Expert: Dr. Brendon J. O`Brien, D.C. - 11/5/2008

Question
For the last 10 months I have been experiencing some strange symptoms that I think may all be related, but my doctors haven't been able to pin a diagnosis down for me.

I first noticed a twitching in my left eye.  Then I felt like my left cheek was numb - the numbness spread across to my nose.

Then I started getting a sensation like something was stuck in my throat.  The sides of my neck are also sore quite often and I get a lot of pain at the back of my shoulders which radiates up my neck sometimes.

I went to an osteopath who said that all of the muscles at the side and front of my neck were connected and that the symptoms I am experiencing could all stem from that.  I have also been feeling dizzy.

Could some sort of compression in my neck be causing any of this?  And if so, wouldn't a neck scan pick it up?  I had one but they told me it was normal.

Any thoughts?

Allison

Answer
Hello Allison,

   You may want to see if the scan you had was a MRI.  Also make sure the MRI scan was of the cervical spine and head, this will show soft tissue, cartilage, bone, and ligaments.  X-rays only show bone.  This would be a great place to start if you have not done so.  If your symptoms are progressing you will want to have the MRI right away.
   Many things can cause your symptoms.  You may want see a Doctor of Chiropractic to determine if your symptoms are related to the cervical or thoracic spine.  Doctors of Chiropractic are the biomechanic experts of the musculature, spine, and any joint in the body.

Have a great day,
Dr. Brendon O'Brien D.C.