancers, severe pathology, perhaps a Herniated Disc, or a Vertebral Subluxation Complex.
Sometimes we can wake up with a 憄inched nerve? or a muscle spasm.... sometimes a slip, trip, fall, heavy lift, or even a motor vehicle accident can cause a 憄inched nerve? Very often - the true c a u s e of the pinched nerve, painor numbness in the: neck and/ or shoulder and/ or arm and/ or hand; pain in the back and/ or buttock/ hip/ leg/ knee/ foot - is a misalignment, a 慿ink?in the neck or back - more properly termed a Vertebral Subluxation.
Vertebral Subluxation Complex (a.k.a. 憇ubluxation?
The vertebral subluxation complex is the underlying cause of many healthcare problems.
A subluxation interferes with the proper functioning of the nervous system (the master system which controls and coordinates all function within the body) and may cause various other conditions, symptoms and problems.
This is a serious condition identified by its five parts:
Spinal Kinesiopathology:
This is fancy way of saying the bones of the spine have lost their normal motion and position. It restricts your ability to turn and bend. It sets in motion the other four components.
Neuropathophysiology:
Improper spinal function can choke, stretch, or irritate delicate nerve tissue. The resulting nerve system dysfunction can cause symptoms elsewhere in the body.
Myopathology:
Muscles supporting the spine can weaken, atrophy, or become tight and go into spasm. The resulting scar tissue changes muscle tone, requiring repeated spinal adjustments.
Histopathology:
A rise in temperature from an increase in blood and lymph supplies result in swelling and inflammation. Discs can bulge, herniate, tear, or degenerate. Other soft tissues may suffer permanent damage.
Pathophysiology:
The VSC contributes to OsteoArthritic degeneration. Bone spurs and other abnormal bony growths attempt to fuse malfunctioning spinal joints. This spinal decay, scar tissue, and long-term nerve dysfunction can cause other systems of the body to malfunction.
The Vertebral Subluxation Complex describes what happens when spinal bones lose their normal movement patterns and position.
Automobile accidents, improper lifting, improper posture, alcohol, emotional stress, chemical imbalances, and long periods of sitting can cause the Vertebral Subluxation Complex.
Vertebral Subluxation cannot be corrected through chemicals (medicine), stretching, yoga, vitamins or physical therapy alone. Subluxation- a neuro/skeletal/muscular- mechanical- problem requires a mechanical correction- - - a manipulation, best performed with the chiropractic adjustment. For good health-
Treat the Cause, not just the Symptoms.
揚inched Nerve? ( Also Known As- neuritis, neuralgia, brachial-neuritis, sciatica )
損inched nerve??is only ?a diagnosis, WHAT is causing the 憄inch? ?That 損inch?has to be taken care of FIRST!
As the 損inch??the MECHANICAL component of the problem, the CAUSE of the problem is being taken care of through Chiropractic treatment, perhaps additional help would speed your return to health:
Nerve Health Support:
-----B complex containing thiamine, folic acid, B-12 and niacin is highly suggested for nerve support. High dose
B-vitamins should only be taken at the advice of a licensed healthcare professional.
-----B-6 is lower in patients with neuropathy. Vitamin B-6 reduces the glycosylation that can cause nerve damage. Amounts greater than 200mg/day can cause neuropathy symptoms.
-----Calcium and magnesium are important for nerve conduction and as muscle relaxants.
-----A multi-vitamin/mineral supplement is suggested for comprehensive support.
-----Essential fatty acids are necessary for nerve health. Essential fatty acids include omega-3 fatty acids (fish and flax oil) and omega-6 fatty acids (black currant seed oil, borage oil and evening primrose oil).
-----Proteolytic enzymes may be beneficial in neuritis for the inflammation.
-----Lecithin aids in nerve support.
-----Natural herbal remedies including passion flower, valerian, chamomile, scullcap and white willow bark may be helpful.
-----Eat a healthy diet. Avoid foods that stimulate the nervous system such as caffeine, chocolate, refined sugars, soda pop and cigarettes.
-----Drink plenty of filtered water.
-----Chiropractic care is imperative to remove nerve irritation.
Joint Support:
-----Glucosamine sulfate helps strengthen joint integrity. Glucosamine is effective in relieving joint pain associated with osteoarthritis. Glucosamine's pain-relieving effects may be due to its cartilage-rebuilding properties. These disease-modifying effects are not seen with simple analgesics and are of particular benefit.
-----MSM is known for its pain-relieving properties in such conditions as fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, bursitis, tendonitis, back pain and muscle soreness. Not many clinical trials have been done using MSM, but clinical observations support the theory that MSM is beneficial in pain managment.
-----White willow is an antiinflammatory and analgesic agent. White willow was used as far back as the Middle Ages to reduce pain and fevers. The salicylates found in the white willow bark are responsible for the anti-inflammatory and anti-fever effects. Acetylsalicylic acid, otherwise known as aspirin, is chemically similar to the salicylates.
-----Boswellia and turmeric (curcumin) are potent antiinflammatory herbs. Curcumin may have similar action to aspirin.
-----
Dr. Victor E. Dolan, Doctor of Chiropractic; Diplomate, American Chiropractic Board of Sport Physicians; Diplomate, American Academy of Pain Management; Certified Clinical Nutritionist (IAACN); FIRST Chief of Chiropractic in a Hospital in New York State (DHSI); As Seen in PREVENTION Magazine; Selected to provide care to US OLYMPIANS at the US Olympic Training Center, Colorado Springs, Selected to provide Chiropractic to the NYPD Police Department Football Team
Well Evelyn, I wish you good luck in resolving your problems. Of course, this Staten Island Chiropractor wishes you- GOOD HEALTH, NATURALLY !!!, I hope that this information helps you somewhat. If you need further, please do not hesitate to REcontact me here at AllExperts.com
http://www.allexperts.com/ep/965-100794/Chiropractors/Victor-Dolan-DC-DACBSP.htm
Take a look at my Blog: http://drvictordolan.net
Thanks for the question!
Dr. Victor Dolan, DC
