Chiropractor visit

[jenbes]

so, two weeks ago it seemed like I was getting better, then wham 7 day migraine or "tension headaches"... today was a decent day.

I went to the chiropractor today.  They took xrays which showed my spine is curved to the right and the left  and the bottom is rotated and this is in addition to the straightening of my neck, and one of the neck vertebrae is out of line?  it is the c5 one that is giving me the most pain...  anyway I got to see the xrays and it looked pretty messed up to me.  so I'm googling, and it sounds like this is scoliosis?  He said this is most likely due to old trauma.  Of course he says he can fix it.

he seemed like a decent dr, and he did not once ask me how stressed I am.  :)

[Devin215]

I have never been to a chiropractor but I have gotten traction done on my lower spine in physical therapy and deep tissue massage in the shoulders and back..I Made sure no one touched my neck because of my scar and that piece of the skull missing. The traction helped and it is the closest to being manipulated. I would hear and feel poping in my lower back when they did it. I was always told to avoid chiropractors because of the manipulating in the neck it would or could cause changes in the chiari and csf flow. It may be good for disc bulging and pinched nerves and alignment but there are other ways to help that to my knowlegde like an inversion table. I am scared to try an inversion table cus i dont know how my head will take all the fluid and blood rushing to it.... all I can say is just be careful and do some research if you havent already.

[LauraSue49]

Went to a chiropractor mant times over 20 years always got worst.  Though I didn't know about the Chiari issue then.  Have a double S curve scoliosis.  
Right now trying an in version table.  Which flips upside down.  Just started with it so will see and keep posted.  Have no fluid around brain it is being cut off by chiari but felt great after a number of hours at the dentist.  So thought maybe it releases the pressure of the tonsil area and allow spinal fluid flow.  My God I sound desperate.  Oh that's right I am!!!
When they tell you it's all in your head they are right but it's not the part they think.

[ChiariWolf]

As mentioned above enough there is no need to speak of it more.. yeah them pretty weird looking curves kind of go with the territory.

Now, chiropraoctors, they don't. I grew up being taken to one for my back and continued going for a few years. For me though, they just never really took away the sharp pains and many time increased the shoulder and neck pains. With the exception on one down in southern Ohio. But he did not manupulate with me at all, just hot/cold, tens, followed by a good back massage. Growing up I was told by one that he could 'fix' my club feet, mom and dad believed it.

At any rate, Jen, whatever you decide to do I'm glad to see you at least feeling well enough to check in a bit here. :-)

Wolf

[selmaS]

Yes scoliosis is found often in those of us with chiari and those with tethered cord......and u have a loss of the curve of the cervical lordosis which can cause some issues, but not likely what u r dealing with.

And as Carolyn has mentioned as a chiarian we r told to avoid chiropractors.....especially do not allow manipulation of ur cervical spine(neck).As she mentioned many chiro's r not well versed on chiari and may cause more harm than good...so be very careful that ur dr is educated on chiari.

Have u had a trauma that could be considered an old trauma that could be considered a source of some of ur issues?

If u indeed have a bulging disk, an orthopedic dr should be able to tell u if it is the problem....

"selma"

[*Stormy*]

That's interesting...does sound like scoliosis...which has been found with Chiari in several people.
I have heard great stories about Chiropractors and then some horror stories too on how it triggers a worsening of symptoms. I don't have any personal experience that way but I would make sure that the DR knows exactly what they are doing in relation to Chiari.

At least he isn't telling you that it is all in your head...that is a plus!!
Hopefully, some other members here can give you some more direct advice on seeing a chiropractor.

Take care
Carolyn