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The degeneration of the C6/7 disc is easy to see. It is very thin compared to the other cervical discs. It is a common finding but it is far from "normal." Flexion and extesnion views will most likely show faulty kinematics and failure of the C2/3 spinous processes to separate on neck flexion. The C2/3 disc is hardly "normal" in size or shape. It is likewise easy to see how it is thin compared to the other cervical discs due to degeneration. Degeneration of the cervical spine is common but is not "normal."

Morning all,
Dr F as I ponder my cracking and popping neck and upper spine and how that occurs for some and not others, as well as my disc bulges and whether they decrease or heal, I tend to wonder what likelihood that (CPn or other) infection is the cause of crepitus?

What would create 'air' in discs is my main thought and does it leave making the sound and is replaced rapidly or is it compressed within a confined space? The repeatable cracking is interesting to my way of thinking (brain fog excluded)!

When I first had an MRI done about 6 years ago when I was seeing a Spinal Skeletal 'Specialist' he thought that the disc bulges would decrease in size and disappear with time. In my humble opinion even with dodgy eyesight and new glasses the bulges look the same and even though the many MRI's are slightly different I think there are negative changes in the appearance of the bulges and the louder noises from the same discs area makes me wonder even more if there is connection with the CPn and possible co-infections!


Nigel

Nigel,
It's more likely that you have inflammation in the synovial joint capsules of the spine that is causing the cracking noises. The inflammation may be due to CPn or it could be due to the antibiotics. You are confusing the synovial joints with the discs, which are cartilage. The discs of the spine don't make audible cracking noises. They are too deep to be heard and they don't have synovial fluid. The cartilage in the knees called meniscus is similar to the discs of the spine. The meniscus of the knees are close to the surface. Torn and degenerated meniscus in the knees make grinding sounds. In contrast to synovial joints that need time to recover before a cracking maneuver and sound can be repeated, the grinding of cartilage in the knee can be continually repeated because it has nothing to do with synovial gas bubbles.

Hi Doc,

I did some research, and i found a chiropractor wih a traction table. He will call backto me, ofcourse i want to wait if my current chiro has found one.

Did you see my question about coming to the US??

And, spoke to my GP about the radiologists opinion about the xrays....useless to contact the radiologist again....

Rgds,

Robert

The new chiro uses one of these tables
http://www.vodamed.com/ergostyle-chirop ... ables.html

Is this the right direction?

Robert,
I read your comment about coming to the US for treatment. Unfortunately, I am not ready yet to handle cases like yours but I am working on it. I also hope to use the facility I just purchased for future seminars for professionals.

I checked out the equipment on Vodamed website. The company only offers one brand of flexion-distraction tables with a few options. The particular brand they offer is okay and affordable but it is not the best brand available and it's not that versatile. It does not have a cervical traction or cervical flexion-disatraction. It's hard to find good cervical traction tables and even harder to find good flexion-distraction tables. You also need to find a good doctor who understands the pathology and can use the equipment in such a way as to accomodate the condition. The doctor should at least the know the basics of neurodegenerative conditions as well as my theory regarding the role of cranial vault and upper cervical malformations, misalignments, spondylosis, stenosis, scoliosis, cord tethering, blood and CSF flow etc., in the cause of neurodegenerative conditions. Among other things, neurological signs and muscle strength should be monitored before and after each treatment in your case.

uprightdoc wrote:Robert,
I read your comment about coming to the US for treatment. Unfortunately, I am not ready yet to handle cases like yours but I am working on it. I also hope to use the facility I just purchased for future seminars for professionals.

I checked out the equipment on Vodamed website. The company only offers one brand of flexion-distraction tables with a few options. The particular brand they offer is okay and affordable but it is not the best brand available and it's not that versatile. It does not have a cervical traction or cervical flexion-disatraction. It's hard to find good cervical traction tables and even harder to find good flexion-distraction tables. You also need to find a good doctor who understands the pathology and can use the equipment in such a way as to accomodate the condition. The doctor should at least the know the basics of neurodegenerative conditions as well as my theory regarding the role of cranial vault and upper cervical malformations, misalignments, spondylosis, stenosis, scoliosis, cord tethering, blood and CSF flow etc., in the cause of neurodegenerative conditions. Among other things, neurological signs and muscle strength should be monitored before and after each treatment in your case.

It's very difficult here in Holland, traction tables are far more popular in the US...but i'll continue my quest

Thx,

Robert

Hi Doc,

Found one!

Winfred Koning DC
Chiropractie Heemskerk
Maerelaan 15B
Heemskerk, Noord Holland 1961KA The Netherlands
(3125) 123-6303

Just had contact, but he is on holiday in november.
On Oct 29/30th i'll try to get more info.....but they use the Cox Technic tables....

Hello Robert,
The Cox tables are top of the line for long-axis decompression traction, flexion-distraction and automatic long-axis and flexion-distraction. You need the latest models which are the Cox 7 and Cox 8 models. The latest models have cervical long-axis and flexion-distraction. You also need a doctor who understands the pathology behind conditions such as yours and knows how to use the table and apply the appropriate maneuvers to achieve treatment goals. You need full spine work from top to bottom.

uprightdoc wrote:Hello Robert,
The Cox tables are top of the line for long-axis decompression traction, flexion-distraction and automatic long-axis and flexion-distraction. You need the latest models which are the Cox 7 and Cox 8 models. The latest models have cervical long-axis and flexion-distraction. You also need a doctor who understands the pathology behind conditions such as yours and knows how to use the table and apply the appropriate maneuvers to achieve treatment goals. You need full spine work from top to bottom.

Hi doc,

I found a chiropractor with a Cox' 8 table, i will contact them tomorrow and explain my case.
Let you know....

Rgds,

Robert

That's terrific news Robert. Your persistance paid off. The Cox 7 and 8 models are top of the line in engineering and technology and you found the latest model.

uprightdoc wrote:That's terrific news Robert. Your persistance paid off. The Cox 7 and 8 models are top of the line in engineering and technology and you found the latest model.

Nov 5th i have an appointment.
The Chiropractors name is George Stampoulis DC....he's from.......New Jersey US

And.....

I'll print out all of our conversations here, if you have anything to add, any 'difficult' terms I have to tell the chiro.....it's more than welcome..

Also, there is a change that he will treat me right away, i would appreciate it if you could make a kind of roadmap.....i really want your instructions to be followed!

Regards,

Robert

Robnl wrote:... It's very difficult here in Holland, traction tables are far more popular in the US...but i'll continue my quest

Albeit for different purposes, traction was quite popular and widely used in Europe long before its use as form of physical therapy in the US.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rack_(torture)

You could benefit from distraction and decompression therapy of the full spine but the leg weakness is most likey due to the degeneration in the cervical spine. The doctor should proceed slowly at first which is the proper protocol to check for adverse reactions. The best way to monitor progress in your case is to test the muscles before and after treatment.

Albeit for different purposes, traction was quite popular and widely used in Europe long before its use as form of physical therapy in the US.

yes doc, we were quite good in Europe ' developing' these kinds of things, espicially in the middle ages...

Wel, it led to positive usage.....later on