Question
QUESTION: I was recently x-rayed by a chiropractor and told I have a spinous fracture in my C7 that has gone undiagnosed for quite a long time. In addition to that (or maybe in reaction to that), I have lost all curvature in my upper cervical spine. My chiropractor seemed to think she could work on restoring the curvature without harming my fracture.

Though hesitant, I allowed her to adjust my neck on 3 occasions. Her adjustments didn't seem any different or more cautious than any other I've ever had, but the first 2 trips seemed to go without incident. The adjustments neither lessened the pain, but neither did they worsen it. After the 3rd adjustment, I went home and began to feel a burning, knife-like pain in the exact place of my fracture. The pain worsened over the course of the evening and the next day. Also, my neck now "crackles" when I sit upright or turn my head slightly. I cancelled my appt for my adjustment the next day as the pain had grown considerably over the course of the day. When I spoke with the doctor and told her the pain was sharp and stabbing, she told me that what I was feeling was a normal response to the treatment. While I am aware that adjustments may lead to a gym-like soreness the next day, this hot, stabbing pain feels like a red flag to me.

My question is: In your professional opinion, does the type of pain I am experiencing sound like a normal response to an adjustment. And furthermore, should I even be getting adjustments in my neck with a C7 that is snapped in half?

Thanks for any input you can give!

Jennifer

ANSWER: Great question Jennifer. First of all where was your Doctor adjusting you? In the upper neck or lower neck? or both?

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QUESTION: The answer to that is both the upper and lower cervical spine. Thanks!

Answer
Generally speaking adjusting in the area of an old spinous fracture (clay shovelers fracture) shouldn't be a problem, however in your case it sounds as though it is. You should not continue to get adjusted in that area and if your problem persists or gets worse you should seek the appropriate medical care to deal with the old fracture.

I would also consider getting checked by a trained Upper Cervical Doctor, someone who specializes in the neck. Try this website www.uppercervicalcare.com.