Expert: Robert A. Arnone, DC - 5/9/2007

Question
Hello!  

For the last couple of years, I have been experiencing chronic tension/pressure/pain in the back of my neck, especially where it seems that my head meets my neck. Often, the pressure will seem to transfer between my neck and the front of my face, I can often feel pressure in my nose/sinus area.  Some days are better than others, but I've been unable to determine a consistent trigger.  Bad posture and/or strenuous exercise do tend to exacerbate the condition.

I saw an orthopedic doctor, who took x-rays and advised that the x-rays looked normal.  He suggested physical therapy, which offered very little help.  The only thing they did that seemed to help was ultrasound around the base of my head where it meets the neck, as I described above.  THis seemed to offer good relief, although only temporary.

Another doctor friend of mine suggested I see a neurologist due to the fact that the pressure I feel in my nose was rather strange.  But this seems a little extreme to me.

I would like to know if seeing a chiropractor might help with this.

Thanks!

Answer
Vik,
You need to see an upper cervical chiropractor.  This doctor is an expert at working on the exact area that you are speaking of.  I can help you find someone good if you need help or just go to www.upcspine.com and look up your state to find a local doc.
The orthopedist and the physical therapist do good things for people however, they are not trained like an upper cervical doctor to look for nervous system interference nor how to correct it.  This is where you need to go to get well.
Let me know if there is anything else.
Dr Rob