Question
I have had migraine for over 30 years and have yet to find a successful treatment.  I'm 63years old and otherwise, physically active and in excellent health.  I recently had a cervical MRI to determine if there was anything structural that might be causing the headaches.  The neurologist said my spine looked excellent, even for someone 10 years younger than myself.  We discussed the possibility that Botox injections might help to quiet the muscle spasms long enough to break the cycle of headache, which are occipital in nature and muscle spasms.

The same day I had a consultation with a chiropractor specializing in NUCCA.  She measured me and found a very slight elevation in L shoulder and Rt hip.  Otherwise my alignment looked good.  She said that she felt a series of probably no more than 4 or 5 adjustments would resolve the headache problem and also could help to resolve my attentional defficit problem which I've had my whole life.  She discouraged me from doing the Botox treatments which would only address the symptoms, while NUCCA would address the cause.

My initial question is, if there is an imbalance in the Atlas, would it show up in the MRI?  I could ask my neurologist to look at the atlas more carefully to see if there is anything out of alignment there.  If it appears as level in the MRI, then I can't see where NUCCA would be effective.

I am determined to get to the bottom of the headaches for once and for all.  I don't feel I'm under undue stress, I'm very careful about what I eat and am, in fact considering doing an "elimination diet" and systematically reintroducing foods to make sure it's not food related.

My financial situation is strained and my health insurance policy won't cover NUCCA but I will try it if I feel there is a good chance it will help.  Insurance will cover the botox injections, but don't want to go ahead with that if NUCCA might be a better alternative.

Would appreciate your thoughts on this.
Thanks,
Betty  

Answer
Betty,

I would agree that Botox is a temporary solution, but it also could provide insight as to whether you have muscular involvement as the cause of your headaches.   As for NUCCA, there is no validity to the entire concept of analysis and treatment.  You cannot determine what is alingned or misaligned with x-rays, and even if you did you cannot prove that you created re-alignment.   It's not valid.  Everyone has one shoulder higher or lower, or one leg that appears longer or shorter than the other when laying belly-down.  So what?! Not everyone with these asymmetries has pain.   The fact is, any form of chiropractic joint manipulation and manual soft tissue release method will be beneficial to try.   If your insurance covers the care of any chiropractor then go and obtain it.   I would agree that it's worth trying this first before Botox.  Check out www.grastontechnique.com and see if there is a chiropractic provider in your area.

'Hope this helps.

Dr. Gillman