Neck problems -- I've had them for years, now I'm worried

[MichaelD]

It sucks getting old. I've had a bad neck, specifically the C3/C4 area (if you don't know what that is you can stop reading now) for years. Back in 1987, I had a pretty good motorcycle wreck. I went down and crashed head-first into a parked car. The top of my head hit the door, pile-driver-style. I remember feeling my head squish down into my chest. I had a helmet on, obviously, else I wouldn't be typing this! Anyway, aside from a sore neck, XRays showed nothing wrong. Man, was I resilient back then. No CATs were done at that time. Over the years my neck got sorer and sorer. I've been cracking my own neck for years. Specifically, I push on the side of my jaw to turn my head, left and right. This produces a loud cracking sound and immediate pain relief. I have to do this several times a day or the pain gets pretty bad. I've been doing this "neck thing" since around 1989-1990.

In 1994 I got rear-ended at a stoplight. Guy was doing about 40mph, according to the police report. I developed a bad case of whiplash and a pulled/strained Trapezius muscle on the right side. I went thru 5 electro-stim therapy sessions for the Trapezius thing as well as some other physical therapy (not Chiropractic) for my C3/C4 which is where the pain is. More XRays were taken in 1994 and they showed nothing.

Here's where it gets good. Last week I did the neck thing. When I pushed my head to right, I got the crack, but a shooting, tingling pain shot down my right arm and leg. It kinda hurt. This is not a good thing. I know that it means a pinched nerve of some sort. This pain has happened several other times since last week. It doesn't happen every time I crack my neck, or when I push to the left. I cannot stop cracking my neck...the pain gets too bad.

I've never been to see a Chiropractor b/c the XRays have not shown anything. For about a year, I had a DO working in my office. I'd lie down on the floor and he'd pop my neck. He did say that my C3/C4 were slightly out of place. He basically used the same twisting motion that I do when I pop my own neck. Obviously, he had much more skill and finesse. He left about 4 months ago, though. I was very sad to see him go.

What should I do now? I've heard many positive things about Chiropractors but I've heard horror stories as well. Discs and nerves are not playings. I've got at least another 40 good years left in me...I don't want to live in pain but I don't want to be crippled either.

Any one out there in a similar or been in a similar situation? Thanks much.

Tingling and Scared,
Neck Crackin' Mike

 

[Nitemare]

Got an uncle who swears by his chiropractor. He popped his disc back into place and did some adjustments. I would definitely go to a chiropractor vs under the knife if I had a choice.

 

[Superdoopercooper]

<smart-allick mode> Have you tried amputation? </smart-allick mode>

I heard Chiro. horror stories when I was younger.... but then was told to go see one... he fixed me right up. I'd suggest at least giving one a shot!! I think that Chiro. "technology" and teaching has come a long way in the last 20 years. After reading your post again more closely... I would suggest asking friends/family for a referral to a Chiro. they know is good. Or maybe your primary care physician will know one.

If you try it and are still uncomfortable with a Chiro, then see an ORTHOPEDIC surgeon/doctor. They'll probably get you an MRI of your back/neck... and if something is badly wrong, they'll go in and operate. Otherwise, they'll give you a bunch of Physical Therapy to do. It sounds like you've already been down this road, though. IF not, I would actually suggest this route FIRST. Why? because X-rays don't show SQUAT. You need an MRI. And you know why you didn't get one? B/C you were probably in the ER, and the ER SUCKS!!! I've never had a good experience in one fo those places. But my two experiences with Orthopedic Drs and MRI's have been good!!!

ER is SUCK, no matter what they want you to believe on that show.

 

[kranky]

Just the fact that your last X-rays were done 7 years ago should get you thinking about having them done again. Things could have changed since then.

I had cervical fusion done on c7/c8 and again a few years later on c6/c7 but in my case the disks were ruptured. Chiro wasn't going to help. My symptoms were loss of strength in my left arm along with numbness/tingling in the fingertips of some fingers.

My wife has neck problems (causing headaches) and the chiro does wonders for her.

 

[ChrichtonsGirl]

I'd definitely see an orthopedist first, then if they're sure there's no structural or muscular/tendon damage, try the chiro. I can't stand to have anyone messing with my back so the thought of going to one gives me shudders, but my mom swears by hers. She was in agony for years until she saw her chiropractor. It took a couple of months until she didn't ache after her alignments, but now if she gets a twinge, she goes in, gets cracked and feels terrific for weeks.

 

[PG]

I agree with others here, see a chiro.
But also read some stuff here as well: http://www.mattfurey.com/testimonials.html

Many people in this testimonial section say that their necks got much stronger and their pain went away after doing the back bridges. I've heard that some doctors and chiro's who think this exercise is evil, but it really does helps some people.
Scroll down on this page to see him demonstrating the exercise.

I think one can get a lot out of looking at his website. You really don't need to buy his books, video's etc. He also has another website at combatconditioning.com so you can get more info.

Good luck.

 

[MichaelD]

Thanks everyone; I appreciate the advice and links. I actually LIKE having my neck and back popped. I know some folks dislike it or are intimidated, but it feels great to me...I dig it. I have an appt with my GP tomorrow. I guess we'll take it from there. Thanks much.

 

[Bulk Beef]

Chiro, definitely. It works. I've had multiple motorcycle accidents (I used to race, wrecks are a fact of life), and after a while, I started getting these insane headaches that were totally debilitating. I do the neck cracking too, but that would just make it worse most of the time. Went to the chiropractor, they took some x-rays, and I couldn't believe it... my neck was visibly crooked. Therapy included ultrasound, massage, adjustment, resistance work, and electro-stimulation (which actually burned me, but what are you gonna do?). Headaches were gone within a couple of weeks, but I kept going for about six months. Look into it. Check the guy out like you would with any other doctor.