Question
My husband has had this severe neck pain pain & swelling for almost 2 years now.  the left side lymph is swollen and it pains so much that the pain shoots into his neck and head. He had an MRI but couldn't pick up anything wrong. He feels very tired all the time, has terrible digestive problems, severe acidity and constipation problems. Not sure if there is any connection between the swelling, his stumach problems and the regular constipation. He is always in pain and has so much acid that he needs to eat regularly to take the burning sensation away in his stumach. When his neck pains I can see the pain in his eyes.  He does recall straining his neck at gym a few years ago but would it still cause so much pain and numbness in his neck? When he eats he feels tired and the pain in his body gets worse. He can't sit comfortably either.

Answer
neck pain, neck swelling, lymph gland swelling, headache, MRI (-), fatigues, digestive problems, "acidity", constipation,

Hello Karin,

Sorry to hear of your husbands complaints.  You have a variety of issues, perhaps connected, perhaps not.

MRI -  and any other testing?  The MRI was negative, nothing significant?  All of these complaints,,,, come on AFTER the neck complaints (2 yrs ago) started?  The neck pain/ complaints started AFTER the neck strain at the gym?

He may have a (-) MRI, but remember, medical doctors look for medical pathology: dislocation, herniation, fracture, pathology.  The Doctor of Chiropractic looks for these (above) and refers when necessary- but the chiropractor also looks for subtle changes in the spine- the Vertebral Subluxation Complex (the 'chiropractic lesion').

I have an information handout I utilize in my office on VSC (vertebral subluxation complex):

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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).   

Only a Doctor of Chiropractic will evaluate and treat for VSC.   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.
         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.

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. 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.  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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The last two YEARS, has your husband been evaluated/ treated by any doctors for the Lymph Gland swelling? You have had an MRI of the cervical area- any other tests?

Has your husband seen a Doctor of Chiropractic yet?

All of these problems, from a chiropractic perspective (different from a medical perspective) could be caused by/ contributed to by the neck injury.  As in the handout above, the nervous system controls and co-ordinates ALL activities in the human body.  A subluxation can irritate nerves and have far reaching, distant effects.  If your problems started AFTER the neck strain--- CERTAINLY see a DC for evaluation and treatment if necessary.  This Staten Island Chiropractor sees many injuries coming from the gym or other athletic activities, certainly see your local family doctor of chiropractic.

I put "acid" in quotes , because many "acid" problems are actually undigested food rather than acid. As we grow older, we produce less stomach acid (physiological , biological FACT ) and we do not digest our food as well.  Sometimes this undigested food will reflux back into our esophagus and cause irritation.  Sometimes this undigested food will stay in our stomach for a prolonged period and cause upset.

Sometimes we mistakenly attack too much "acid" in our stomach,,, and cause more undigested food, and more digestive problems.

Heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest and stomach, which may radiate into the neck.  Heartburn is caused when hydrochloric acid (HCl) regurgitates back into the esophagus, otherwise known as acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).  The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) prevents acidic stomach contents from moving back up into the esophagus.  If the sphincter muscle isn抰 working correctly, heartburn can occur.  Several factors can be responsible for triggering acid reflux.  Hypochlorhydria, or low HCl, can cause stomach contents to ferment.  With incomplete signals, the food can't get the message to "move on."  When it can't move on, it can reflux into the esophagus.

- Burning sensation in the stomach
- Acidic reflux into the mouth
- Pain in chest (may feel like a heart attack)

Low or high hydrochloric acid (HCl) levels can contribute to acid reflux.  Low HCl is a more common cause of heartburn than high HCl.

Overconsumption of spicy, fried or fatty foods, coffee, acidic foods, milk, alcohol, red wine, tomato-based foods, chili, chocolate, citrus foods or carbonated beverages (soft drinks) can increase heartburn symptoms.  Chocolate has been shown to relax the LES sphincter, increasing symptoms of heartburn (Am J Gastroenterol 1988;83:633?).  Spearmint, peppermint and other spices with strong aromatic oils can also increase heartburn symptoms (Gastroenterology 1969;56:13?).

Possible supplements:
Supplement with hydrochloric acid (HCl) support if necessary.  Do stomach acid self-test (see "Wellness Information" under "Stomach Acid Self-Test" for more details).  Large amounts of HCl can cause burning of the stomach lining.  Discontinue use if burning occurs.  Consult a healthcare practitioner if there is a history of ulcers or gastritis.

Probiotics (lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidus) are suggested for bowel support and may help alleviate heartburn.

Eat small, frequent meals and drink liquids apart from meals to avoid distending the stomach.  Chew food well.

I often recommend a Doctor of Chiropractic in response to questions on this website.  This time is no different.  See your local family DC.  Have that 'swelling' checked out first and foremost.  Have a chiropractic evaluation.  If appropriate, commence chiropractic care. Perhaps your chiropractor can also help you with nutritional supplementation or dietary advice as well.

I wish you good luck and Good Health Naturally, I hope this helps.

If you get further information, or have more questions, do not hesitate to contact me.

Thanks,

Dr. Victor Dolan, DC
http://drvictordolan.chiroweb.com     (email newsletter)
http://www.GoodHealthNaturally.info
http://www.DocDolan.net