QuestionQUESTION: Hello. My MRI showed a herniated disc C6-7 in Jan. I've been doing well receiving trigger point therapy, regular chirorpractic and doing MacKenzie exercises on my own. I had a relapse in Mar and then again, ten days ago. This last one brought more radiculopathy (not more than I had at first, though. Is this to be expected, relapses like this with radicular symptoms? What is happening, is the disc moving? My chiropractor explains that misalignments can cause set backs. We did go longer than usual before this last flare up and also I was in the dentist chair for an hour. Would that contribute to a relapse? Can I still have a good prognosis and avoid surgery if these relapses occur?
ANSWER: staten island herniated disk, staten island neck pain,
Hello Joni,
I am sorry to hear of your pain. I am sorry to hear of your herniated disc at C6- C7.
Chiropractic and the regimen you have mentioned is an excellent approach towards your complaints.
Unfortunately, episodic relapse can be common with your condition.
"....Is this to be expected, relapses like this with radicular symptoms? .....", unfortunately, this disc problem could be like the stock market, up/ down/ up/ down. Fortunately, given no new injury,,, the GENERAL trend over time should be towards less pain and improved function.
".....What is happening, is the disc moving? .....", no, the disc is not moving. This is actually a very common question, asked of every Doctor of Chiropractic- including my Staten Island Herniated Disc patients. The disc is not shifting around in there, BUT it is getting inflammed, calming down, getting re-injured/ re-inflammed, calming down, swelling when inflammed, sending out chemicals of inflammation when acute, then calming down, 'shrinking' to more normal size.
".....We did go longer than usual before this last flare up and also I was in the dentist chair for an hour. Would that contribute to a relapse....." Absolutely this could contribute to a relapse. Any prolonged posture, repetitive movement could irritate and inflame the area.
".....Can I still have a good prognosis and avoid surgery if these relapses occur?....", yes. And do not think that Surgery will guarantee no relapses or change in symptoms in the future.
Some information I give out to my Staten Island Neck Pain Patients:
PAIN
Pain is a 憆ed light on the dashboard?
Pain is your body telling you that something is wrong.
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?
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) ;
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.
Pain can often be the result of the Vertebral Subluxation Complex.
Vertebral Subluxation ( 慥SC?, 憇ubluxation? )
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; 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
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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; 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
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THANK YOU for the question! and if further information is needed,,,
please do not hesitate to RE-contact me here at AllExperts.com : -
http://allexperts.com/ep/965-100794/Chiropractors/Victor-Dolan-DC-DACBSP.htm
I hope this helps.
Dr. Victor Dolan, DC
http://drvictordolan.chiroweb.com (Email NewsLetter)
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thank you for your good descriptions and lists. Why do I have such muscle involvement? Actually, I don't have much spasm or deep trigger point inflam. but I am sore this time out over the top of the collar bone. I also can't use a pillow right now. I keep moving and using ice and doing exercises but don't understand why. Are the muscles struggling to hold the joint in place, now?
AnswerJoni,
Hello Again, Thanks for the followup.
"....Why do I have such muscle involvement? ....", muscles are a part of the Vertebral Subluxation Complex. The muscle involvement is usually secondary, or symptomatic of the irritated (pinched) nerve, which is secondary, or symptomatic to chemical and pressure irritation of the nerve, which is caused by positional or motion aberration of the vertebral joint.
Patients with nerve irritation often find:
hypersensitivity- they can feel things MORE then normal, this may explain your soreness. Some people are more easily bruised where there is a 'pinched' nerve. Over time, with greater damage, the HYPERsensitive area can become HYPOsensitive- or numb.
"....Are the muscles struggling to hold the joint in place, now?....". The muscles are not struggling. The muscles are doing what they have become adapted to. Chronically stretched, or chronically contracted, they have, over time, adapted to that new length/ position/ movement pattern. It will take time to re-train the muscles to return to their balanced position/ movement/ function pattern.
An analogy to the previous paragraph is orthodonture. Have you worn braces? Braces followed by a retainer? Braces/ retainers take YEARS to retrain the bones (teeth) into a new position. The bones of the teeth, the bones of the cheeks/ jaw, the gums, the muscles in the area, even the TMJ joint can be affected. And it takes YEARS to move those bones, and set those bones where they should be. Think about the bones, joints, muscles of your spine similarly.
Ice should help. Rest the 'aggravated', inflammed area. Continue appropriate treatment, think of braces- it will take time, but it will work.
I hope this helps.
Again, thanks for the followup.
Do not hesitate to return if necessary.
http://allexperts.com/ep/965-100794/Chiropractors/Victor-Dolan-DC-DACBSP.htm
Thanks,
Dr. Victor Dolan, DC
http://drvictordolan.chiroweb.com (Email NewsLetter)
