Question
I had a posterior fossa decompression surgery on 10-16-08 for a chiari malformation. I've had headaches since I was 12 and I am now 31. Unfortunately, the surgery did NOT solve the problem. I had sought chiropractic care for years prior to the surgery and have not seen one since. For the last 6-8 months, the right side of my neck has been "popping". More accurately, it sounds like a cracking with a hint of a grind. At first it happened 5-10 times a day and now it does it every 10 seconds if I happen to tilt my head toward my right shoulder. It is causing my headaches to be worse and my neck feels stiff. My neurosurgeon recently said I could see a chiropractor if I get some c-spine films first and everything is stable. I am going to pursue this. However, no one thus far has had any suggestions as to why the cracking even began or has worsened. I read that it could be from trauma (perhaps the brain surgery) or arthritis. I have a lot of blood work I'm waiting on from a rheumatologist so....Anyhow...any information would be appreciated. Thank you.

Answer
Elizabeth,

I would suggest a set of regular films, MRI and a cineradiography which are xrays of your neck while it is in motion.

Any Chiropractor would have to use extreme caution when adjusting your neck and I also suggest that you see a chiropractor who practices upper cervical work. Try locating one at www.nucca.org I think the acronym is for National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association. They utilize instrument adjustments. You may also try a Pro-Adjuster Chiropractor.

As far as the popping in your neck that is an indication that one or more of your cervical vertebra are out of place.

Hope this information helps your with your healthcare decisisons.

DR John Q Quackenbush
Chiropractic Physician Phoenix Arizona