Case Summary  |  Chiropractic treatment for Spinabifida and Herniated disc in the lower neck

I was diagnosed with spinabifida occulta at the age of eighteen; this diagnosis resulted from a severe car accident. Most cases of occulta are generally not detected because it does not cause any symptoms; such as pain. When I first began seeing a Chiropractor for my symptoms, I was told that my coccyx bone was not made up of seperate vertebreas; but one complete bone that took up the space of 8 seperate vertebreas. I was also; at that time, diagnosed with a herniated disc in my neck; several treatment plans were considered and I began following the Chiropractor's orders.

The first plan was to begin therapy, twice a week; at his office. This included: adjustments, ultrasound and traction. Although, in the beginning the adjustments were painful for me, after a short time they began to help. The most helpful and relaxing part of this program; I believe, was the ultrasound. An istrument that is used to generate heat to specific parts of the body; in my case it was mainly used for my neck. Traction was something that I opted for; it was not required, it helped to stretch my back which alleviated some of the pain. This was also helpful on days I recieved an adjustment; yet was still experiencing pain.

I spoke with the Chiropractor regularly about treatments that I could do at home, as well. I had problems sitting for long periods of time and did not want to spend my time at home constantly laying down. My first at home treatment was given to me by the Chiropractor, himself. I was allowed the use of an EMS pack; this was portable, so I could take it with me where ever I needed to. Four electrodes connected to a small black box, emmited electricity to my lower back or neck, depending on where I decided to place the pads. As I said before; sitting for long periods of time had become extremely painful, another treatment was the exercise ball. I sat on the ball with my feet place firmly on the floor, slowly rolling the ball backwards; while keeping my feet on the floor at all times, helped to stretch my spine. This needed to be done continuously for approxiametly twenty minutes a day.

I continued this therapy for almost a year; after I had moved out of state, I had to find another Chiropractor that would continue my therapy. Not only did I find another Chiropractor; that was the best in the area, I also landed a job at his office. The therapy that I had previously described was continued in the same manner. As I was now an employee; I was also given the option to receive one free massage a week. I took the offer and added that to my therapy, as well. It helped with relaxation, but I didn't see or feel any difference concerning my spinal pain.

Even though I was on a routine, I tried several things at home that I thought might help as well. I have two daughters who climb into bed with me in the middle of the night when they have nightmares. Having one of them sleep with me was fine; having both caused me to wake up with pain in both my neck and back. There were mornings when it took me a good ten minutes to get out of the bed because I was so stiff. I put a stop to them climbing into bed with me decided to throw my pillows out as well. I purchased an orthopedic pillow that helped immensly with the pain in my neck. I also found that using hot and cold packs on a rotating basis for twenty minutes; when necessary, was also helpful. During the summer months, spending time in the pool was also an exercise that was worth the trouble. Slowly swimming back and forth for a certain amount of time a day helped to; not only strengthen my muscles in my back, but it was also a way to stretch my body out.

Each therapy that I have described has helped out in some way; they are not necessarily great ways to relieve pain by themselves; but added together, I was able to rid myself of the majority of the pain and continue my life with little change.