[Matt B]

#34628

Hi Dr. Corenman,
I’ve been having sudden sharp shocking pains at C1/C2 for about two years. They happen with certain movements like bending over or moving the neck in a certain way. It’s getting worse over time. History of cervical traumas and hard chiro adjustments in the past. MRI shows 2 bulged disks at C5/C6 but nothing indicated at C1/C2. Seeking an upright MRI if I can find a specialist. Symptoms include chronic headaches, feeling like my head is heavy and not on right, dizziness, tinnitus, muscle spasms and grinding and popping when I turn my head. And of course pain and stiffness.
You said there is a difference between an instability and an unstable neck. Is that true? That gives me hope because the sharp pains don’t happen every day even though my neck still feels terrible and unstable. I was thinking about trying a hard brace for a few weeks to see if that helps. Taking NSAIDs and limiting most activities. Please let me know your thoughts on the brace or any other advice you can give. I’m getting desperate at this point because of the progression. Thank you! Matt

[Donald Corenman, MD, DC]

#34717

Be careful regarding upright MRIs as they are over-read and issues are found on films that really don’t exist. A carefully performed MRI scanning Occiput-C2 (which have to be specifically ordered) and a CT scan of this region would be the imaging of choice. Then, possibly a diagnostic injection by a well-experienced injectionist to confirm and treat the disorder could be considered. Don’t forget that vascular phenomenon (vertebral arteries) can also cause your symptoms.

Dr. Corenman

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