Expert: Dr. Victor Dolan, DC, DACBSP - 11/18/2008

Question
Back in May my left eye crossed just briefly. I saw a neuro opthomolgist,she found nothing. Then began vertigo symptoms. I saw a eent specialist. He said not vertigo, go to a neurologist. Had an MRI on my neck,head and brain all normal. Symptoms were and mostly still are dizziness,tingling all over,blurred vision, pressure in my ears and worst of all headaches everyday. I have tried Imitrex,blood pressure medication,Topamax and Zanaflex(muscle relaxant). I am a little better...Have seen a chiropractor 5 times for adjustments and acupuncture...no relief,very sore neck and shoulders. He says my axis and c2 are out and that my neck is very straight. I have also tried massage therapy.

My question is, should I see a different chiropractor and if this is the problem can it be fixed without cracking my neck several times a week?

I did fall 5 years ago and had to have lower back surgery for a herniated disc.

Any advise you can give would be greatly appreciated. I have spent alot of time and money to try and get back to normal. I am very depressed about the situation.

Answer
Hello Beth,

Sorry to hear of your six months of symptoms.
Sorry to hear of apparently failed treatment approaches.

I think I have a good recommendation for you.

I recommend a book and website by Dr. Michael L. Johnson, DC, Chiropractic Neurologist.  Vertigo, dizziness, headaches, 'neurological' type symptoms are -right up his alley!

website: http://lifechangingcare.com/

and - or

http://askdrjohnson.com/

Dr. Johnson gives seminars and consults with many Doctors of Chiropractic (as well as other disciplines) on the neurological aspects of many conditions.  You have neurological complaints.  I think a Chiropractic Neurological evaluation and treatment approach could be helpful for you.  Utilize his website to find a doctor local to you for evaluation and perhaps treatment.

I think the above info answers the point of your question.

I would like to add a comment as well.



The spine, from head to 'tail' is one continuous organ.  A complicated, interconnected organ.  Obviously a bony- structural organ; it's movement and function is interdependent upon all segments working in balance.  Obviously intimately entwined with the nervous system it protects and the muscle system which anchors to the it (anchors to the spine).

Doctors of Chiropractic often see spinal complaint in a distant part of the spine from the original injury, initial complaint point.  The spine compensates.  Your lower back surgery, five years ago, would seem unconnected to your current complaints.  But, the body,,,, and particularly -  the spine is a symphony  orchestra;  in harmony when all the instruments are playing properly,-- and when out of balance, out of harmony when just one trumpet plays at the wrong time or off key.

Your dizziness may very well be connected to your low back, herniated disc and surgery years ago.

I highly recommend the websites mentioned above to pursue balance and restore harmony to your spine, your neurology, your health.



This AllExperts site is a public site.  I think the above answers your question, if not--- do not hesitate to re-contact me.  For those who may not be familiar with Chiropractic or Herniated Disc, who may stumble upon this question; some further information:

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Disk   Herniation

Herniated  disk  is  actually  a  quite  common  condition.   However,  the course of the condition is highly variable.   Some patients with a herniated disk literally cannot walk, yet other patients with similar MRI findings may be able to run marathons or lift heavy weights.   

Some people suffer for only a few days with pain and symptoms, some people suffer for months. Although the course is highly variable, there are certain steps that are always helpful to follow:  Ice the area when painful-  10/ 15minutes on, 30/ 45 minutes off;  avoid certain postures and movements;  bend the knees when coughing or sneezing;  bend the knees when lifting anything;  do not extend legs straight out when sitting, laying down, lifting, or driving.

 Avoiding certain movements and postures will prevent aggravation of the condition.   Practicing good postures and movement patterns will help the condition heal and be less painful.

Disk  Herniation  is often caused by, or often  concurrent with the Vertebral Subluxation Complex.

         Vertebral   Subluxation   Complex    (a.k.a.  ‘subluxation’)
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.

Subluxation  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:
         The VSC contributes to OsteoArthritic degeneration.  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.  When subluxated, joints are in a stressed, vulnerable, compromised condition.  Subluxation may cause Arthritis, Disk Herniation, or aggravate such conditions.


ONLY a Doctor of Chiropractic will evaluate for a Vertebral Subluxation , as well as other pathology of the spine.

  
          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.


Dr. Victor E. Dolan,   Doctor of Chiropractic;   Diplomat, American Chiropractic Board of Sport Physicians; Diplomat, American Academy of Pain Management; Certified Clinical Nutritionist (IAACN); FIRST  Chief of Chiropractic  in  a  Hospital  in  New York State (DHSI);  As  Seen  in  PREVENTION  Magazine

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I hope this helps answer your question. If you need further information, do not
hesitate to re-contact me here at ALLExperts.com
http://allexperts.com/ep/965-100794/Chiropractors/Victor-Dolan-DC-DACBSP.htm

Thank you for your question.

I wish you Good Luck and Good Health NATURALLY,
Your Staten Island Chiropractor Friend,

Dr. Victor Dolan, DC
http://drvictordolan.chiroweb.com (email newsletter)