Knots

[LuvToHike]

Sorry for the discourse, there's has been a lot going on for many years. I just can't take any more. About 2 months ago, I went to a chiropractor because of headaches (nearly daily) and severe pain radiating down both arms for about 16 years in total. I am post cervical fusion of C5-6-7 (15 years ago) with a current herniation below the fusion and a bulging disk above it. Pain was better after surgery and lasted for about 1 year. I experienced muscle atrophy in the shoulder and my right arm. The Dr. examined me and told me that my neck, shoulders and back had so many knots in them that it was as if someone had fired a shotgun at it and everywhere the pellets hit a knot formed and grew. One he lovingly called Mount Everest. He told me, given my history these have been here for MANY years. In addition, my atlas is rotated and "kicked back", too. He suspected that the pain in the arms was mostly from these knots, located around and under the scapula, on either side of my spine, shoulder and neck muscles. He tried stim, and massage therapy, didn't do much. He tried ultrasound with stim... PAIN!!! Nearly put me through the ceiling. Treatment was followed by adjustments. Adjusting my neck frightens me. The knots are somewhat better, but still there. They never go away. Any activity they rebuild themselves back up. Arm pain which was approaching 8 out of 10, now varies between 0 and 4. Q1. Can the atlas be adjusted and stay put? It always seems to pop back out within a day. Headaches are much better. Q2. Is ultrasound with the stim function safe at biweekly sessions? Will the KNOTS go away altogether and stop recurring? Why do they keep coming back? How long would you estimate this treatment should last?  Q3. Is the Ultrasound supposed to be so extremely painful? Q4. For 2.5 years, my tailbone hurts when I sit. I'm tired of shifting from pelvic bone to pelvic bone, or having to sit on things to keep off it. What can be done for a tailbone issue?  Thank you.

[Adam Tanase, D.C.]

A1) Yes, the atlas has the capacity to "stay put," provided it has been properly analyzed and correctly adjusted. Home-care exercises are encouraged to extend the holding time, as well as a reduction in habits that stress the head/neck.

A2 & A3) I cannot comment on ultrasound. It's a therapeutic modality used most often by physical therapists and rehab specialists. Many chiropractors use this equipment in the office, but I do not.

A4) The pelvis issue may resolve on its own, assuming the care you're receiving is effectively improving balance to your spine. Certain factors like age, lifestyle, and previous injuries can influence how much improvement is attainable.

[LuvToHike]

Thank you.  Is there a reason you do not use ultrasound in your office?