what would a neck MRI show?
 

I only had a normal x-ray scan of my spine. Could an MRI show more?

The symptoms I have are pressure feeling and 'neck nausea' that both come with overstimulation.

My neck MRI was negative. But I strongly believe my neck is the cause of some of the symptoms I have. My chiropracor told me I have atlas subluxation inspite of normal MRI. XRAY of neck came back normal except loss of cervical lordosis due to muscle spasms. My PT says neck muscles and tinnitus aren't related. Duh! And she says that I don't have subluxation either after looking at my XRAY. So things are pretty messed up and I don't know whom to believe. At present I am doing neck stretches and neck exercises. Lets see how things turn out to be

A neck MRI is useless unless you have both an expert to read it who believes the cervical vertebra can become subluxated and a therapist or chiropractor who can treat that. Most PT's cannot help you.

There are some PT's and chiro's who can manually detect problems.

Upper cervical chiros do their own specialized X-rays to see the misalignment.

Would you say that a MRI is useless, when an x-ray was already done?

The imaging process is not the issue. The skills of the person who reads the image and the skills of the person who treats the injury are what matters.

You have to find someone who takes an interest in your upper neck.

Where are you ? Maybe we can do some online searching for a specialist near you.

Mark,
So who would be the right person to read a neck MRI? I have been seeing an Atlas Chiro., but he did not order a neck MRI, just X-rays. I feel that he has not been doing enough work on the soft tissues, and that is why I have not had too much benefit from the atlas adjustments. So would someone that could read the MRI and treat the soft tissues be more helpful?

An MRI is not going to show much about the soft tissues. They will heal slowly when the structural issues are addressed and one can minimize inflammation by not overusing the upper neck or sleeping is a posture that puts strain on them. It takes months of discipline to allow the soft tissue to heal properly.

Does the Atlas Ortho have any recommendations for some massage ?

If they "only" focus on the atlas/axis , and think that is the only thing needed...
with no other treatment.. I'd look elsewhere for a more full service professional.
Expert PT or DC etc...

Really good PT or DC can feel the tension in the muscles , and they can feel where something is misaligned.. They take the time to really feel , listen to you and pay attention on both counts..
If someone shuffles you in to the office e, does a quick general check and tx then shuffles you out the door.. that is not quality care...

I don't believe the atlas /axis can fix all things, it is a good base to start at- but if soft tissue/muscle spasms are pulling things out again, it won't hold.
The soft tissue/muscles need treatment also..
massage/ ultra sound, IF stim, low level laser or some mix of those..

Jo*mar,'

Thanks for the addition. With my memory struggles, I often fail to be able to put the whole story together.

The point for those looking for Upper Cervical Chiro care need to know is simple.

Many upper cervical chiros believe that only C-1 and C-2 need to be treated. They believe that once they are properly aligned, the rest of the spine and body will miraculously heal.

This is no different from Wellness Chiros who believe all illness is a result of spinal subluxations. Fix the subluxations and the body will heal from any disease.

The true healing chiros believe the body is far more complex and, if they do not have all the skills to treat the issues, have a list of referrals or even have specialists in their office/clinic.

There are a few truly gifted healers who can touch you and find issues that others are ignorant of. I have a Physical Therapist with such a touch.

Unfortunately, finding these healers is quite a quest. I've been treated by 18 different chiros over 32 years. Only 3 or 4 were really good.

Thanks Mark and JoMar

That is very helpful information. I'm afraid I've been seeing one of the Atlas Chiros that only believes fixing the subluxation will heal everything. I did feel some improvement in the beginning from the adjustments. But as time went on, he did nothing else for my muscle and soft tissue problems. I would tell him over and over about the tension and pain and ask him for other treatments, but he would do nothing but poke me with his machine for 5 minutes and that's it.
Now I know - unfortunately he is the only upper cervical chiro. in my area.

I have finally found a PT that does really good work on my neck with soft technique - i think it is called mobilization. I will continue to see him, as I have felt a big difference in my neck so far.

My only other question is, would it still be beneficial to see the Atlas Chiro. every once in a while in case my C1, C2 go out of adjustment, or can the PT adjust that too?

Also, what is a DC?

DC is short for dr of chiropractic.

PT - upper cervical adjusting - not unless very highly trained or an expert that has studied it..

My chiro did a mix of upper cervical and soft tissue. He didn't use all the high tech stuff he used leg length & hip /shoulder checks.

If your upper cervical guy only does the one thing.. I'd find another DC that is very good , but uses other modalities..
- call around and ask what treatments/modalities they use.. soft tissue work etc..
You can always go if needed to the other upper cervical guy..