This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Community: Knowledge & Support

Just a quick question...Has anyone's MS symptoms suddenly increased after back/neck manipulation? I have had MS for 14 years but very very midly, sensory probs only. My first real relapse came days after having my back clicked (I suffered from a numb left thigh and a burning/weak leg). I recovered back to normal after this then about 6 months later I had a course of physio sessions where on one occasion my neck was forcefully clicked. Now previous to this and during my last attack I had MRI's that were totally clear but a few weeks after the neck manipulation I had a lesion C4/C5. I know for me personally that I had symptoms soon after both manipulation sessions. I am not suggesting this to be the cause of my MS but if we are going with the CCSVI theory could these type of treatments put extra pressure into the venous system etc? I am very worried that I have been misaligned and that my condition will continue to deteriorate now. I am thinking of having NUCCA treatments but kind of scared now that it might make the situation worse. I got this from a website:

The association of multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injury after spinal manipulation has been reported in literature. Kewalramani et al reported a case of 46-year-old male patient with a history of left sixth cranial nerve palsy and diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. His patient experienced tingling and burning sensation of right wrist, which radiated to right leg and foot with time. He underwent cervical manipulation, which was immediately followed by increase in the cervical pain. He had progressive deterioration in his neurological status. Myelogram showed widening of spinal cord at C5/C7 with obliteration of root sleeves at C4/C6. He was treated by multiple laminectomy from C4 to C7. Bluish discolouration was noted over the posterolateral aspect of the spinal cord and haematomyelia was confirmed after myelotomy. Kewalramani et al speculated that this patient might have had an underlying vascular or coagulation abnormality induced by multiple sclerosis that resulted in haematomyelia following cervical manipulation.

Any thoughts?

Hi LR -

I have been going to the same chiropractor since 2002. It was the chiropractor who told me to get to a neurologist because he thought I had MS. This was after going to multiple doctors over a period of years who could not find anything wrong with me. So, my experience is probably the opposite of yours. The good doc treats about 50 MS patients with adjustment and acupuncture. He has been in contact with Dr. Dake in reference to CCSVI. I thought you might be interested in the two articles linked below.

http://www.chiroweb.com/mpacms/dc/article.php?id=9049
http://www.chiroweb.com/mpacms/dc/article.php?id=9148

The doctor does not "crank" on my neck or my spine. He uses a chiropractic adjustment tool to get things back in alignment. One could argue that by keeping the spine and the neck in alignment, the veins are given more room---maybe they are not as apt to get twisted or squished.

Sharon

I totally agree with you and I had a lot of faith in chiros and osteopaths but I wonder if for me personally whether the clicking of my bones increased pressure somewhere which led to my lesion formation (It was actually a physio who clicked my neck and not a chiro or osteo). I am planning to go to a new chiro to see if they can "put back" maybe what this other guy moved (as I also have a grinding sound now when I twist which appeared at the time of my relapse)

LR -

You might want to take a copy of Zamboni's paper "Cerebrospinal Venous Insufficiency in Multiple Sclerosis. Chiro's are usually a little more open to new ideas. It might help you to answer your question " if we are going with the CCSVI theory could these type of treatments put extra pressure into the venous system etc? "

Good luck
Sharon

Hi LR. I have been seeing a NUCCA professional for about 2 years. I consider the technique to be a vital part of my re-habbing to stabilize my physical issues.
I have MS lesions on my cervical spine, & I have had surgical fusion as well.
My personal experience has taught me that multiple neurological symptoms can occur simultaneously. It seems that many neurologists will view the MS lesion & drop the ball in doing any further diagnostics, assuming that the lesion is the entire cause of the symptoms. That assumption may or may not be correct. Just because one has an MS lesion does not mean that other neurological issues cannot be co-existing.
Regarding the NUCCA, it's important to understand that there are 4 levels of expertise in that specialty. The top level of expertise is called 'board certified'. Those are the only NUCCA professionals whose services I personally will use. My experience with NUCCA has been very positive.

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<strong><em>M J</em></strong>