Cervical Sponylosis - Myelomalacia

[celestinePMc]

Hello

Thanks to all the people who contribute to this forum - it's very informative and provides a great service.

My situation is as follows:

After driving into a hole in the road last October I developed pins needles on awaking, neck stiffness and a feeling of unwellness after jogging. In May this year I saw a chiroprator who adjusted my thorax and lower neck. (She refused to do a C1 C2 manipulation until X-rays were done). This was hugely beneficial and I felt great.

Then after a few weeks I had a very minor whiplash injury by reversing my car into a pillar. As I was working abroad at the time I saw a different Chiro who did manipulate C1 C2. (June 09) This had a very bad effect causing me to have more neck stiffness, anxiety, pins needles and infllammation.  More significantly I now have slight vertigo and a feeling of unwellness whenever I use those muscles at the top of the neck. Even when turning the head to either side.

I then had X-Rays and an MRI on the neck. These are the MRI results:

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There is evidence of some spondylotic change in the lower cervical region with osteophytic disc bars at C5/C6 and a larger disc bar at C6/C7.

These indent the anterior theca and slightly narrow the sagittal calibre of the canal.  There is evidence of some increased T2 decreased T1 signal within the cord at the C7 level.  This is not associated with cord expansion although there is a slightly prominent central canal caudal to this.  Given the associated spondylotic change at this level the abnormal signal within the cord probably represents early myelomalacia.  Subsequent axial images show the minimal calibre of the canal to be at C6/C7 where a central and left paracentral osteophytic disc bar distorts the left side of the theca although the exit foramina at this and other levels appear adequate.  
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An MRI of the brain showed nothing and nor did an MRA.

Obviously the worrying aspect is the "myelomalacia" but I was managing the condition and able to aerobically exercise and do certain strengthening exercises without problem with the only neurological symptom being the pins needles on awaking amd maybe increased tiredness in general.

However having been hit on the top of the head by a drunken "friend" about 10 days ago, I now have developed apparent weakness in the arms and legs, where the muscles seems to tire and ache more easily. The pins needles have also got a lot worse. I am due to see a neurologist, but I was wondering what anyone makes of all this

Bearing in mind that I was feeling fine before the C1 C2 manipulation, do you think the damage at C6 C7 is solely the cause? Could there be a vertebral arterial element causing the vertigo, perhaps caused by the C1 C2 manipulation? Is there any treatment for the neurological symptoms? Likely prognoisis?

Thanks for any advice given

All the best
Peter (42)