Expert: Dr. Paul Newhart - 4/25/2009

Question
I have a large herniation of a disc at C6, C7 that herniated in the direction of where my nerve exits to my arm.  I was diagnosed via MRI on 1/19.  I've been receiving trigger poitn massage and chiropractic adjustmets regularly since then and almost all my nerve pain in my left arm is gone.  I also have good range of motion and little muscle spasm.  My question is why do I have pain after an adjustment that seems to give me neuralgia on the back of my head and a slight pinch at the base of my neck?  It last 24 hrs. after an adjustment.  I'm being adjusted on Mondays and Fridays, receiving trigger point first.  Is the adjustment aggrivating the area?   Thank you for any information.

Answer
Either the adjustment or the trigger point therapy is aggravating the site temporarily, but I don't think I would be too concerned as long as the treatment is helping.  You can try applying ice after the adjustment; 20 minutes on and 30 off, repeating that 2-3 times to see if you get relief.