shinlee
02-12-2003, 01:54 PM
Hello. Sorry for the lengthy posting...just want to provide enough info.
After 8 chiropractic "neck cracking" treatments to help resolve what is best described as a back of the head sensation of "water swishing back and forth in a pan" when turning my head, I then began to experience new symptoms.
Originally, my GP thought the "swishing" sensation could be BPPV and gave me exercises to do. Did for several weeks while going to a chiro thinking there might be an irritated neck nerve on the right side where the sensation originate (I had been doing a lot of overhead painting work a few days prior).
Post-chiro, new symptoms for last 3-1/2 months:
- Dull ache across base of neck
- more grinding sounds in neck
- constant clicking in ears when flexing neck up/down
(don't believe TMJ-related had jaw clicking for 27
years & seemingly resolved with chiro treatments.)
- raising up arms to massage neck/head feels like an energy/tension build-up from neck to head (hard to describe this one).
SYMPTOMS caused by TURNING<BENDING OF NECK (will resolve shortly after change of head position to upright/straight)...
- dizzy sensation if held for a short length of time
- prickly, tightening, burning sensation on top of head
- sensitivity to sound that (strangely) seems to
resonate off the base of skull/neck area and other
places on skull...doesn't seem to occur much if head
held upright.
- feel pulse in back of neck on either side if lying
against pillow or back of chair.
- "thrusting-like" sensation moves through head
sometimes with or without movement of neck.
Most all the above is relieved when lying down - more pronounced if under stress.
I've had MRIs of brain/cervical area...normal. MRAs of brain/cervical area (contrast) to check for carotid/vertebral artery dissections, aneuyrysms, AVMS...normal. CBC and blood tests to check for lupus, rheumatoid arthritis...normal.
ENG test for dizziness and MRI reviewed by neurotologist indicated a vascular loop compressing left cranial vestibular nerve. The doctor says that was what was causing the "swishing" sensation. However, I told him most of the sensations occur on the right side, to which he says it's hard to tell where it's coming from and didn't comment on other symptoms.
This all has effected quality of life as the dizziness and other sensations tire me easily.
What started out as an odd "swishing" sensation that I could have learned to live with has escalated into more symptoms that may or may not have been caused by chiro treatments.
Any insight given will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
[This message has been edited by shinlee (edited 02-12-2003).]
After 8 chiropractic "neck cracking" treatments to help resolve what is best described as a back of the head sensation of "water swishing back and forth in a pan" when turning my head, I then began to experience new symptoms.
Originally, my GP thought the "swishing" sensation could be BPPV and gave me exercises to do. Did for several weeks while going to a chiro thinking there might be an irritated neck nerve on the right side where the sensation originate (I had been doing a lot of overhead painting work a few days prior).
Post-chiro, new symptoms for last 3-1/2 months:
- Dull ache across base of neck
- more grinding sounds in neck
- constant clicking in ears when flexing neck up/down
(don't believe TMJ-related had jaw clicking for 27
years & seemingly resolved with chiro treatments.)
- raising up arms to massage neck/head feels like an energy/tension build-up from neck to head (hard to describe this one).
SYMPTOMS caused by TURNING<BENDING OF NECK (will resolve shortly after change of head position to upright/straight)...
- dizzy sensation if held for a short length of time
- prickly, tightening, burning sensation on top of head
- sensitivity to sound that (strangely) seems to
resonate off the base of skull/neck area and other
places on skull...doesn't seem to occur much if head
held upright.
- feel pulse in back of neck on either side if lying
against pillow or back of chair.
- "thrusting-like" sensation moves through head
sometimes with or without movement of neck.
Most all the above is relieved when lying down - more pronounced if under stress.
I've had MRIs of brain/cervical area...normal. MRAs of brain/cervical area (contrast) to check for carotid/vertebral artery dissections, aneuyrysms, AVMS...normal. CBC and blood tests to check for lupus, rheumatoid arthritis...normal.
ENG test for dizziness and MRI reviewed by neurotologist indicated a vascular loop compressing left cranial vestibular nerve. The doctor says that was what was causing the "swishing" sensation. However, I told him most of the sensations occur on the right side, to which he says it's hard to tell where it's coming from and didn't comment on other symptoms.
This all has effected quality of life as the dizziness and other sensations tire me easily.
What started out as an odd "swishing" sensation that I could have learned to live with has escalated into more symptoms that may or may not have been caused by chiro treatments.
Any insight given will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
[This message has been edited by shinlee (edited 02-12-2003).]
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mlgable
02-13-2003, 12:11 PM
Have you seen an ENT doc yet? That swishing sound could be fluid in your ears as well as the dizziness etc. Sinus/ear problems can cuase a lot of different problems so get this checked out to rule out any ear/sinus problems.
shinlee
02-13-2003, 04:11 PM
Hello mlgable.
Thank you for responding. Yes. I saw an ENT and neurotologist, which is an ENT that specializes in hearing nerves.
Can you recommend another place I can post this question as there doesn't seem to be much of a response.
The naturopath I'm seeing believes the symptoms are due to stress in my upper back, neck and scalp muscles that's causing these sensations. Other docs say it could be stress-related. Neurologist mentioned occipital neuralgia as a possibility, but I don't have excruciating pain as suggested in info I've read.
Thank you for responding. Yes. I saw an ENT and neurotologist, which is an ENT that specializes in hearing nerves.
Can you recommend another place I can post this question as there doesn't seem to be much of a response.
The naturopath I'm seeing believes the symptoms are due to stress in my upper back, neck and scalp muscles that's causing these sensations. Other docs say it could be stress-related. Neurologist mentioned occipital neuralgia as a possibility, but I don't have excruciating pain as suggested in info I've read.
mel333
02-17-2003, 10:50 AM
Hi,
I would suggest chiro treatments may not be useful with the compression you describe. They can be dangerous if you have any type of nerve/artery compression in the head/neck. This is from what I have read and I personally found chiro didn't help me. My head and neck would react badly and I seemed to just need it more and more. I have a whiplash injury and have facet block shots done c3/4 and 5/6 plus a nerve block. I find massage helpful for my headaches which sound a bit like yours with the shooting pain from neck etc. I am also considering a c2 nerve block despite being unsure whether I have occipital neuralgia. I think my headaches are cervicogenic in nature yet, my ns has recommended a c2 block or facet blocks at c2/3 which can also be a headachy joint.
Have you had any neck injuries? Do the dr's suggest a nerve block? It may be worth trying if they are sure it is safe given your symptoms. Take care,
Mel
I would suggest chiro treatments may not be useful with the compression you describe. They can be dangerous if you have any type of nerve/artery compression in the head/neck. This is from what I have read and I personally found chiro didn't help me. My head and neck would react badly and I seemed to just need it more and more. I have a whiplash injury and have facet block shots done c3/4 and 5/6 plus a nerve block. I find massage helpful for my headaches which sound a bit like yours with the shooting pain from neck etc. I am also considering a c2 nerve block despite being unsure whether I have occipital neuralgia. I think my headaches are cervicogenic in nature yet, my ns has recommended a c2 block or facet blocks at c2/3 which can also be a headachy joint.
Have you had any neck injuries? Do the dr's suggest a nerve block? It may be worth trying if they are sure it is safe given your symptoms. Take care,
Mel
BigTex
02-24-2003, 04:49 AM
Hello,
I too had 8 neck adjustments. I had mine in November and the last one I had made me very dizzy. For the past few weeks I have had neck cracking. Does your neck crack? I especially get the neck cracking first thing in the morning.
I too had 8 neck adjustments. I had mine in November and the last one I had made me very dizzy. For the past few weeks I have had neck cracking. Does your neck crack? I especially get the neck cracking first thing in the morning.
kat721
02-25-2003, 05:04 PM
I am currently in the process of having a lot of "strangeness and pain" in my head and neck addressed.
But then I've had a goodly amount of physical trauma from accidents so mine could be from impact injury.
One chiropractor told me I had degrading discs between the cervical vertebre
Another doctor told me I had calcification of the cervical vertebre that could be irritating nerves and causing many symptoms.
I was recently put on a good anti spasmodic for the colon that also addresses problems of the vagus nerve.
Although the medicine was never meant for my neck pain it has helped ease off some of the pain I have had.
The Vagus nerve is a nerve that runs through the center of the body from the mouth to the colon.
I am finding that multiple remedies for other body systems are helping to ease the situation with my neck.
Even the new beta blocker I was put on for my heart helped.
sometimes we are not always looking at one specific problem that contributes to our pain.
When any number of body systems began to malfunction there is almost always one or another body problem that pops up.
I believe that's how "syndromes" happen.
Kat
But then I've had a goodly amount of physical trauma from accidents so mine could be from impact injury.
One chiropractor told me I had degrading discs between the cervical vertebre
Another doctor told me I had calcification of the cervical vertebre that could be irritating nerves and causing many symptoms.
I was recently put on a good anti spasmodic for the colon that also addresses problems of the vagus nerve.
Although the medicine was never meant for my neck pain it has helped ease off some of the pain I have had.
The Vagus nerve is a nerve that runs through the center of the body from the mouth to the colon.
I am finding that multiple remedies for other body systems are helping to ease the situation with my neck.
Even the new beta blocker I was put on for my heart helped.
sometimes we are not always looking at one specific problem that contributes to our pain.
When any number of body systems began to malfunction there is almost always one or another body problem that pops up.
I believe that's how "syndromes" happen.
Kat
Sarah68
02-28-2003, 07:19 AM
Chiropractic is not always effective and can cause problems with nerve and artery compressions. I had several adjustments myself and I seemed to have more long term pain in the end afterwards than before. I had neck and shoulder problems and had my neck clicked and it is still quite clicky now, so I did not find it particularly helpful.
You might like to consider acupuncture as an alternative though. I have had this after the chiropractic and have not looked back since. I found it particularly effective and if you body responds well to energetic adjustments more than the purely physical, then it is well worth and try.
Good luck.
You might like to consider acupuncture as an alternative though. I have had this after the chiropractic and have not looked back since. I found it particularly effective and if you body responds well to energetic adjustments more than the purely physical, then it is well worth and try.
Good luck.
shinlee
02-28-2003, 09:50 AM
Thank you all for responding.
Sorry it's taken so long to respond. I wish you all quick resolution to your "head" aches.
To address each of your comments/questions....
mel333 - no, I've not had any blocks. Been going to a naturopath doc who works with massage therapy and body meridians. I'm wondering if my occipital nerves (greater/lesser) are irritated. The sensations seem to follow the "rams horn" path up the sides of neck and scalp and also the tenderness at the center base of skull. From what I read about ON there's a severe pain on one side. Mine is on both and isn't severe, but chronic and thrusting. Even lying down if head is held in certain position it can be felt.
BigTex - yes, much more clicking in neck than before. My original complaint was only the weird "swishy" sensation in back of head - thought it was maybe a pinched nerve and that manipulations would release. Now, there is a constant dull ache and those shooting/tugging sensations in neck and head plus, the weird sensation of sounds resonating off head.
kat721
According to the x-rays taken by chiro prior to manipulations I only had some straightening of cervical spine (not the slight curve) and small amount of arthritis, which I was told isn't that uncommon given my age - 44 yrs. With the additional clicking in neck, I'm wondering if the over-manipulations created the problems.
Sarah68
Yes, I found out after the fact about the rare, but possible vertebral artery dissections that can occur with manipulations. I've had MRIs and MRAs (arteries of head/neck) and they read as normal.
I'm working with the naturopath doctor who as mentioned earlier works with the energy levels of body and therapeutic massage.
I can't help but wonder if the chiro treatments didn't get vertebrae out of alignment and is therefore pinching nerves in the neck/scalp. Perhaps a more conservative chiro approach might resolve the situation. The original treatment was hands-on maninpulation (cracking), but chiros do use a pressure-like tool that supposedly gently puts vertebrae into position.
My, how life can turn on a dime. All I did was to go in for something minor in hopes of resolving and come out with something that's left me with chronic irritation.
Thanks again for your responses and any future help you can lend.
shinlee
Sorry it's taken so long to respond. I wish you all quick resolution to your "head" aches.
To address each of your comments/questions....
mel333 - no, I've not had any blocks. Been going to a naturopath doc who works with massage therapy and body meridians. I'm wondering if my occipital nerves (greater/lesser) are irritated. The sensations seem to follow the "rams horn" path up the sides of neck and scalp and also the tenderness at the center base of skull. From what I read about ON there's a severe pain on one side. Mine is on both and isn't severe, but chronic and thrusting. Even lying down if head is held in certain position it can be felt.
BigTex - yes, much more clicking in neck than before. My original complaint was only the weird "swishy" sensation in back of head - thought it was maybe a pinched nerve and that manipulations would release. Now, there is a constant dull ache and those shooting/tugging sensations in neck and head plus, the weird sensation of sounds resonating off head.
kat721
According to the x-rays taken by chiro prior to manipulations I only had some straightening of cervical spine (not the slight curve) and small amount of arthritis, which I was told isn't that uncommon given my age - 44 yrs. With the additional clicking in neck, I'm wondering if the over-manipulations created the problems.
Sarah68
Yes, I found out after the fact about the rare, but possible vertebral artery dissections that can occur with manipulations. I've had MRIs and MRAs (arteries of head/neck) and they read as normal.
I'm working with the naturopath doctor who as mentioned earlier works with the energy levels of body and therapeutic massage.
I can't help but wonder if the chiro treatments didn't get vertebrae out of alignment and is therefore pinching nerves in the neck/scalp. Perhaps a more conservative chiro approach might resolve the situation. The original treatment was hands-on maninpulation (cracking), but chiros do use a pressure-like tool that supposedly gently puts vertebrae into position.
My, how life can turn on a dime. All I did was to go in for something minor in hopes of resolving and come out with something that's left me with chronic irritation.
Thanks again for your responses and any future help you can lend.
shinlee
jmc19117
04-18-2003, 12:05 PM
I actually can feel your pain (or lack of it same in my case).
I have a tightening up the back of my neck and head. It feels like if I move my facial muscles I can feel every muscle in the back of my head and neck. With walking or rising it gets worse but I can sometimes feel it laying down but I do not think as much or as bad. I have had MRI's with and with out contrast. CT scans and nothing has been found. Been to specialists, etc and still only maybe. Maybe it is migraines (I have headaches but the tightness can be with or without headache), then maybe a typical migraine, then maybe a spinal tap to see if the fluid is passing correctly in my spine. I declined the spinal tap since the Dr even said it was beyond a far shot that I had what they would be looking for.
I am now going to a no crack chiropractor that does not use force. I was going o the old fashioned type and seemed that I got no relief at all. Now I get some but I am still working with her to get better results. It isn't all cracking, she does NET (which clears stored energy) and TBM (which helps with energy fields). I am still feeling the same symtoms but some days less than others.
I can sy that it is the most annoying thing that has happened to me. It all started over an allergic reaction I had to an anethestic in a dental procedure. Now months later (going on 7) I am still in hell. Some days are bad and I think how can I live like this the rest of my life. It is hard to deal with and I am so young to have this happen. Family is no help they all think stress...I wish, I really wish it would be that easy.
Well thank you for listening. That is actually an abridged version, ddi not want to bore you to tears with the full one. :-)
I have a tightening up the back of my neck and head. It feels like if I move my facial muscles I can feel every muscle in the back of my head and neck. With walking or rising it gets worse but I can sometimes feel it laying down but I do not think as much or as bad. I have had MRI's with and with out contrast. CT scans and nothing has been found. Been to specialists, etc and still only maybe. Maybe it is migraines (I have headaches but the tightness can be with or without headache), then maybe a typical migraine, then maybe a spinal tap to see if the fluid is passing correctly in my spine. I declined the spinal tap since the Dr even said it was beyond a far shot that I had what they would be looking for.
I am now going to a no crack chiropractor that does not use force. I was going o the old fashioned type and seemed that I got no relief at all. Now I get some but I am still working with her to get better results. It isn't all cracking, she does NET (which clears stored energy) and TBM (which helps with energy fields). I am still feeling the same symtoms but some days less than others.
I can sy that it is the most annoying thing that has happened to me. It all started over an allergic reaction I had to an anethestic in a dental procedure. Now months later (going on 7) I am still in hell. Some days are bad and I think how can I live like this the rest of my life. It is hard to deal with and I am so young to have this happen. Family is no help they all think stress...I wish, I really wish it would be that easy.
Well thank you for listening. That is actually an abridged version, ddi not want to bore you to tears with the full one. :-)
Gaitsofgold
05-04-2003, 05:17 PM
I always have the cracking in the back of my head/neck when turning my head. Not long ago I also had the feeling that I was underwater. Felt like my head was full, under pressure and about to pop. Was referred by my doctor to an ENT and he said stress can cause this. I guess he was right, since the symptoms went away by themselves after several weeks. I am a panic attack sufferer, so I guess this makes sense. The body can exhibit some very strange symptoms as a result of continual stress. This may not be of help to you. Just food for thought. . .
shinlee
05-05-2003, 09:09 AM
Originally posted by jmc19117:
I actually can feel your pain (or lack of it same in my case).
I have a tightening up the back of my neck and head. It feels like if I move my facial muscles I can feel every muscle in the back of my head and neck. With walking or rising it gets worse but I can sometimes feel it laying down but I do not think as much or as bad. I have had MRI's with and with out contrast. CT scans and nothing has been found. Been to specialists, etc and still only maybe. Maybe it is migraines (I have headaches but the tightness can be with or without headache), then maybe a typical migraine, then maybe a spinal tap to see if the fluid is passing correctly in my spine. I declined the spinal tap since the Dr even said it was beyond a far shot that I had what they would be looking for.
I am now going to a no crack chiropractor that does not use force. I was going o the old fashioned type and seemed that I got no relief at all. Now I get some but I am still working with her to get better results. It isn't all cracking, she does NET (which clears stored energy) and TBM (which helps with energy fields). I am still feeling the same symtoms but some days less than others.
I can sy that it is the most annoying thing that has happened to me. It all started over an allergic reaction I had to an anethestic in a dental procedure. Now months later (going on 7) I am still in hell. Some days are bad and I think how can I live like this the rest of my life. It is hard to deal with and I am so young to have this happen. Family is no help they all think stress...I wish, I really wish it would be that easy.
Well thank you for listening. That is actually an abridged version, ddi not want to bore you to tears with the full one. :-)
I actually can feel your pain (or lack of it same in my case).
I have a tightening up the back of my neck and head. It feels like if I move my facial muscles I can feel every muscle in the back of my head and neck. With walking or rising it gets worse but I can sometimes feel it laying down but I do not think as much or as bad. I have had MRI's with and with out contrast. CT scans and nothing has been found. Been to specialists, etc and still only maybe. Maybe it is migraines (I have headaches but the tightness can be with or without headache), then maybe a typical migraine, then maybe a spinal tap to see if the fluid is passing correctly in my spine. I declined the spinal tap since the Dr even said it was beyond a far shot that I had what they would be looking for.
I am now going to a no crack chiropractor that does not use force. I was going o the old fashioned type and seemed that I got no relief at all. Now I get some but I am still working with her to get better results. It isn't all cracking, she does NET (which clears stored energy) and TBM (which helps with energy fields). I am still feeling the same symtoms but some days less than others.
I can sy that it is the most annoying thing that has happened to me. It all started over an allergic reaction I had to an anethestic in a dental procedure. Now months later (going on 7) I am still in hell. Some days are bad and I think how can I live like this the rest of my life. It is hard to deal with and I am so young to have this happen. Family is no help they all think stress...I wish, I really wish it would be that easy.
Well thank you for listening. That is actually an abridged version, ddi not want to bore you to tears with the full one. :-)
shinlee
05-05-2003, 10:05 AM
Hello jmc19117.
Thank you for your response. I truly am sorry for all the pain you are going through.
Since the last posting I went back to the chiro and told him all that had transpired since his junior chiro worked on me.
These chiros specialize in kinesiology (muscle strength testing) to see if all is in order. When he tested me again it was discovered that my case was "1 in a 1000". He said that the way I'm wired, wasn't the appropriate way to be working with me - I was being worked with "backwards."
It took about 10 or so more adjustments (without the use of "neck cracking" - used small tool for cervical adjustments) and there was much improvement.
Unfortunately, I'm still experiencing to some degree a "tugging" sensation felt in the back of the neck when turning my head and some irritation between the shoulders and in the neck. Other than that the terrible hypersensitivity to sound and the "thrusting" sensations throughout my scalp (head) have been eliminated. Hopefully, in time the remaining symptoms will disappear.
It seems that when vertebrae/skull, muscles, nerves are out of place or being inpinged it causes these problems.
With what I went through, I'd make sure a chiro took a less aggressive hands-on approach (avoid "neck cracking") and use the tool. I have mild arthritis in my neck that never caused problems until now - gravely sound and the irritation. I'm taking Dr. David Williams "Joint Advantage" that is supposed to help arthritis. It seems to have helped some.
Well...wishing you all the best.
Lisa
Thank you for your response. I truly am sorry for all the pain you are going through.
Since the last posting I went back to the chiro and told him all that had transpired since his junior chiro worked on me.
These chiros specialize in kinesiology (muscle strength testing) to see if all is in order. When he tested me again it was discovered that my case was "1 in a 1000". He said that the way I'm wired, wasn't the appropriate way to be working with me - I was being worked with "backwards."
It took about 10 or so more adjustments (without the use of "neck cracking" - used small tool for cervical adjustments) and there was much improvement.
Unfortunately, I'm still experiencing to some degree a "tugging" sensation felt in the back of the neck when turning my head and some irritation between the shoulders and in the neck. Other than that the terrible hypersensitivity to sound and the "thrusting" sensations throughout my scalp (head) have been eliminated. Hopefully, in time the remaining symptoms will disappear.
It seems that when vertebrae/skull, muscles, nerves are out of place or being inpinged it causes these problems.
With what I went through, I'd make sure a chiro took a less aggressive hands-on approach (avoid "neck cracking") and use the tool. I have mild arthritis in my neck that never caused problems until now - gravely sound and the irritation. I'm taking Dr. David Williams "Joint Advantage" that is supposed to help arthritis. It seems to have helped some.
Well...wishing you all the best.
Lisa
ginn26
05-05-2003, 10:19 AM
http://www.tmjarizona.com/testimon.htm
Please visit this website and read the tesominies, I believe your pain is from TMJ/TMD. There are people on this site who went for 20 years and didn't know their problem was related. This doctor should give you some great advice and help you find a doctor in your area. I hope this helps!!
Please visit this website and read the tesominies, I believe your pain is from TMJ/TMD. There are people on this site who went for 20 years and didn't know their problem was related. This doctor should give you some great advice and help you find a doctor in your area. I hope this helps!!
caracal
08-28-2003, 04:12 PM
I too had dizzyness and vertigo, the doctor said they dont know what it is.. lived with it for 4 weeks and it eventually went away, almost never had dizzyness again, until I started to have back pain and went to a chiropractor, i dont know why he cracked my neck for back pain.. but after the first time i could hear the bones when i turn my head, so i thought it s normal... and then started getting my vertigo back.. now i just went a second visit and he cracked my neck again and my vertigo is coming back even more..
just wanted to share this with people who are thinking of having their neck cracked for vertigo... or if your chiropractor starts cracking your neck for no reason
just wanted to share this with people who are thinking of having their neck cracked for vertigo... or if your chiropractor starts cracking your neck for no reason