Neck Problems

  I am a 45 year old male, recently divorced, sold home and changed careers. Went to a chiropracter 8mos. ago for a minor lower back problem (strain). He decided it was my neck out of alignment. Proceeded to adminster a very agressive neck minipulation which caused discomfort immediatly. After a few more trips there to fix the problem I was convinced he caused, or at least contributed to the problem.
  I am in constant discomfort, feels like a knife is stuck in the base of my skull where the muscles attach. There is also a nagging burning pain in the same basic location. In addition  my upper back muscles knot up periodicly causing upper back pain. This has been going on for atleast 6 months and causes constant headaches and now my eyes have developed bags under them. Not pretty! I'm in good physical shape, work out on a regular basis, jog and am very active I have tried deep tissue massages, physical therapy, acupuncture and even magnets. Nothing seems to help. I'm tired of living on pain killers. Can you help. Many thanks.
  James Adams

[CCF NSG MD / gsh]

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Dear James,
The first thing you need to do is to see a physician about the neck pain.  On occasion problems may arise from chiropractic manipulation and to miss an injury would be unfortunate.  Symptoms of concern might include pain, numbness and/or weakness of the extremities.  A physician can examine you and determine whether you have any bony or vascular injuries from the manipulation.  If you have neither of these, it is likely muscular pain and will improve with time.  At that point you may consider some mild analgesics, muscle-relaxants and perhaps some physical therapy.
Get it checked out first.
Good luck.