Question
I was in a car accident recently. When my chiropractor treated me, I sometimes get an immediate headache and often dizzy spells. He sent me to get an MRI. The MRI shows a bulge around c3/c4 and arthritis from prior injury. However, the MRI reader sees no damage (bone or soft tissue) above c3. What could be causing these headaches and dizzy spells.

Answer
Dawn,

This is a common occurance.  I don't know what "treatment" consists of.  If you get an immmediate headache and dizzy and the treatment solely consists of high velocity manipulation, then the DC has to stop.   Your symptoms are likely comming from irritation to the soft tissues in the neck, e.g. the muscles and fascia.  Also, there are lots of little ligaments that weave their way around the bones, thus forming the joints of your neck, and these ligaments are very sensitive when injured.  There are lots of nerve connections throughout this region that will transmit pain to the head.   If these soft tissues have been injured and remain sensitive, then quick tugs or pulls from manipulation will be painful into the head, and the nerve connections/junctions in the brain will manifest as dizziness.   Ask your DC to do heat, massage, or active myofascial release first.  If you have no headache or dizziness from that, then continue with joint manipulation.   See if that helps.  Also, the DC can change the style or method of manipulation.  If these do not change, then you must find other methods of treatment.  Don't forget about exercise for the neck.

'Hope this was helpful,

Dr. G