Expert: Dr. Paul Newhart - 11/18/2007

Question
In early May I saw a chiropractor who began treatments with a HOT pack on the entire back for 8 to 12 mins followed by running up the entire spine then having me turn on my back where he would take my head into his hands like a basketball and turn it first one way, then back to center, and then the other way. He did this every weekday for two weeks until I could not move my head without terrible pain one day and I quit going to see him.  Stupidly thinking a gentler approach would be better I went to a second chiropractor who wrenched my neck a good one to the right..that did me in. That adjustment took place in mid sept and since then I have had headaches at the back of my head and temples, odd sensations like something has been shoved up my nose and horrible neck pain.  The thing is because this didnt happen recently no one in the medical profession will address it and its getting worse.  I suppose saying that a chiropractor did this to me they are thinking I want doctor backing to sue ...thats not true, I have just lived with this for two months now and want to feel better. Any suggestions?

Answer
Don't judge all chiropractors by two that hurt you.  Do you know anyone that sees a chiropractor, and is happy with them?  We do have our "bad apples" in the profession, and we try to weed them out; unfortunately you found 2 of them.  X-rays would be a necessity, and a good chiropractor would do that as well as a thorough exam to see what is going on.  You probably need soft tissue injuries addressed now, so massage may be a route to pursue to help relieve some of your pain.  Good luck to you, and God bless