Question
Hi Dr. Quackenbush,

My name is Nicole and I talked with you earlier about my SI joint.  I went to a different chiropractor and am actually starting to heal.  Thanks for your great advice.  

I now am a little worried that I will have another problem.  This chiropractor that I am seeing had been working on my SI joint, hip and feet.  About four weeks ago, he cracked my neck.  His reasoning was that it will be good for the blood flow (no x-rays were taken of my neck, but x-rays were taken of my lower back and pelvis).  I felt light headed and then got a headache that lasted for about a day and then went away.  He has cracked my neck about 3-4 times total over the course of a the last 4 weeks.  

Anyhow, he cracked my neck last Friday (about 6 days ago) and my headache has not gone away.  Yesterday, I went to the gym and did the back extensions (lean your body against the side as you dip your body over and raise yourself up using your back muscles).  I do this excersize about three times a week.  This time, I got extremely dizzy and couldn't do more than 5 (when I used to do 20 total).  

Here are my symptoms since the last neck adjustment.  I have a headache that circulates behind my eyes, behind my right ear (almost like my ear feels pressure) and aching at the base of my head, near my neck (very close to where he placed his hand for the adjustment). I have felt dizzy and light headed on and off since yesterday and almost feel unable to concentrate or read. I also have a slight discomfort in my upper back on the right side next to my neck when I press on it.

My major question is could the chiropractor have bulged or damaged a disc in my neck? I am currently taking advil and drinking lots of water, but it doesn't seem to be helping.  Should I be worried?  Please advise.

Thanks in advance for all of your great advice.

Answer
Nicole,

Hello again!! I would like to say good to hear from you but I feel for you. Nicole did you report your reaction to Dr Nick? It is imperative that you speak with him and tell him everything that you are telling me.

I really don't think you have disc damage. The headache behind the eyes is likely from pinched nerves in your upper neck. This area will need to be checked. Did you relax for your adjustment?
There are a million and one variables that need to be discussed and assessed. i want you to stop do ing the low back extensions and anything else that causes you dizziness. I suggest ice on your neck whereas you will lay on the ice for 10 minutes then take 10 minute break then lay on the ice for a second ten minute session.

Good luck and make sure you discuss this with your chiropractor!!

Dr John Q Quackenbush
www.drqdc.com
http://www.youtube.com/user/MyDrQ