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Chiropractors/Spinal stenosis and ear/head discomfort

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Expert: Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman - 7/31/2007


Question
Hello,
I have recently been diagnosed with cervical spinal stenosis after having a long bout of illness and multiple symptoms. Spinal stenosis was the only definitive dx. I have recd. Speculation of Chronic Fatigue syndrome due to an extremely elevated Epstein Barr titer. My neurologist has advised I see an ortho surgeon for his opinion on the stenosis. Without taking too much of your time, I was wondering if this fullness, achey, weird feeling in my ears and head (below the ears) could be related to the stenosis. I will add that I deal daily with burning and tingling through my left foot/toes, and some of my fingers. Thank you for your time, Kim

Answer
Dear Kim,

In short, the answer to your question is yes...there can be a connection due to the proximity of an area of the neck called the trigeminal ganglion (a group of nerve cells outside the central nervous system with connections to the cranial nerves in your head).  

There is a direct neurological connection to the ears: upper cervical spinal nerves have direct connections called "mono-synapses", that extend into the vestibular apparatus and the labyrinthine ear (inner ear structures). Additionally, the spinal cord, and the tirgeminal ganglion provides a relay of spinal nerves to send signals into the brain and cranial nerves which are responsible for sensory functions.  These nerves and connections can be affected by stenosis depending on the level of the problem.

In addition to your medical doctor's advice to see an orthopedist, you should make sure that the ortho has had training such as a spine fellowship.  Otherwise, a neurosurgeon may be a better choice to evaluate your condition.

Respectfully,
Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman
www.suncoasthealthcare.net

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Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman

Expertise

I can answer questions on general chiropractic care, sports injury, whiplash and auto crash, mild traumatic brain injury, structural and functional rehabilitation of the spine, nutrition for inflammation and repair, fitness training, nutrition for sports performance and other general health and nutrition related inquiries. I currently lecture on automobile trauma, occupant kinematics, and forensic risk analysis to local EMS, Fire and Police, as well as nutrition and sports injury to community groups. Rest assured all answers are generated from my clinical experience, and scientific research.

Experience

I have accumulated over 1100 hours of post-doctoral training to include; Certifications in Spinal Trauma and Mild Traumatic Brain Injury from the Spine Research Institute of San Diego, Certification in Chiropractic Spinal Trauma from the International Chiropractic Association, Certification in Low Speed Auto Crash Reconstruction and Certification in Forensic Risk Analysis from The Center for Research Into Automotive Safety and Health, Certified Proficiency in spinal and extremity diagnostic procedures from The Motion Palpation Institute, Certified in Sports Injury and Rehabilitation from the National University of Health Sciences and The American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians, Nationally Certified Fellow of Structural Rehabilitation from The Chiropractic Biophysics Organization, and I have advanced training in manipulation under anesthesia and nutrition. Feel free to check out my website for course listings: www.suncoasthealthcare.net

Organizations
International Chiropractic Association, Florida Chiropractic Association, American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians, American Academy of Pain Management, Chiropractic Biophysics, Spine Research Institute of San Diego, Center for Research Into Automotive Safety and Health, Motion Palpation Organization, American Academy of Manual and Physical Medicine, Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce

Education/Credentials
B.A. (Psychology)The University of Cincinnati B.S. (Human Biology)Cleveland Chiropractic College D.C. (Doctor of Chiropractic) Cleveland Chiropractic College C.C.S.T. (Certification in Chiropractic Spinal Trauma)The International Chiropractic Association C.C.S.P. (Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician)The American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians. *CCST and CCSP 120 hour certification courses are not recognized by the Florida Chiropractic Board due to the fact that they are not 300 hour diplomate level courses*

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