Question
hi Dr. thank you for what you are doing for people.  my back problem began in 2001, when my t-1 or disc slipped to the left and left me almost paralyzed for 2 weeks.  then in 2003, a skateboard accident resulted in a fracture on the right side of my skull, and 5 months later the bottom disc on my neck slipped to the right.  while reviewing x-rays, a chiropractor also discovered that the tip of my t-1 disc was broken off.  ever since the subluxation on my neck, i have no comfortable position as sleeping on my back causes the discs down to my midback to shift to the right.  i have a bunch of questions, any answers are appreciated.  would surgery on the broken bone be wise to prevent subluxations in that area? is the subluxation on the bottom of my neck particularly difficult to fix? when lying on my back, would u recommend that pads be placed under me to elevate specific areas and to promote correct spinal position?  what are the prestigous schools in chiropractic education?  by any chance, do you know any experts in oahu, hawaii?

Answer
First, I wish to apologise that this took me so long to answer.  I have had some computer problems lateley, and since this question is very involved, I also wanted time to think about my answer.

I have never been a fan of back surgery of any kind, but there is a time and a place for such a radical thing.  Surgery usually occurs at the level of compensation, not at the level of the subluxation, so no, surgery would not prevent such an occurance.  Depending on the break, I would listen to the surgeon's advise on this, since it is usually stable after it heals.  However, you said that the tip of the disc is broken---not the bone.  I believe that I would check with the doctor again about this.

Subluxations are very easy to fix---the adjustment alone does that.  The hard part is keeping it fixed.  An adjustment does not hold because something is causing it to re-subluxate.  If your doctor has recommended special pillows or supports, use them.  A cervical pillow, for example, is like a night time of therapy for the affected area.

As for the schools.  All of the schools are accredited by the same agengy, so chiropractic education is fairly standard throughout the industry.  I do have preferences, but I have found both good and bad doctors from every school.

If you wish to find a good one in your area, you may call my office directly and let me know some more information about yourself and I will be glad to help.

My office number is 813 514-2666