Expert: Dr. Victor Dolan, DC, DACBSP - 8/31/2010

Question
Hello,

My boyfriend has been suffering from what his chiropractor diagnosed as a 'pinched nerve' in his neck for the past few weeks now.  After several trips to the chiropractor and to his regular physician, he has improved slightly, but not very much. The pain has spread to his shoulder, and caused numbness throughout his arm and he has had much difficulty sleeping.
I started looking into memory foam pillows for him because I think the firmness may improve his ability to fall and stay asleep.  I am just wondering first of all, do you think a memory foam or more firm pillow would help him in anyway, and second, if so is there a certain type I should get?

Also if you have any other input on anything different that we could be doing to treat this, I would very much appreciate it.

Thank you for your time.

Stephanie

Answer
Neck Pain, Staten Island Neck Pain, Chiropractic, Staten Island Chiropractic, pinched nerve, Staten Island Pinched nerve,




Hello Stephanie,

I am sorry to hear that your boyfriend is suffering from neck pain, a 'pinched nerve', arm numbness.

Your boyfriend is lucky to have a girlfriend like you, looking for answers to help him!

You state: ".....My boyfriend has been suffering from what his chiropractor diagnosed as a 'pinched nerve' in his neck for the past few weeks now. .....".  First, let me say that USUALLY Chiropractic works very well on neck pain and 'pinched nerves'.  Your local Doctor of Chiropractic should be well versed in proper examination techniques, and have several different chiropractic TREATMENT approaches available to him to choose from.
         There are many specialties for the Chiropractic Doctor (DC), just as there are many different credentials for the Medical Doctor (MD).  You can see the different credentials at: http://www.acatoday.org/pdf/ApprovedChiropracticSpecialtyPrograms.pdf Your Local DC may already be a specialist, but if your problem persists, let me recommend a second opinion by a DC with a DACBO, DACRB, DACNB, or DACBSP credential (Specialties: Orthopedics, Rehabilitation, Neurology, Sports Injury).
         
Your boyfriend's doctor should have performed a thorough examination, had Xrays taken, perhaps an EMG, perhaps an MRI.
         IF symptoms are worse since the start of treatment, then an MRI and EMG are a MUST (I assume an Xray was taken).  It is not unusual for someone to be more sore, or continue 'downhill' for a time after beginning any type of treatment; but, usually things stabilize or start to get better with natural, conservative, safe, effective chiropractic care.  Get an MRI, perhaps that EMG, and get a second Chiropractic opinion if your DC has not stabilized the symptoms, or EXPLAINED the continuing condition.

".....After several trips to the chiropractor and to his regular physician, he has improved slightly, but not very much....", here you say that the patient has improved, but only slightly.  If your boyfriend is undergoing a routine treatment protocol in chiropractic, he may be seeing the doctor 3- 4 times per week.  If doing a treatment schedule such as this (3- 4x/wk) in three weeks there should be an improvement,,,,, if no improvement, time to re-evaluate, time for more testing, time for a second opinion, time for a change in treatment.....
         ".....The pain has spread to his shoulder, and caused numbness throughout his arm and he has had much difficulty sleeping....", here it seems you are saying the problem is worsening......but previously you say it is getting better ?
         Getting better? = stay the course, but you should still have had Xrays, perhaps an EMG and MRI.
         Getting worse? = DEFINITELY time to re-evaluate, definitely need an MRI and EMG, perhaps a second opinion, perhaps a new different treatment approach ( and there are a thousand different chiropractic approaches).

You ask: "....I started looking into memory foam pillows for him because I think the firmness may improve his ability to fall and stay asleep.  I am just wondering first of all, do you think a memory foam or more firm pillow would help him in anyway, and second, if so is there a certain type I should get?....", certainly a cervical orthopedic support pillow would be of help.  Your DC or Orthopedic MD, or Neurologist MD should have an orthopedic support pillow in stock, or be able to direct you to a orthopedic supply store locally.
         An orthopedic cervical support pillow would be something like: http://www.acatoday.org/content_css.cfm?CID=88 ,
http://www.amazon.com/b?ie=UTF8&node=3732111 .  Any cervical support pillow will be thicker at the neck, narrower at the head; almost as if the head fell into a crater.  Your Chiropractor could muscle test to find the right pillow support for your boyfriend.
        Your boyfriend should sleep on his side or back, neck and head properly supported, arms down: http://www.acatoday.org/content_css.cfm?CID=1452 .

".....Also if you have any other input on anything different that we could be doing to treat this, I would very much appreciate it.....":
#1)  your boyfriend should be progressing in the right direction after 2, 3, 4 weeks of care.
#2)  the patient should have had a thorough examination and Xrays already
#3)  if progressing in the right direction, an MRI and EMG may still be very helpful to explain the slow progress.
#4)  if NOT progressing in the right direction after 3, 4 weeks....
DEFINITELY time for MRI and EMG and perhaps a second opinion and a CHANGE of treatment
#5)  a chiropractic or orthopedic support pillow would be helpful

In my Staten Island Chiropractic Office I often give out informational sheets, the following may be helpful to you:



PAIN           

Pain  is a  ‘red light on the dashboard’.   RED  LIGHT  =   Trouble !!

Pain  is  your  body  telling  you  that  something  is  wrong.   Think  you  should  listen??

That RED LIGHT on the dashboard of your car-
-- do you ignore it until the car breaks down,
or do you get it checked and correct the problem?  

Pain,
pain in your body-
-- do you ignore it until your body breaks down,
or do you get it checked and correct the problem?   

Pain,  
do you cover up the pain by taking a painkiller?  
Take a painkiller,
mask the pain,
and allow a problem to progress in your body?

Pain  Killing  medication???  =    16,000  deaths   ( probably  under-reported )
 DEATH ! ? ! ?    better   watch  out  on  those  medications!!!  

    NOTICE  ON  PAIN  RELIEVERS:
 
Label changes ORDERED by FDA;  the FDA announced proposed label changes for OTC over-the-counter pain relievers to  include the potential for stomach bleeding and liver damage (FDA news  206- 207;  12-9-06) ;
SIXTEEN THOUSAND DEATHS: "Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are effective medications for the treatment of many chronically painful medical conditions. However, it is estimated that 25% of all serious adverse drug reactions involve NSAIDs, with more than 100,000 hospitalizations and 16,000 deaths occurring annually due to NSAID-induced gastrointestinal (GI) events."----- http://hhc.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/13/6/468   Home Health Care Management & Practice, Vol. 13, No. 6, 468-475 (2001)  Motrin, Advil = NSAIDS

      The  American Heart Association issued a scientific statement  recommending medical doctors change the way they prescribe OTC pain relievers from a first choice  to an alternate of recommending non-pharmacologic treatment (AHA statement  2-26-07).

      NSAID Acceleration of ARTHRITIS; an important side effect of Aspirin and other NSAIDS is that it will inhibit cartilage repair and accelerate cartilage  destruction ( Journal of Rheumatology, 1982; 9: 3- 5 ).   Many times people take NSAIDS  for  the pain of Arthritis,  not realizing these drugs may make the underlying condition worse.   These medications  cover  up  the  pain,  and  cause  the  problem  to   worsen.

http://rinf.com/alt-news/business-news/prescription-drugs-kill-300-percent-more-...
= An analysis of 168,900 autopsies conducted in Florida in 2007 found that three times as many people were killed by legal drugs as by cocaine, heroin and all methamphetamines put together.    BE  CAREFUL  WITH  THAT  MEDICATION !!!
It was reported in 2000, that 700,000 U.S. citizens die as a result from medical causes (iatrogenics). Of course, other records and statistics had the number above the one million mark. Whether 700,000 or one million people, that's a lot of innocent people dying from visiting a hospital and trusting a medical doctor.= http://www.dherbs.com/articles/iatrogenics-99.html



Pain  can  often  be  the  result  of  the  Vertebral  Subluxation  Complex.



Vertebral Subluxation  is  actually  a  quite  common  condition.   Doctors of Chiropractic look for pathological conditions which may require referral to other specialties,   and also look for ‘Subluxation’. Other disciplines look for pathology, but overlook the importance of alignment and movement in the spine which affects our nervous system  (the master control system- ALL health disciplines learn this).  VSC- ‘Subluxation’ – can be the cause of many symptoms and conditions.



Only  a  Doctor of Chiropractic  will  evaluate  and  treat  for  VSC,   as  well  as  other  pathology.



The course of VSC is highly variable.   Some patients with VSC literally cannot walk, yet other patients with similar test findings may be able to run marathons or lift heavy weights.    Some patients immediately develop symptoms related to the VSC,  some patients take years to develop symptoms.  Some people suffer for only a few days with pain and symptoms, some people suffer for months.  Some people recover in days, some take months or years, depending upon severity of the condition.

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.
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.

       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;   Diplomate, American Chiropractic Board of Sport Physicians;  Diplomate, 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 , Invited to Colorado Springs (Olympic Training Center) to  Care for USA Olympic Athletes 2010 , Chiropractor to the Championship NYPD Football Team, and the PSAL High School Football Champions (Curtis)


I hope that explains a little bit about pain and to be cautious with pain medications!
         My Staten Island Neck Pain patients get the following information:



“Pinched  Nerve”   ( Also Known As-  neuritis, neuralgia, brachial-neuritis, sciatica )

“pinched nerve” – is only ½ a diagnosis,  

WHAT is causing the ‘pinch’?

Your Doctor of Chiropractic will examine and evaluate you to make sure you are not showing signs of neurological damage or disease, tumors, cancers,  severe pathology, perhaps a Herniated Disc, or a Vertebral Subluxation Complex.

Sometimes  we  can  wake  up  with  a  ‘pinched nerve’,  or  a  muscle spasm.... sometimes a slip, trip, fall, heavy lift, or even a motor vehicle accident can cause a ‘pinched nerve’.  Very often -  the true    c a u s e   of  the pinched nerve, painor numbness  in the:    neck and/ or  shoulder  and/ or  arm  and/ or  hand;   pain in the back and/ or   buttock/ hip/ leg/ knee/ foot -  is a misalignment,  a  ‘kink’ in the neck or back - more properly termed a Vertebral Subluxation.


              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.


This 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.
         Automobile accidents, improper lifting, improper posture, alcohol, emotional stress, chemical imbalances, and long periods of sitting can cause the Vertebral Subluxation Complex.
          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.    For good health-
Treat   the   Cause,  not just the Symptoms.


“Pinched  Nerve”   ( Also Known As-  neuritis, neuralgia, brachial-neuritis, sciatica )
“pinched nerve” – is only ½ a diagnosis,  WHAT is causing the ‘pinch’? – That “pinch” has to be taken care of FIRST!

As the “pinch” – the MECHANICAL component of the problem, the CAUSE of the problem is being taken care of  through Chiropractic treatment,   perhaps additional help would speed your return to health:

Nerve Health Support:
-----B complex containing thiamine, folic acid, B-12 and niacin is highly suggested for nerve support.  High dose
B-vitamins should only be taken at the advice of a licensed healthcare professional.
-----B-6 is lower in patients with neuropathy.  Vitamin B-6 reduces the glycosylation that can cause nerve damage.  Amounts greater than 200mg/day can cause neuropathy symptoms.
-----Calcium and magnesium are important for nerve conduction and as muscle relaxants.
-----A multi-vitamin/mineral supplement is suggested for comprehensive support.
-----Essential fatty acids are necessary for nerve health.  Essential fatty acids include omega-3 fatty acids (fish and flax oil) and omega-6 fatty acids (black currant seed oil, borage oil and evening primrose oil).
-----Proteolytic enzymes may be beneficial in neuritis for the inflammation.
-----Lecithin aids in nerve support.
-----Natural herbal remedies including passion flower, valerian, chamomile, scullcap and white willow bark may be helpful.
-----Eat a healthy diet.  Avoid foods that stimulate the nervous system such as caffeine, chocolate, refined sugars, soda pop and cigarettes.
-----Drink plenty of filtered water.
-----Chiropractic care is imperative to remove nerve irritation.
Joint Support:
-----Glucosamine sulfate helps strengthen joint integrity.  Glucosamine is effective in relieving joint pain associated with osteoarthritis.  Glucosamine's pain-relieving effects may be due to its cartilage-rebuilding properties.  These disease-modifying effects are not seen with simple analgesics and are of particular benefit.
-----MSM is known for its pain-relieving properties in such conditions as fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, bursitis, tendonitis, back pain and muscle soreness.  Not many clinical trials have been done using MSM, but clinical observations support the theory that MSM is beneficial in pain managment.
-----White willow is an antiinflammatory and analgesic agent.  White willow was used as far back as the Middle Ages to reduce pain and fevers.  The salicylates found in the white willow bark are responsible for the anti-inflammatory and anti-fever effects.  Acetylsalicylic acid, otherwise known as aspirin, is chemically similar to the salicylates.
-----Boswellia and turmeric (curcumin) are potent antiinflammatory herbs.  Curcumin may have similar action to aspirin.
-----


Dr. Victor E. Dolan,   Doctor of Chiropractic;   Diplomate, American Chiropractic Board of Sport Physicians; Diplomate, 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; Selected to provide care to US OLYMPIANS at the US Olympic Training Center, Colorado Springs , Selected to provide Chiropractic to the  NYPD  Police Department  Football Team



You say, "....Thank you for your time.

Stephanie....",

No,,,, Thank  YOU  , Stephanie , thank YOU for the question and the concern for your boyfriend.  I hope this all helps.  If you need further information, do not hesitate to RE-contact your Staten Island Chiropractor friend at: http://www.allexperts.com/ep/965-100794/Chiropractors/Victor-Dolan-DC-DACBSP.htm

I wish you and your boyfriend Good Luck, and Good Health Naturally!

Dr. Vic Dolan, DC, DACBSP