Question
QUESTION: Hello...for the last couple of days, whenever I bend my head/neck straight down for a second, I feel this twinging sensation...almost feels like an electrical twinge in my lower sacral spine area...around my tailbone. It is not painful...just annoying and never happened before. I have had cervical spine issues since my early twenties, I'm 39 now. Also, in my mid-twenties...I took a fall and injured my coccyx/tailbone. Since this sensation is new, I am concerned and would like some idea of what exactly is happening. I had an MRI in 1999, as a guinea pig for the imaging center I worked for and they found cervical disc herniations, nerve root compression, narrowing of the foramen and a spur. Any advice ? I haven't seen an ortho or chiro. in a very long time but think I should soon. Is this "electrical sensation/twinge" something to worry about ??? Thanks !

ANSWER: An electrical shock sensation can be due to several things none of which are good. This electrical shock sensation from the information given may be due to disc herniation (MRI 99'# in the neck and or back #something pushing on the spinal cord or brain stem#.

If you condition worsens this can turn into a medical emergency so it would be wise to visit your Medical Doctor. When you seek chiropractic care your best bet would be to go to an Upper Cervical Doctor you can find one at www.UpperCervicalCare.com.

So in summary an electrical shock sensation is something to worry about. Great question.

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QUESTION: Thank you Mr. Blom...so, what kind of medical emergency could come from this ? It's possible that a herniated disc or the bone spur is pushing on my brain stem ? If so...what kind of symptoms could that cause ? I have had some strange things going on with my body this last year...wonder if they're related ? Can you give any details on what could happen if this is the case ? I'm not quick to run to the doctor. Thanks for any comments.

ANSWER: The herniation of a disc can result in paralysis loss of motor function and bowl control for example due to compression of the spinal cord.

Reference to the brain stem area was regarding head and neck misalignment the brain stem ends near the top two neck bones or the Upper Cervical spine (this is my specialty), there are no discs in the upper cervical spine with the exception being below the second neck bone, however ligamentous calcification can develop in the Upper Cervical area due to ligamentous damage. A misalignment in the Upper Cervical spine will very commonly result in postural compensations that weaken the spine and make it very easy to injure the spine elsewhere due to the imbalance.   

Thank you for the question.

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QUESTION: Thank you again, Mr. Blom...ONE last question, if you will :  Do you think that some disc herniation problems, especially ones where there is nerve root compression and possible brain stem compression--can they be corrected or helped from other treatments besides surgery ? I know that I'm due for an MRI of the spine and I will do that soon...but maybe a Chiropractor or Massage Therapist could help instead of Ortho. surgeon ?  Thanks and this will be my last question for now, I promise !  Thanks for your time.

Answer
Brain stem compression/irritation and nerve root compression can in most cases be helped with Upper Cervical care. Many people have compensatory curvatures in their spine that are a direct result of head and neck misalignment. This head and neck misalignment weakens the spine making it very easy to injure joints and herniate discs as it seems in your case. However there are limitations of matter there are some instances where the patient has had the problem for so long and didn't do anything about it that surgery is the only option.