Question
QUESTION: Gday.  I have just had my CT scan returned & it states that there is a bit of degenerative change at c3/4 but a left foraminal disc protrusion compromising the left nerve root.  Right nerve root exits OK.  No central herniation and no canal stenosis.

Here's the thing.  I'm a 59 year old bodybuilder who is at National championship level for age and there are 12 weeks to go to comp.  The c3 issue has been one for about the past 5-6 weeks with me doing something in one of the sessions (usually a dumbell raise to the front or side) that "grabs" and then gets really sore over the next day or so and by about 3-4 days later - I'm a touch sore but really no worries.  Been the same pattern for about 4 weeks or so.

The other day the same thing happened but doing a bench fly move with dumbells but the pain is now more severe.

Had my CT today and as reported. The pain is reducing as we speak.  Taking mobic an anti-inflammatory and panadiene extra which has codeine in it.

Been taking Magnesium to help but only just commneced this.

I realise the issue of continuing BB with this but the last 12 weeks is more a dieting issue than weights.  I'm seeing the physio monday and he seems to think we can work around it if we modify the exercises etc.

Do you agree?

Was also wondering if I stopped BB would this get better or is this something that in likelhood going to give me more and more grief as I get older.

Anyway hope you reply

Thanx

bob

ANSWER: Bob,
There are two bad things here:
The BB is a good thing and the physio is a good thing so you should be able to continue those as long as you want to.  The drugs are the bad thing and the possible Upper Cervical Subluxation is the other bad thing.  
Allow me to briefly explain...
Your Brainstem runs your body, everything that you think and consciously and unconsciously do is run by your brainstem.  Your muscle tissue cells must get proper firing from the brainstem through the spinal cord and nerves.  If there is any interference at the brainstem level there is no way that can occur properly.  If you are going to dedicate yourself to the sport then you need to assure proper balance and symmetry, after all you are being judged on this when you compete.
How about the form you utilize in your workouts and the firing of the muscle tissue cell, if that is off then it will drastically affect your outcome and your placing.
The fact that you have degeneration at C3-C4 tells me that you most likely have an Upper Cervical Subluxation that has continued to remain and set in destruction and instability in the cervical spine is the result.  You see the spine follows the top, it has a domino effect that takes place.  The only way to correct it properly is to correct the top and allow it to remain until it needs to be adjusted again.
It sounds like you are in Australia, do you ever come to the states for competition or is it just in Australia?

I can try to find someone for you but keep in mind that there are only less than 500 of us in the world so you may have to travel for proper care.

Ever since we incorporated the Intensive care programs we are generating interest from all over the world to come to us for specific care.  If you send me your information, I can try to locate a doctor for you, remember that this is completely different than a general chiropractor, so don't base those results on what to expect with Upper Cervical Specific, they are two completely different animals.

Nothing is bigger than LIFE.

Yours in Best Health,
Dr Robert Arnone, DC
Upper Cervical Specific Doctor of Chiropractic
"Brainstem Specialist"
Arnone Specific Chiropractic
St Louis, Missouri, USA 63141
314.995.5719
An Upper Cervical Specific doctor of Chiropractic is the only one who is trained to perform such a specific task.

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

QUESTION: I guess the Gday gave me away :)

Thanx alot for the quick reply.  I'm gonna guess and say the chances of there being one of you super trained guys available here where I leave way up north in Australia is probably next to none!  But we do have electricity!!!

Seriously though...I am worried that this "bulge" (as I interpret it) can "pop" and get immeasurably worse.  Does the bulge go back in???  Do you or can you get back to a Perfect" condition or is this something that is froever with me?

I feel that the pattern of the re-injury if you like over the past 4 weeks or so with no peripheral signs and no pins needles down my arms etc suggests that a. on a serious scale it aint THAT serious and b. if I look after myself - work the exercises around the limits that I'll be OK.  Would you agree?

As far as the form used to exercise - you make a great point.  However I am meticulous to use the best form as I can and use the adage of "its about working the muscle and not moving the weight"

Thanx again for the reply.

Bob

BTW I'm here in a place called Townsville in the North of the state of Quensland.  About 2500 klicks north of Sydney

Answer
Rob,
The "bulge" can improve and completely heal up but you have to have the Upper Cervical Spine corrected properly and maintained in that correction.  The reason that it happened in the first place is due to the instability in the UC Spine which has a "domino" effect to the rest of the spine.  This is the way for you to not only get well, but to excel in your sport like never before.
I have a good friend who practices Blair up there and he will be able to help you.  I suggest that you contact him today and get started right away, I would also like to hear back from you in a few months or so to let me know how you are doing.  All the best to you in your endeavors.  Nothing is bigger than LIFE.

Drew Glendinning, DC  
45 Brisbane Road
Mooloolaba  QLD, AUSTRALIA  4557  
Tel: (07) 5444 5611 Fax:  
Mob: Other Tel: 0421 412 136  
Email: [email protected]

Yours in Best Health,
Robert Arnone, DC
Upper Cervical Chiropractor
"Brainstem Specialist"
[email protected]