Question
Do you happen to know anything about C1 - C4 injury and secondary problems?  Most of my problems are naturally pain, and my chiropractor practices the Gonstead method, which I believe seems to help.  However, it is complicated by other health issues including Meniere's Disease (inner ear problem) and Acoustic Neuroma (tumor on 8th cranial nerve).  What I have been observing is that symptoms of other health issues are worse when, especially C1 is out of wack.  I know some people have concerns about chiropractics, but I do trust this guy; he is careful and doesn't try to get me there often.  I had an accident when I was 16 (45 now), then 1/05 in vehicle accident that totaled my Kia.  Since second accident pain and other symptoms much worse.  

I do not find it noted in any research articles that I can locate that visual disturbance, particularly difficulty with smaller print is affected by C1-4, or any disc areas.  

I also am experiencing an alarming problem with mental clarity and focus.  Have you ever heard that this is associated?  "Brain fog" is associated with the tumor, but I believe primarily found in larger tumors.  

I am on disability for approximately 1 1/2 years for above conditions plus PTSD, not associated with spinal injury, and am hoping to return to work at some point.  I am also at the point where maybe I need to accept that I may not be able to achieve that goal.  I cannot afford to go to physician or ENT specialists until November when I will get Medicare (get after on for two years).  

Anyway, if you make it through all this reading and want or have time to respond I will appreciate it.  

Answer
Hi Sue,
Thanks so much for your questions.

When it comes to the spinal cord/nervous system, I personally don't trust chiropractors and wouldn't let them do any "adjusting" to my spine. Be extremely cautious about letting a chiropractor "adjust" your spine, especially C1-C4. One wrong move could result in complete paralysis or death. I'm a C3-C4 Quad and I'm paralyzed from my shoulders down.

The spinal cord is very complex and not very forgiving if a slight "adjustment" is done the wrong way. I know of too many cases where a chiropractor made an "adjustment" and it caused more problems than what the patient had.

Plus, Chiropractors don't have nearly the education as a neurologist or neurosurgeon.

As far as your visual problems and "brain fog", although I'm not a doctor, it may stem from your inner ear problems and/or the tumor. My sister has Meniere's and when it acts up, she is practically unable to do anything. She's an artest and it won't allow to concentrate at all. Also, it could be the tumor putting too much pressure on the nerve and is causing those problems.

When you are able, I strongly suggest you see a doctor about this.

I hope this helps and if you have any more questions, please feel free to ask me anytime.

Thanks again,
John McKinzie