Expert: John Quackenbush DC - 10/12/2010

Question
Hi Dr.

My question concerns my Dad. He is 66 and has over 15 surgeries in the last 30 yrs, mainly on his left inner ear. (Includes- ear drum reconstruction surgery, occipital nerve was cut 3/10 etc).
Unfortunately, he seems to be getting worse although the surgeries have helped. I do have one specific question.
His neck is still giving him a great deal of pain. We have found that when he is uncomfortable (and I am in town) I am able to push up on the back of his neck with my thumbs, right at the base of the skull until we hear a pop- which is usually after a few seconds. I feel as if the pop is coming somewhere on the left between his neck & shoulder. It gives him a lot of relief. Do you have any ideas on what this is or how he can do this by himself at home when I am not here? He has tried cervical traction but nothing works nearly as well. He also sees a wonderful chiropractor every week but this needs to be fixed on an hourly basis.

Thanks for your time.

Respectfully,
Megan

Answer
Megan,

Actually chiropractic was discovered by DD Palmer over a hundred years ago by adjusting Harvey Lillards upper back just as you describe and believe it or not history denotes that Mr Lillard was curred of his deafness!!

I am glad to hear that you are seeing a chiropractor. My question is have you told your chiropractor about how you help your father. This may give the chiropractor some insight on a change of treatment protocol.

Have you tried massage therapy in unison with chiropractic? You might see if a series of massage and chiropractic helps. You also might look into rolfing which is a really really deep tissue massage.

I hope this sheds some light on your healthcare decision making.

Sincerely,
Dr John Q Quackenbush