sequela...my spine is VERY outa alignment
 

fyi-when I use this term "sequela" I am referring to the opinion which is correct in my case that TOS is a sequela after neck pain/injuries.

I went to a chiropractor who took plenty of Xrays only to find out that my spine has become really outa whack. Not just the old stuff with disc issues but now my thoracic spine curve has flattened out a great deal and many of the vertebrae are rotated and/or tipped. (my words) I know that this is different than it was 4 yrs ago when I last had chiropractic Xrays. At that time only the curve in my neck was flattened and the disc issues were present.

I can only assume that my spine has gotten much more messed up as a result of the TOS and cervical neck problems which I've already had surgery for. It was my PT who brought to my attention that the thoracic spine curve was not anywhere near what it should be. She and the Chiro both said that some of the curve could come back by opening up the ribs. This correlates with what others here have said about their ribs feeling stuck or glued as the TOS progresses. I am doing breathwork and PT to try to open the area back up,

I am so glad to learn that my disc disease doesn't seem to be progressing but the alignment stuff is probably what is causing headaches, noise in my head (tinnitus?) and other pains. I also have hypermobility so my extermities are fraught w/RSIs and their own misalignment. Others here on the board have listed other results of progressive TOS or meds taking--like momz "vertgo and innear ear nerve damage thanks to this TOS", headaches, dizzyness, diabetes... the list goes on.

So what I am wondering about is this. Although I didn't feel that the chiropractic I saw was experienced or qualified enough to sign up with, I wonder if it would be a good idea to enter into chiropractic care in order to align the spine in attempt to reduce my headaches that began after an unrelated surgery 6 wks ago. And I want to be as healthy as I can before I have my rib/s removed (due to the vascular, neuro, and arterial compression). I'm experienced enough to know not to listen to any chiropractor who tells me that he/she can correct the TOS. And for me due to the amount of pain my body has I know it's not smart to go to the traditional chiro who does a hard crack. I had been considering finding an ART therapist but if my spine is so turned about now I am considering the option of doing spinal adjustments; I know it can be a really big committment of time and money. But if a minor surgery has caused this much pain I'm concerned about entering into a rib-resection/s w/o being as healthy as I can.

Any suggestions or ideas to consider appreciated.

I think it's worth a try, the time consuming and tricky part is finding a really good DC that keeps up on the many modalities and has gentle technique.

I'm thinking middle aged and with an established practice.
It doesn't need to be a big practice.

I just think the younger ones wouldn't have the patience or the body of knowledge or life experience to give the best care for a chronic pt..

If I ever need to find another chiro, I would make a list and visit the offices and if they aren't busy ask a few questions. Or if they are busy maybe ask the pts waiting about the care and dr.
In a nice sociable way of course.:)
Then I would make appts with the top possibles and have an evaluation visit - which I would evaluate them as they are evaluating me.

thx Jo-
 

Good idea...well, i kind did that eval of the one i visited. i saw the daughter who is only 2 yrs out of school. So i asked that her mom be present at the appt where they propose a treatment plan. but even so they dont do any new treatments other than use an "activator", whatever that is (looks like a gun).

what i am wondering is since i am not keen on getting Xrays and they gave me 5 at the "complimentary visit" as I was referred by an existing patient. Do you think they own the Xrays or can I get them to shop around. And time feels of the essence so a big shop-around would keep me from the TOS surgery I would like have. btw-as long as i don't exercise vigorously there isn't a need to have the surgery right away but i would like to get on the road to recovery asap.

hmm, not sure on the xrays.
can you call "anonymously" and ask the front desk what the policy is on that?

If you can't get them for free, maybe offer to pay something if they didn't bill you for them?? If they billed you - they should be yours.

be kind but honest if they ask ?? - that they don't seem to have the expanded treatments and many modalities that you will require for your condition...

the activator is just a spring loaded tapper tool, for small adjustments or those concerned about standard adjustments.

Hi fern,

I believe you have a legal right to any and all medical records relating to you. You may have to pay a fee, but that is standard practice. X-Rays are a little more expensive to copy than just paper documents, but copies of my X-Rays cost $17. for the first one and about $7. for each copy after that.

I won't even comment about chiropractors and TOS :eek::eek::eek:

Anne

i love my chiropractor. SHe does a small amount of massage herself along with the adjustments and has you lay on a heating pad for about 10 minutes before she sees you. She is pretty young, but also a mom and been thrugh some pain herself, so she definitely seems to understand me when i talk to her. She also knew a what a 1st rib adjustment was, and was the first chiro i met that did and would do one for me.

she is a very important part of my treatment but i do not depend on her alone- she is part of my chiro, pt, massage, and feldenkrais mish mash that seems to be doing it for me, after having surgeries on both sides.

mine works in a spa- so the whole atmosphere is a bit pampering....you know?

i just would not neccessarily buy the 'you have to come three days a week part" i find for me once a week is plenty-maybe for a few weeks in the beginning it was helpful, but I did it for way too many months.

good luck to you

Points of view
 

There are many points of view on chirorpactors but the question is whether they can consistently and predictably make changes.

*edit*

Jesse,

Are you a Chiropractor???
If so, what is your knowledge and experience relating specifically to TOS??

Anne

Jesse
 

and where would one find a "Advanced BioStructural Correction™" chiro?

and don't you mean to say lasting changes?
"There are many points of view on chirorpactors but the question is whether they can consistently and predictably make changes."

I know that some go to chiro's for treatment but I don't trust them. Maybe some of them are honest and will help but not the one I went too. I started going to him May 1st ..now 7 months been going..he said I needed 3x a week treatment from him. He told me "my body mechanics were off and needed adjusted" ...yea ok but what was he doing for my TOS! Cracking my neck and twisting me like a pretzel...telling me "my hip was out", "my back is a mess" ??????? ok ...why? why why why. I got elec stim and some ultrasound...for 7 months! That was it along with the neck cracking. He grabbed my head and wham...to the left..to the right...It cracked so loud the people in the other room heard it! It hurt! I said it hurt! He said that's normal cause my "neck is locked up" No, it's swelling from the TOS!

I quit going..glad I did. It was a total waste of time and now I'm worse than I ever was. The injections I had ..total mistake...it's crazy...these PT's, chiro's, and Doc's think they know how to treat TOS...they are CLUELESS! Be careful and ask lots of questions and do your research. I have been told that TENS and elec stim...won't help the TOS...it' s a pain relief method for the moment...the TOS will still progress! Meds won't help, pain relaxers won't help, stretching BAD BAD BAD! Cracking your neck...temporary fix..won't stop the progression. Heat pads...bad...too much wait on the BP. Especially the heavy one's PT's use. It's very tricky to treat and it has to be done right or you can get worse ..fast. Trust me!

Momz