Chiropractors/Neck, jaw and head pain

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Expert: Dr. Myron Brown - 1/17/2012


Question
I am 43 years old, diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.  Over the past few weeks, I have developed a nagging dull ache at the base of my skull (both sides) and down my neck.  It aches to the point that holding my head up is an effort.  My jaw has also tightened up - I've always had "popping" in my jaw (left side) but now there is pain that radiates outward from the jaw joint as well.  The neck/skull pain is the most distracting however.  It's impossible to sit, walk, sleep comfortably.  The pain isn't severe - but it's continuous and wears on me.  Ibuprofen and OTC muscle relaxers have minimal effect.

I'm not sure if it's a muscular issue or something more serious.  Would a chiropractor be my best choice or should I see my family doctor about this?

Answer
Dear Tonia,
The amount of information provided would not be enough for a health care provider to diagnose what is causing all of the distress you are experiencing, however, certain things do come to mind.  Your symptoms suggest that the neck needs to be examined by someone with expertise to determine if there is an upper cervical subluxation (vertebra misalignment insulting the spinal cord).  This would be beyond the training of the ordinary family doctor, so you would want to find a chiropractor who specializes in the upper cervical spine.   If I were in the situation you describe I would certainly seek a chiropractor who is particularly skilled with problems in the upper neck area.  
Best wishes,
Dr. Brown

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Dr. Myron Brown

Expertise

I can address those issues relating to the benefits of chiropractic, its practice and what an individual might expect from chiropractic. I can provide information relating to the differences in chiropractic approaches. Also would be able to discuss chiropractic education and the development of the profession internationally.

Experience

As respected educator, I have played a leadership role at chiropractic colleges as a member of boards of trustees, served as Executive Vice President/Provost at a chiropractic college and led a chiropractic accrediting commission. I have done scholarly work includes presentations on the principles, practice and philosophy of chiropractic; original work on the history of the chiropractic profession; innovation in chiropractic instrumentation and international development of the chiropractic profession. These experiences include achieving peer-reviewed publications as well as evaluation of manuscripts for publication.

Organizations
President, Rock Hill Toastmasters Club Board of Directors, Council on Chiropractic Practice Chair, International Agency for Chiropractic Evaluation City of Rock Hill, No Room for Racism Committee Catawba Area Coalition for the Homeless

Publications
Mastoid Fossa Temperature Imbalances in the Presence of Interference Patterns: A Retrospective Analysis of 253 Cases, Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research, July 2010, pages 1-13 Old Dad Chiro: His Thoughts, Words, and Deeds, Journal of Chiropractic Humanities - December 2009 (Vol. 16, Issue 1, Pages 57-75, DOI:10.1016/j.echu.2010.02.002) Chiropractic Analysis & Adjusting: A Precise, Unified Approach, The Sherman System (textbook), editor and co-author, Pearson Publishing, ISBN 0-536-56370-5 Boston, Massachusetts, 2008 “Thank God It’s Monday,” Straight From Sherman, Sherman College of Straight Chiropractic, Spartanburg, SC, spring 2008 “Sex Appeal or Substance: Where is the Greater Vision?” Vol. 22, No 5 The Chiropractic Journal, Chandler, Arizona, February and March 2008 “Overlooked! Back on Record, Martin P. Brown, MD, DC”, Chiropractic History, a peer-reviewed journal, Vol. 24, Number 2, winter, 2004 “Diamonds and Violins”, (Article) Vol. 19, No 1 the Chiropractic Journal, Chandler, Arizona October, 2004 “Frequently Asked Questions” (Audio CD), philosophy, Federation of Straight Chiropractors and Organizations, Hellertown, Pennsylvania 2003 “The Thirty-Three Principles”, chapter, Philosophy Colloquium Manual, Palmer College of Chiropractic, Davenport, Iowa, January, 2001 “A Visit to Sweet Home”, (Article) The Archives and Journal of the Association for the History of Chiropractic, Vol. 17/Number 1, January, 1997. "A Visit to Sweet Home", (Video) Early life of D.D. Palmer, Association for Chiropractic History 1996; Iowa Public Television and Minnesota Public TV, 1895 Productions, River Jct., Iowa 1996. The Wyndham Document, Guidelines document, practice of chiropractic, Editorial Steering Committee, World Chiropractic Alliance, Chandler, Arizona 1993. "Fingerprints of Subluxation", (article) The Shiokawa School of Chiropractic, Tokyo, Japan, 1993. “Clear Expressions,” Editor, newsletter of the United Straight Chiropractors of Iowa, 1986-1990

Education/Credentials
Certificate, Academy of Chiropractic Philosophers (ACP); one year plus thesis. Sherman College of Straight Chiropractic, Spartanburg, SC Certificate, Education Methodology, University of South Carolina- Upstate, Spartanburg, South Carolina. Certificate: University of Tennessee Leadership Institute. Doctor of Chiropractic, Palmer College of Chiropractic, Davenport, Iowa. Bachelor of Science, Palmer College of Chiropractic, Davenport, Iowa. Pedagogical internships: x-ray and technique, Palmer College of Chiropractic, Davenport, Iowa. A.A.S., Laboratory Technology, Middlesex County College, Edison, NJ. Graduate, South River High School, South River, New Jersey.

Awards and Honors
Competent Leader, Toastmasters International Competent Communicator, Toastmasters International Honorary member, Asociación Quiropráctica Argentina “Director” (Hon.), Fundación Quiropráctica Argentina and Universidad Siglo XXI, for development of Diplomatura, a post-graduate curriculum. "Special Service Award,” Peruvian Chiropractic Alliance, recognizing the first chiropractic philosophy seminar presented in Peru. "Service as a Trustee,” Sherman College of Straight Chiropractic. “Regent of the Year,” Sherman College of Straight Chiropractic, Spartanburg, SC. “Fellow in the College of Straight Chiropractic,” Federation of Straight Chiropractors and Organizations, Hellertown, PA. Listed in “Who’s Who”. “Service to the College,” Sherman College of Straight Chiropractic, Spartanburg, SC. "President’s Citation,” Federation of Straight Chiropractors and Organizations “Founder and Past President” recognition, United Straight Chiropractors of Iowa. "Service to the Profession,” Palmer College of Chiropractic, Davenport, Iowa. “Citation for Distinguished Service,” Straight Chiropractic Academic Standards Association, for advancement of chiropractic education. “Service to the Community,” West Liberty Chamber of Commerce. Listed in “Outstanding Young Men of America.” "Distinguished Service to the Profession,” Sherman College, Spartanburg, SC Honorary Member: Sherman College of Chiropractic Alumni Association.

Past/Present Clients
Community of Rock Hill, SC

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