Question
Dear Dr. Dolan,
I have some strange symptoms!  I get this pressure in the middle of my spine.  When the pressure peaks to its highest I then get whole body shakes lasting anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes.  Then the pressure is released with a big belch and then I seem to be okay.  It is very scary.  I have been diagnosed with spinal problems and go to a chiropractor weekly.  He said that my spine problems are affecting my nervous system and that is why I have these symptoms but I would like some other advice as to these symptoms.  Could you please help me with this and give me some advice?
Thank you very much!
Peggy

Answer
Hello Peggy,

Yes, strange symptoms; back pain, shaking, belching causing a remission of pain.

Your Doctor of Chiropractic is correct that spinal problems affect our nervous system, and therefore, can have wide-ranging and varied symptoms.  I have a handout I utilize in my office to explain the Spinal Vertebral Subluxation Complex, it may be helpful:
          ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Lower  Back  Pain  (LBP):          Low  Back  Pain  can be caused by many different things.  Big, BAD, catastrophic things like a tumor or a cancer can cause low back pain (only a proper exam by a licensed doctor, like your Doctor of Chiropractic, or your family Doctor of Medicine, can evaluate your signs and symptoms, and perhaps refer for testing).  Big, bad things like a Herniated Disc, sciatica, possible fracture or dislocation can cause LBP (again, best evaluated by your DC or MD, and perhaps referral).  Bad things, like  - Sprains, Strains, contusion, or Vertebral Subluxation Complex (all very efficiently diagnosed and treated by your Doctor Of Chiropractic.  LBP can come from a motor vehicle accident, sport injury, slip, trip, fall, arthritis, lifting improperly, or even bad posture in standing, sitting or sleeping.  All of these things often have a Lumbar (Low Back) Vertebral Subluxation involved.

              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:
         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.
         ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Your Doctor of Chiropractic by education, licensure and experience is a spine and nerve specialist.  Along with the chiropractic spinal adjustments which the Doctor may be administering, other evaluation and concurrent treatment may be helpful.

Perhaps you have some GI - gastrointestinal problems accompanying the spinal subluxation.  Endoscopic exam may be helpful to view your esophagus and stomach.  Gall bladder evaluation may be helpful, investigation into a hiatal hernia by your Doctor of Chiropractic or GastroEnterologist Medical Doctor could be helpful.  Going to one Doctor does not mean you cannot receive concurrent care from another Doctor or another discipline.  You have some kind of GI involvement, and usually proteolytic enzymes, probiotics, glutamine, DGL licorice, may be helpful with your symptoms.  If you have the Hiatal Hernia, the Doctor of Chiropractic may attempt a soft tissue Hiatal Hernia manipulation.  In my Staten Island Chiropractic office I have found these helpful in similar circumstance.

Well, I hope this helps.

As always, this article is for discussion purposes only.  Actual evaluation DX, RX, TX, PX can only be done in person by a licensed health professional.

This is your Staten island Chiropractor signing off by wishing you good luck and good health naturally !

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