Hello everybody.
I recently had a cervical MRI which revealed the following:
Findings:
No C1-C2 dislocation identified. Moderate degeneration of the atlantoaxial joint noted however.
Normal vertebral height and alignment and marrow signal pattern.
No recent bony injury.
Mild upper thoracic spondylosis with anterior marginal osteophytes noted at T2-T3.
No sign of inflammatory spondyloarthropathy.
Normal craniocervical transition.
Small posterior disc bulge at C4-C5 however no evidence of neurological contact or compression.
No nerve root compression identified.
Normal neural foramina.
Normal spinal canal and thecal sac. No thecal sac compression or myelopathic change.
Paravertebral soft tissues are unremarkable.
CONCLUSION:
No C1-C2 dislocation identified. Moderate degeneration of the atlantoaxial joint noted however.
Small posterior disc bulge at C4-C5 however no evidence of neurological contact or compression.
Prior to this I started seeing a physiotherapist some 6 months ago and have had about 10 hours physio and more recently 3 chiropractic sessions. I sought help not due to pain, but because I had an apparent scoliosis when looking in the mirror. My right shoulder was winging and my range of motion was limited particularly in my neck where I would find myself moving my whole body as opposed to turning my head when looking left or right. Right trapezius was and is contracted, as pointed out my physio and GP. Several ECGs resting heart rate 100. My head was stuck to the left. After cervical/cranial work of physio I would experience dizziness, confusion, blurred vision, vertigo, anxiety and fainting when stretching my neck. After 10 hours physio my range of motion had improved, but my breathing, although remedied for a day or two after physio, was still limited in that I felt I could only fill half my lungs with air. Immense spinal pain after going for a run a few days after physio on my back. Anti-inflammatories helped massively.
Recent chiropractic care including C1-C2 adjustment and shock wave therapy of the shoulder socket. Now after stretching my neck I experience visual and, to a lesser extent, auditory disturbances, but not vertigo, fainting, anxiety or confusion. X-ray prior chiropractic care show atlantoaxial joint out of alignment to the right. There is now a constant mild occipital headache, which extends to the eyes and forehead. Plenty of crepitus in the atlantoaxial area, cervical and thoracic. When I tilt my head back I find my breathing is better in that I can take in a full breath of air. Heart rate is now within range.
History:
2 years ago motorcycle accident - came off at 15 mph and landing on my right side and rolling a few times sideways. Suspected bruised ribs, but never pain in the neck (this only happened after starting physio and chiropractic care).
7 years ago diagnosed with bipolar disorder and ADHD. Treatment of depression required extensive pharmacological treatment including citalopram, trazodone, seroquel, lamotrogine. The depression was tough to combat and despite not feeling depressed I cannot function even remotely as I once could in an academic sense. Until shortly before turning 18 I was a high achiever at school in the top 10 academically, but the latter part of my final year is when my troubles managing my academia started. The following year I dropped out of university after less than a month failing tests where I once accepted no less than an A. 3 further university attempts have all ended the same way despite being medicated in the latter 2.
I was born one of a triplet weighing in at 4 pounds (1.8kg). Born at 35 weeks after I induced labour. I was positioned below my siblings and it is postulated that I was put in a state of stress causing my brain to mature faster (IUGR never diagnosed, but I am certain I had growth restriction. My siblings where within normal weight). I was much smaller than them, but didn't require incubation as they did.
I went bungee jumping the same year the academic difficulties started.
5.9 in height, I have grown nearly two inches since chiropractic care.
77kg (170lbs)
Any theories on the cause and if you think fusion surgery of the C1-C2 vertebra is imminent? Also, what are the negatives of such an operation with specific reference to ROM, the risks and overall success rate?