Hi all,

I've some of the notes on this forum and it's fantastic how much support everyone is giving. I was wondering if any one is able to help my situation.

My main symptoms are left hand sided issues - the main issue being brain fog, speech, vision and memory related. Also has issues with general weakness in the left side of my body, frequest urination, digestion issues, kneee soreness etc The best way to describe the head symptoms is it feels like the the left hand side of my brain is being slowly suffocated. This has been going on for about 10 years or so, worsening by the week.

I've had a barage of tests including brain MRIs (twice, both normal) and extensive treatment for Lyme disease and co-infections.

Randomly, I recently saw a chiropractor to help deal with some recent lower back issues I've been having. After getting the x rays done, it appears I have sublaxation in my neck (c1 - c2) and in my lower spine (she mentioned Spida Bifida or a similiar birth defect in my spine). I got quite excited, as this is the first test of any kind I've had which has shown something is wrong in the brain / head area.

I've been having adjustments - the first one felt good on my head symptoms but haven't quite had the same feeling since (if anything, I generally feel worse although it does vary). I live in Melbourne, Australia and consider taking the X-Rays to another specialist who might specialise in Atlas issues, although I'm a bit of novice at the moment in terms of what options I could consider.

I was wondering if anyone has been in a similar situation, having had to deal with brain issues and getting treatment through some kind of chiropractic care?

Any help is appreciated!

Thanks

Adey

Hello Adey,

It is nice to meet you.

I too have problems with brain issues and spine issues. Your story almost mirrors mine, minus the Lyme and co-infections. And I have been going to a chiropractor who specializes in the cervical (neck).

A little about myself ...

Since 2011, I have had 3 MRI's of the brain and spine for lesions to dx (diagnosed) me with RRMS (relapsing/remitting multiple sclerosis).

I have had and still have the sx (symptoms) of brain fog, speech,vision, memory related issues (lost lower left quad and some periphreal vision of my right eye- they tried to say I had a TIA, I did not.

In performing MRI's of my whole spine, I have multiple bulging C2 through C7, T5-6, L3-L5 and S1 with multiple central canal stenosis, 1 cervical and 1 lumbar retrolesthesis (vertebra overlapping the other) and L4-L5 and S1 where the nerves are all bunch together - all giving me numbness, tingling,burning sensations to my face, mid back, low back and both legs and feet. Most of my issues over the years have been with the left side.

They ruled out lymes, and other mimicing dx's. To say the least it has been several years of discouragment. Wondering if I was just crazy.

My Atlas-C1 and Axis -C2 never hold an adjustment, we are thinking do to multiple whiplashes when I was younger.

I see an Upper Cervical Chiropractor who specializes in the neck and who has helped me tremendously. He is a Godsend.

He took one look at my MRI's and was the only Dr that sat down and explained ,to me, what he was looking at. He said - you need to see a neurosurgeon. I have adjusted you for a while now and you can't find relief, its time for intervention that I can not provide.

I live in the US and have found a renown neurosurgeon who I see on Nov 4 for a consultation.

What I would like to tell you is - do not give up!
I have searched online and found this website www.upright-health.com. His name is Michael Flanigan DC.

He has a book that is well worth the money and read. It helped me better understand what is going on with my spine and why the doctors dx me with RRMS. All the while it is my spine.

While I still go to my upper cervical chiropractor for adjustment, I am encouraged that now that I have found out FINALLY what is wrong with me, that I might be able to get relief of my sx even though it might involve surgery.

I am so happy to have read your blog and found that there is someone out there that understands what I am going through and its not all in my head.

Please, Please do not give up! Others like us, are here for you! Someone who can relate and won't make you feel you are crazy.

Check out the website and look up to see if you have a chiropractor that specializes in upper cervical adjustments.

Please let me know how you are doing with your search. AND pray! God has been there for me and he will be there for you too. After all he is the GREAT physician. My prayers and thoughts are with you and I am so glad to meet you!

God Bless
Str

Hi Str,

Many thanks for your detailed response - most appreciated!

Sorry to hear about your struggle, although I'm glad to see you've found someone who has been able to help.

I'm certainly considering seeing a an Upper Cervical expert / neuro surgeon. The chiro I've been seeing suspects that I have a birth defect in my lower back (a very minute version of Spina Bifida from my understanding). This has essentially through my lower back, shoulder and neck out of line for the last 30 years.

I think I might be getting worse from the adjustments and have decided to have a break until I work out what to do next.

Your positive experience and words of encouragement are of a great help. Keeping my fingers crossed and your prayers for your appointment in November.

I'm based in Melbourne, Australia. Any thoughts on where I can find a neuro surgeon as good as yours?

God bless

Adey

Welcome adey84.

Your chiro mentioning you might have a birth defect reminded me when I had decided to see a chiro due to spine issues some years ago. On the first visit, he took x-rays. He showed me where there was a chip like spot that looked like something I had since birth. Went to several sessions with him.

A few hours after one of the sessions; I could hardly stand. Went to the ER. The orthopedic doctor that happened to be in the hospital that evening (I had decided to see this doctor. and had an appointment to see him in a couple of days). I mentioned his name to the people in the ER. He came to see me. Took x-rays; etc. Well......to come to the point; one thing in particular was there was NO evidence of any chip like birth defect. I haven't been to a chiro since.

I think it is a good idea to see a neuro surgeon or an orthopedic doctor to check your issues. Glad you have decided to take a time-out with the chiro.

Prayers coming your way.


Gerry

Thanks Gerry for sharing your experience, most appreciated. Interestingly, the comments on my lower back about my lower back matches what an Iridologist had told me about 15 years ago!

Sorry to hear about your chiro experience - did you have more luck with the orthopaedic doctor?

I'm currently getting MRIs done through my GP, although I'm not sure how well he would be to analysis the data. Definitely worth me getting a second opinion and worst there's a a specialist local to me (Melbourne) that I can consider.

Will pray for you to

Adey

Hi Adey and Gerry,

Well, here it is almost Christmas and I have found myself being laid up for the holidays. Not so bad, but can't wait for the complete healing.

Nov 4, saw the Neurosurgeon in Pittsburgh (Dr. Joseph Maroon) He said I too had a birth defect. My spinal canal was smaller than normal. The reason for the brain, back and leg issues were that I had disc bulges at all but 3 of my spinal vertebra. As I had thought, he would read my MRI's differently than the others have, being PCP, Chiro, etc.

I had a Grade 1 slippage at my L4-L5 (lumbar) and I have a Grade 2 slippage in my neck C5-C6 (cervical) among other problems with the other vertabra. Thecal sac compressions.

All this time thinking I had MS, thinking the Chiro's might fix me.
Now the Neurosurgeon is said surgery would be my best bet.

Well ... after spending good hard earned money, and researching this US reknown Neurosurgeon and the difference between regular open spine surgery and minimumally invasive surgery.

Again after much discussion with husband and family, the minimumally invasive is the way I chose. He said that if I didn't get the slippage fixed my leg and back problems would get worse. I didn't even know there was something called Caude Equine, something about the nerves being compressed that go to my legs. And the fact I was having problems going to the bathroom. I didn't put two and two together.

Too long so the gist of it is ... Nov 24 I had MES (minimumally invasive surgery) to the L4-L5 discs. They did a lamenectomy (they take your lamina off and let the nerves have more room) and then fusing the L4 to L5, using my own bone and crushed bone from a bone bank. Stayed over night. They gave me great drugs. Its nice not feeling pain, lol

Went home Nov 25 only to return to the hospital Nov 28 with blood drainage seaping into my body. So, they went back in and put a drain in and when I woke up, I saw this bulb hanging on my side filled with bloody fluid.

Well ... Left hospital Dec 3 and now recouping at home. Have to wear a back brace for 6 weeks, then off and on after that.

I have to say I am a bit tired, but NO MORE PAIN in my legs. I feel like a new person and I can sleep at night without the legs waking me up.

Jan 9 is my check up. Have to say, it was an ordeal BUT I am pain free and I can walk and drive. Can't go back to work until I have PT and work hardening.

Sorry so long. But again, don't give up! I believe now that you have to be your own avocate. You know your body more than anyone else.

I pray you find relief.

God Bless You all and Merry Christmas!