I've always suspected that my head wasn't on straight, and now there's proof .

C1, the first vertebra in the neck is shaped like a ring and C2, the second one is shaped like a spike; so the spike of C2 is supposed to sit upright in the center of the hole of C1. The X-rays taken last week revealed that my C2 spike is off center and is pressing on the spinal cord; and that the base of the skull is sitting at an angle on C1.

The treatment options were surgery, a traction halo or a therapy trial with a rehab-chiropractor specialist who only works with the upper cervical spine. I chose the latter and have had two treatment sessions so far.

After taking yet more X-rays at several different angles, he took measurements from the X-rays and performed what seem to be rather precise calculations with respect to vertebral angles; explaining that he would use those to determine how to realign the spine of the neck without putting further pressure on the spinal cord.
From the X-rays he detected osteoporosis of the spine, which the radiology report did not mention; and is keeping that in mind as well the effects of what he perceives to be a mild partial transverse myelitis.

He also evaluated musculature strength/flexibility, the rest of my spine, my gait and used a device that reveals the percentage of weight that I put on each foot; saying that those things needed to be considered in the treatment plan as well. The whole evaluation took over three hours but that as well as the 90 minute drive there and another 90 minutes back was well worth it.

I really appreciate that he is being extra careful and thoughtful with respect to how the effects of MS might influence treatment; as well as voicing his concern with respect to the spinal cord compression itself. This fellow's heart of compassion is genuine and he really uses his mind; taking the time to share his line of thinking with respect to the treatment plan as well as the precautions that he is remaining considerate of. He is truly interested in my opinion and what I can offer with respect to the sorts of reactions that have been experienced with previous types of therapy.

The treatment sessions are very different than anything I've experienced before with chiropractic treatment, in that there is no 'cracking' or force applied to manipulate the spine. He has chosen to use traction in conjunction with head and body positioning to encourage realignment. During the treatment he intermittently applies slight pressure to specific areas of the upper spine and then uses a plastic grid held over the head and neck to determine how then to further adjust head and neck position before reapplying the traction and carrying on .

I've only had two treatment sessions but that nasty headache became a thing of the past after the first one. My neck range of motion, balance and coordination in walking is also better; so this is all very encouraging.
He doesn't think that the hand/arm numbness is directly related to the upper spinal misalignment, but has said that by realigning the spine, that it might also improve as a secondary benefit .

Nice guy. I wish that there were more like him...and affordable to everyone who could benefit from this type of care.

With love, Erika