Question
QUESTION: Hi
I injured my back 5 years ago and have seen doctors and attended Physio.
Had MRI 3 years ago which confirmed I had a protrusion at disc L5 S1 but no sign of nerve root damage.
Last doctor I saw said that MRI was normal.
I experience constant pain in my right buttock, back of right leg and lower right side of spine.
I experience severe muscle spasms which last for days.
I also experience electric shocks in my back and back fatigue.
The only time pain goes in my bottock and leg is when I have a back spasm.
The last spasm in nov 07 has left me with constant pain up right side of my back like a spasm would but not as severe.
I attended physio for months without success to relieve this and sometimes all the physio had to do was touch my back and it would tighten.
What is wrong or how can I find out what is wrong.
thanks for your time


ANSWER: John,
It is difficult to say exactly what is wrong with you without an examination.  I can tell you this though:  You most likely are suffering from the effects of a spinal subluxation which disrupts the nerve flow to various parts of the body (including organs) and also can cause pain, swelling, and restricted motion.  The only way to know for sure is to get checked by a specialist.   You can try a general chiropractor first and see if that helps, but if not you may need to come to our clinic for a nervous system evaluation and other specific tests.  
Are you able to come to St Louis for testing?  Would you like me to try and find you a doctor in your area?
Yours in Best Health,
Dr Robert Arnone
Upper Cervical Specific Chiropractor
"Brainstem Specialist"
Arnone Specific Chiropractic
711 Old Ballas Road Suite 104
Creve Coeur, MO 63141
314.995.5719

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi
A sincere thank you for your quick reply, it is much apprecatied.
Thank you for your interest, I live in Ireland.
The thing that is causing me so much upset is the fact that I have seen so called specialists (ortopedic surgeons) and while they say they wont operate they give me no idea what is wrong.
I have been told the MRI is normal by one , I have a disc problem by another and it will settle or it wont.
Its like they cant think outside of the box and include what it could be and how to find out.
Its like once they dont know whats wrong with you they cant say they dont know whats wrong, but just leave you hanging.
What tests could find out what is wrong because this has really wrecked my life for nearly five years.I can answer any questions relating to my issue that you may deem worth while because I have lived with this for a long time.
thanks
john

thanks again
john


Answer
John,
If you could get me an MRI of your Cervical Spine (without contrast), and also 4 Cervical Views on X-Ray (APOM, Lateral, Lower Cervical and a Base Posterior or Vertex(This is a highly specailized film that you may not be able to get out there)).  Then you could send me the pictures via email or physical mail and I will be in a much better position to tell you whats wrong and if I could help you, fair enough?
Yours in Best Health,
Dr Robert Arnone
Upper Cervical Specific Doctor
"Brainstem Specialist"
Arnone Specific Chiropractic
711 Old Ballas Road Suite 104
Creve Coeur, MO 63141
(314) 995-5719
[email protected]