QuestionHi, my name is Andrea. I am a (104 lb.) 5'3" female with a small frame. Medical past: when I was 11yr. I was diagnosed with scoliosis and adjusted accordingly. During college approx. 2003-2006 I suffered horrible head aches and neck pain. Reached a point where I could not move my neck to the left. Went to chiro. and after several treatments pain went away. But in 2008, when I started having my new prob. I went back to this Chirop. and felt he was being careless with his adjustments. So I only went a couple times and then stopped going.
Current problem: I have been suffering with pain since Feb. 7 2008. The pain started in my left hand between my pinky and ring finger and over the coarse of time went up through my hand, inner side of arm up through bicep, up into my pectoral, and up the side of my neck right under my ear. I also used to have numbness in my pinky and ring finger, and tingling in my left side of my face. Over some time pain started appearing in my right upper body as well.
I had a MRI Cervical spine, wo contrast done. Results indicated "Mild reversal of the normal cervical lordosis of nonspecific etiologyo. Significance to be determined clinically. Otherwise, unremarkable examination." After this I went to physical therapy which made me hurt more (gave me some exercises includ. rubber band resistance). So I went to a chirop. on my own, a Chirop. my dad reffered me too. He helped some, my tingling in face went away along with numbness in fingers. But my shoulder pain worsened (he would pull on my arm and pop my elbow and fingers. Said it would release pressure but now my shoulders pop alot.) This was about July-Aug. 2008.
In Nov. I went back to Kaiser, and got a new Physical Therapist. At this point my upper muscles were REALLY weak, so I couldn't do barely any normal activities, like doing dishes, laundry and such. My new PT helped me by giving my neck and arm stretches and exercises for my back, stomach, and neck. I have been working on my posture this whole time. This was end on Oct-Dec. 2008. As a result I am much stronger and able to do more normal tasks. The problem is my pain is still here. It is not as unbearable as it was in the beginning but I don't think it is going away. I still do my exercises and stretches every day. Current pain: Left side of neck, from ear to under my clavicle through my upper pectoral and to my upper shoulder(Pain NOT soreness). Constant muscle soreneess feeling along both deltoids, pects, trapezius', left bicep, left tricep and at times slight pain (not soreness) in my hand between my ring finger and pinky. Also, discomfort along left side of neck and upper spine.
So... My question is, I'm just not sure where to go from here. Should I go back to my doctor again, or should I see another chirop. or the same? If so, whom? I'm scared to go to the chiropractor again because I feel they might have been the cause of some of my pain. BUT can I completely get better with just exercise and trying to have good posture for the rest of my life?
AnswerNeck pain; chest, shoulder, arm pain, reversed cervical curve,
Hello Andrea,
Sorry to hear of your longstanding pain. It sounds like you have been hurting for about 15 years on/off, give or take.
We start with your scoliosis @ 11 years old. The adjustments to restore more normal alignment and motion in your spine are (were) paramount in treatment. Along with those adjustments, adjunctive physiotherapy and perhaps exercise were given to you. The scoliosis mal-alignment (poor positioning, mis-alignment) probably contributed to your reversed cervical curvature you suffer now.
The muscles, nerves, bones, joints; of course are intimately related and inter-dependent. You are still having neuro-musculo-skeletal findings and complaints. I would recommend you continue with chiropractic, but perhaps a different doctor.
Chiropractic has many different specialties ( see: http://www.amerchiro.org/pdf/ApprovedChiropracticSpecialtyPrograms.pdf).
Along with different specialties within the profession, there are many different techniques that the doctor can choose.
I recommend seeing a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC).
I recommend seeing a DC with additional credentials (see above).
Chiropractors with additional training in sports, orthopedics, rehab, or neurology would be a good specialty credential to look for.
I recommend seeing a Doctor with these techniques within their armamentarium: PST (Pierce Stillwagon Technique; C5 toggle to restore Cervical Curve), Pettibon (adjustment and exercise to restore more normal curves), NUCCA (upper cervical technique). Any one of these techniques would be appropriate for your spinal curve changes ( any one- not every one of them necessary).
When you call the doctor's office; ask questions as to credentials and technique approach. Someone approximating the above, I think, in my opinion, would be most helpful to you.
Along with proper chiropractic treatment, a cervical orthopedic support pillow will help restore the curve to your neck; and always sleep on your back or side.
Many of your symptoms can be related to your cervical spine: headache, neck pain, shoulder- arm pain, chest pain, numbness, tingling, even weakness. We know you have altered biomechanics in your C-spine, let us address this, and perhaps the symptoms will decrease or disappear.
Many people try one Doctor of Chiropractic, and if that doctor does not work, many people quit chiropractic. Try to get a doctor with the credentials I discussed; I do feel you are a chiropractic case. If the chiropractor you choose causes pain, makes things worse,,, quit that doctor, but try a different one. Your problem requires adjustment, exercise, physiotherapy, and time.
I think I have hit the 'high points' above. I utilize informational handouts for my neck pain, scoliosis, back pain patients in my Staten Island Chiropractic office; below is some long-winded info that you may find helpful:
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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Scoliosis patients receive the following:
Scoliosis
Everyone's spine has a natural front-to-back curve -- that's what produces the normal rounding of the shoulders and the sway of the lower back.
However, some people suffer from "Scoliosis" ?an abnormal curvature of the spine, especially one characterized by a rotational side-to-side deformity.
In simple terms, what this means is that the spine is twisted side-to-side, often taking on an "S" shaped appearance and even resembling a corkscrew in some cases.
Almost three out of every 100 people have some degree of abnormal spinal curvature, and for some it never becomes a serious problem. But for many others, the curve gets worse over time and can cause considerable pain, frustration, and limitations on normal activities. Severe scoliosis can even complicate breathing and circulation.
The current medical approach to scoliosis is to react to symptoms of curve progression, not to prevent potential progression. It is mainly a "wait and see" attitude - yes, you have it, but we'll just watch it for a while and when it starts to get worse, we'll do something!" However, according to the Journal of American Family Physicians, 1999, underarm thoroco-lumbar-sacral orthosis (TLSO) braces have a 74 percent success rate in slowing curve progression.
According to the AAOS figures, almost all cases of juvenile scoliosis (in children ages 3-10) progress.
This group accounts for 15 percent of the scoliosis cases. Fifty percent of the cases progress to a point of surgical intervention. Adolescence scoliosis (in children older than age 10) comprises 80 percent of scoliosis in children, and 5 percent to 25 percent of these cases progress. The AAOS further states that if the curve is greater than 20 degrees at 10-12 years of age, there is a 68 percent chance it will progress. The AOS also concurs that even after bone maturity, especially in curves greater than 30 degrees, some progression occurs.
Who suffers from scoliosis?
The most common form of scoliosis is called idiopathic scoliosis, which basically means that the cause is unknown. Anyone can suffer from scoliosis; the condition usually begins in childhood, although too often it is not identified until the teenage years or later.
Scoliosis tends to run in families, and it affects many more girls than boys. In fact, research indicates that girls are nearly eight times more likely than boys to have scoliosis and five times more likely to require some form of treatment for their condition than boys, and the curvature of their spine is more likely to worsen over time, especially if left unattended.
What are some of the symptoms of scoliosis?
Sometimes curvature of the spine is visible (the body tilts to the left or the right, or one shoulder blade is raised higher than the other. Some of the actual physical symptoms of scoliosis can include back pain, fatigue (especially postural fatigue -- feeling tired when standing, sitting, etc.), and in more severe cases, problems with circulation and breathing.
What can chiropractic do?
Doctors of chiropractic are trained to identify and manage problems relating to the spine and the back. An initial visit to the chiropractor will include a thorough physical and diagnostic examination (including range-of-motion tests and spinal x-rays) to identify any problems you may be having, including whether you or your children may be suffering from abnormal or dangerous curvature of the spine.
If you do show signs of scoliosis, your chiropractor can provide a variety of techniques to help your condition, including spinal adjustments to increase movement and biomechanical function, and advice on posture and exercise to help prevent further increase in the problem.+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Scoliosis and the Chiropractic Approach http://www.planetc1.com/chiropractic-articles/scoliosis-chiropractic.html
By Matthew Trull
Analysis of Findings
Scoliosis can be very serious. If detected early, the chances for stabilization and reduction of the curves are very good. In my family alone, we have two examples. My sister抯 Scoliosis was diagnosed when both her curves had already progressed to 45 degrees. She had Spinal Fusion surgery in Atlanta at Scottish Rites Children抯 Hospital. The surgery was successful; her curves were reduced to 20 degrees each. However, it was very dangerous, painful, expensive, and changed her life dramatically. My Scoliosis was diagnosed early, while I had only one curve that was 21 degrees. Following six months of Chiropractic care, I have been completely cured of Scoliosis. The approach was painless, inexpensive, and did not alter my life in any way. I believe Chiropractic care should be the first-line approach for all patients diagnosed with Scoliosis. My research has proven it has a very high success rate: 70% achieving stabilization and reduction, and 15% obtaining total correction!
Typical Treatment Options
Bracing: For curves 30-degrees or less, a Milwaukee brace is typically worn. It is a rigid brace that exerts pressure against the spine, in hopes of achieving stabilization. The brace is uncomfortable, unsightly, and is usually worn 20-24 hours per day, until the patient stops growing. It offers no correction, and is only marginally effective for stabilization. Surgery: An orthopedic surgeon performs Spinal Fusion surgery. The patient is placed on a spinal cord monitor to prevent paralysis. After performing an incision, the surgeon manually reduces the curves as much as possible, and inserts metal rods on each side of the spine, attaching them with special hardware. Bone splinters (either removed from the hip area, or donor bone) are applied between the vertebrae. Over time, these fragments grow together to create a solid bone. Surgery is very expensive, painful, dangerous, and requires the patient to alter their lifestyle forever. Surgery is very effective for reducing curves. Surgery should be considered a last resort.
Signs of Scoliosis
Most obvious signs of Scoliosis are: shoulders of unequal height, a 憆ib hump? which is caused by the ribcage on the back protruding more on one side than the other, and hips that appear unequal in height. Scoliosis clinics are conducted free of charge by health Departments and Chiropractors. A school or Health Department nurse or Physical Education teacher routinely screens students during the middle school years. It is extremely important to diagnosis and treat Scoliosis as early as possible.
Special Thank-You
I want to thank Dr. Marc Schnobrich, of Rincon Chiropractic, for all the many ways he has helped my family and me. He diagnosed my Scoliosis while treating me for an elbow injury. During the following months, he treated me weekly, always explaining what he was going to do. He provided excellent chiropractic care in many other areas, as well. Dr. Marc checked my spine often for progress. After six months of care, I was completely cured!
Dr. Marc has always been very kind, caring and helpful. He has been my friend as well as my doctor! During my research for this project, he loaned me books and other research materials. He patiently answered questions, and was never too busy to talk to me on the telephone between visits. He also answered my emails promptly and accurately. Thanks to Dr. Marc抯 care, I will be able to continue my normal lifestyle, which includes baseball and many other physical activities.
Thank you, Dr. Marc!
Conclusion
Spinal Fusion surgery is very painful, expensive, and will alter the lifestyle of the patient forever. Surgery should be considered the last alternative in treating Scoliosis. Wearing a Milwaukee Brace is uncomfortable, limits physical activity, offers no correction, and is mostly ineffective in stabilizing the spine. The Chiropractic approach is very effective at stabilizing the spine, preventing the curve from progressing. At least 70% of the patients achieve some degree of reduction in the size of the curves. Approximately 15% of Scoliosis patients achieve total correction, like I did! That means at least fifteen out of 100 patients will not have to face surgery, take medications, and change their lifestyle forever! All of this is done with a minimum of cost and no pain! Research and experience have proven Chiropractic care is definitely effective in the stabilization and reduction of Scoliosis! Chiropractic care should be the first-line approach for all Scoliosis patients.
Chiropractic Facts
The first Chiropractic adjustment performed on the North American Continent was in 1895, by Dr. Daniel David Palmer. His first patient experienced deafness following a back injury. Following care, the patient reported improved hearing. Dr. Palmer founded the Palmer School of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa, which continues to train Chiropractors today.
Spinal manipulation has been practiced since the beginning of recorded time. Over 2700 years ago the Chinese documented this form of treatment. Records indicate that ancient Japanese, Indians, Egyptians, Babylonians, Syrians, Tibetans, and Native Americans practiced a hands on approach to health.
An estimated 19.5 million Americans visit a Chiropractor each year.
There are over 50,000 licensed Chiropractors in the United States, and another 30,000 worldwide.
Chiropractic is the world's second largest health care profession. It promotes the body抯 own ability to heal itself. Chiropractic uses no drugs or surgery, and is all-natural.
Evaluation of Work
I believe whole-heartedly in Chiropractic Care for Scoliosis. I am living proof that it works! I thoroughly enjoyed researching this project. I was eager to find if others had similar success. I was delighted to find that more than 2/3 of the Scoliosis patients seeking Chiropractic care had very good results. It was fascinating to speak with Chiropractors who treat Scoliosis on a regular basis. I found them to be very caring, dedicated professionals. I accompanied my sister to Atlanta for her Spinal Fusion surgery, and remember the excruciating pain she suffered. I see her daily life changed. I wish my parents had been aware of Chiropractic when my sister was diagnosed with Scoliosis. Maybe next year I抣l research why more health care professionals don抰 offer Chiropractic care as an option to their Scoliosis patients. More public education is definitely needed in this area!
Scoliosis- is an OBVIOUS Misalignment of the spine. The spine compensates- like dominoes - - - one falls here, and the final domino may be far distant !, Like the old song- the toe bones connected to the foot bone, the foot bone to the ankle bone, the ankle bone is connected to the leg bone, the leg bone is connected to the knee bone, etc etc etc. the body is all interconnected and interdependent. A misalignment (subluxation) in the spine can cause a compensation elsewhere contributing to an abnormal curvature- known as a SCOLIOSIS.
Scoliosis: a misalignment of the SPINE often contributed to by:
Vertebral Subluxation Complex (a.k.a. 憇ubluxation?
The vertebral subluxation complex is the underlying cause of many healthcare problems.
The kinesiopathology of the subluxation (misalignment, improper movement pattern) is often involved with scoliosis, and can sometimes be the cause of the curvature.
A subluxation interferes with the proper functioning of joints, and can cause scoliosis, osteo-arthritic degeneration, Degenerative Disk Disease, degenerative joint disease, etc.
A subluxation interferes with the proper functioning of the nervous system (the master system which controls and coordinates all function within the body- i.e.: muscles) and may cause various other conditions, symptoms and problems.
Subluxation 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. Inflammed Discs can easily bulge, herniate, tear, or degenerate. Other soft tissues may also 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. When subluxated, joints are in a stressed, vulnerable, compromised condition. Vertebral Subluxation may cause Spinal Scoliosis, Arthritis, Disk Herniation, Disk Degeneration, 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 by Doctor of Chiropractic. Scoliosis??- nothing better then the CHIROPRACTIC Adjustment. Plus- do your at home exercise (ie 慼anging? as instructed.
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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Exercise and physiotherapy will be helpful to you. These approaches will probably fail without chiropractic as part of the package. Your DC should utilize a multi-factoral approach for your multi-faceted problem.
If you would like, 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.
Good Luck,
Dr. Victor Dolan, DC
http://drvictordolan.chiroweb.com
