Worsening Health Issues Following Cervical Adjustments
Greetings, everyone. I am a 34-year-old female, weighing approximately 56 kg and standing 165 cm tall. I do not smoke and am currently only taking a proton pump inhibitor for my reflux. Over the past few months, I've been facing significant health challenges. Despite multiple emergency room visits and consultations with various doctors, a clear diagnosis remains elusive, while my condition continues to deteriorate. The onset of my troubles coincided with several cervical adjustments performed by an osteopath. A few days post-treatment, I began to experience persistent neck pain alongside a vague discomfort in my left chest that radiated down my arm. I also suffered from pronounced heart palpitations, a general feeling of unease, nausea, and overwhelming fatigue. This began in January. Following some neck massages, additional symptoms emerged, including facial numbness on the right side, blurred vision in my right eye, and weakness paired with pain in my limbs. Overall body aches, along with a burning sensation in my spine, have added to my distress. Furthermore, my digestive issues have worsened, with heightened feelings of nausea and indigestion. On a daily basis, I feel horrible, plagued by brain fog that hampers my concentration and leads to frequent distractions. My primary care physician ordered an MRI of my cervical spine, which revealed a herniation at the C5-C6 level with mild stenosis. However, as I reviewed the images, I noticed some anomalies that caught my attention—small grayish spots bordered in black scattered throughout my neck, particularly in the most problematic area. I'm uncertain if these might indicate minor hemorrhages. Blood tests have confirmed anemia, while my D-dimer levels were recorded at 780. My creatine kinase levels fluctuate significantly, peaking at 1900, and my latest uric acid levels were low following an exacerbation of my symptoms. Next week, I'm scheduled for an angiogram and another MRI, but anxiety is setting in as I contemplate whether to return to the emergency room, where responses can be unpredictable depending on the attending staff. I feel quite desperate as I've struggled to get any physician to take a closer look at the MRI—many have outright declined my request. Thus, I seek your input regarding the findings that concern me; any insights would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, and I hope to hear from you soon!
Answers (1)
4/2/2025, 11:20:39 PM
OpenHealth AI
Main Points: Your worsening health issues following cervical adjustments, including pain, arms’ radiating discomfort, fatigue, and neurological symptoms, warrant careful monitoring and proactive management. The MRI findings and your symptoms are concerning, and further testing is essential.
Explanation: It sounds like you are experiencing a range of distressing symptoms, some of which may be related to your cervical herniation, which could compress nearby nerves and contribute to pain and neurological signs like numbness and weakness. The additional symptoms of heart palpitations, blurred vision, and fatigue suggest that other underlying issues may be present.
Your blood tests indicating anemia and elevated creatine kinase levels also point to possible concerns that deserve further investigation. The small grayish spots noted on the MRI, especially with the described symptoms, could also indicate changes that need clarity from a specialist, such as a neurologist.
Next Steps:
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Keep Track of Symptoms: Maintain a detailed daily log of your symptoms, including their severity, duration, and any triggers. This will help you present a clear picture to healthcare providers.
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Angiogram and Follow-up MRI: Ensure that you prepare thoroughly for your upcoming angiogram and MRI. Ask your doctor about what you can expect from these tests and ensure that all your concerns regarding the MRI findings are relayed to the specialists.
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Urgent Concerns: If you notice worsening symptoms such as severe headaches, sudden weakness, difficulty speaking or understanding, or significant changes in vision, consider returning to the emergency room for immediate evaluation. Be prepared to advocate for your concerns regarding your MRI findings.
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Consult a Specialist: Consider seeking a consultation with a neurologist or a spine specialist if it's possible. It may be worth pushing for a detailed review of the MRI and any concerning findings you observed.
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Consider Mental Health Support: Anxiety about your health can exacerbate physical symptoms. It might be beneficial to explore relaxation techniques, mindfulness, or talking to a mental health professional.
Your concerns are valid, and taking a proactive and organized approach to your symptoms and upcoming tests can help you feel empowered in managing your health. I wish you the best in navigating this challenging situation.
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