Expert: Robert A. Arnone, DC - 9/24/2007

Question
Dear Robert,

Just over 3 years ago, after a traumatic upheaval of my life resulting in the loss of my home, I fell into a string of events which has 'resulted' in my eventual diagnosis of M.E (CFS) just this Christmas past.

Following the move - within 6 months I contracted a Virus - of which will have been related to Mumps - of which there was an epidemic of on my place of work - I believe I may have contracted Viral Meningitis.

Following this, I never felt fully recovered, tiredness mid-day, needing to sleep, a general sense of 'something is not quite right'...regardless I continued to Cycle 5 miles a day and pushed through it, thinking it was a matter of time before my symptoms lifted.

That Summer I suffered 2 attacks of Cystitis, of which progressed onto attacks up to 3 times a week.

Of course I asked to be put through to a Urinologist and an investigative operation later was diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis - an auto-immune disease.

I dealt with this condition for a year before I managed to calm the symptoms down to the point where it was no longer dibilitating.

3 months after these symptoms calmed my tiredness became exasperated and this led to a change in Doctor and a diagnosis of M.E (CFS).

I have been with my new Doctor/s for a year now and the investigations, blood tests and so on showed a total overall picture resulted in diagnosis/confirmation of PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) IC (Interstital Cystitis) and M.E (CFS).

I have rigorously researched all 3 of these conditions, the systems they affect, possible viruses I may have contracted at the time, how long I have had them and how each one interacts with the other...more importantly what may have been the cause or especially what may be hindering my recovery.

One thing I have come to realise I have overlooked:

My Neck Injury.

Being an active athlete prior to all this, I received a Neck Injury during a Dance Workshop when I was 17 which resulted in 3/6 monthly Neck Spasms - excruciating pain and distorted posture with pain surrounding my right Scapula.  It was 2 years later when I moved to London that I saw a fabulous Chiropractor who explained that the tension in the muscles around my Scapula was pulling on the vertebrae - causing a head tilt - and my brain's response was to counteract this by tensing the other side - resulting in the eventual Spasm...we did great work together, I also took on Pilates at the suggestion of my Rheumatologist and though Spasms occured, they were under control...however since the upheaval I have not been seeing a Chiropractor.

I would like to know your thoughts on a possible connection between my neck injury and M.E (CFS) and even the other conditions I have...I understand it may not have been the actual cause of it, but I was wondering if it is hindering my body's ability to recover (Homestatis/Innate Inteligence)?

Your thoughts would be much appreciated.

Kindest Regards,

Nicci
UK

Answer
Nicci,
YES!  You are having your problems from a subluxated upper cervical spine which is putting pressure on the brainstem and interfering with normal cellular function.  I am sorry to hear of your problems but can offer you some hope to get well.  Please reply to me with your nearest town, city, state, country so that I may be able to find you an upper cervical doctor that specializes in this subluxation of the upper cervical spine.
Yours in best health,
Dr Robert Arnone