CCSVI and CCVBP

[uprightdoc]

Hi Robert,

CSF volume and pressure problems tend to cause intense headaches. It happens when there is too much CSF volume and pressure in the cranial vault. It also happens when CSF volume and pressure are too low and the brain sinks in the cranial vault. Low CSF volume and pressure headaches can occur due to surgical shunts and spinal taps (lumbar pucture) that drain too much CSF and causes a Chiari 0 or a Chiari 1. The technical term is a pressure cone not a Chiari.

Based on what you describe, you most likely have musculoskeletal problems in the upper cervical spine. I am sure you have problems elsewhere as well. How does your chiropractor work on your cervical spine? Does he use the flexion-distraction headpiece? Does he work on the suboccipital area where it is sensitive?

[Robnl]

Hi doc,

Yes, George fastens my head on the cervical piece..and then pulls my head a few second, i'll ask him about the suboccipital part tonight.

[Robnl]

Hi doc,

You are right, because of my lang perioda of sitting and way of moving muscles get a bit stressed.
I started stretchng my hamstrngs and other muscles in the legs to get them in shape.

Is there a way to stretch neck and shoulder muscles?

[uprightdoc]

Hi Robert,

You should stretch your neck muscles by bending it forward toward the chest and then backward looking upward toward the sky (flexion and extension). Do that five times and then work on stretch the neck in left and right rotation by turning your chin toward your left and right shoulders. Do that five times and then stretch your neck muscles in side bending by trying to touch your ears to your shoulders. After you have stretched in the three directions do some circles starting with circling to the right and then circling to the left. To stretch the shoulders put your hands and arms straight out to the sides and do circles going forward and the circles going backward. When you are done stretch one arm straight up toward the ceiling and then bend the elbow and touch your upper back with your hand. For additional stretch, take the opposite hand and pull on the bent elbow. Repeat on the opposite side. For another stretch you can bring one elbow up in front of the chest and take the opposite hand and grab the elbow and pull it across the chest. One more stretch you can do stretch your arms behind your back. Take one hand and grab the opposite elbow and pull with both arms.

[Robnl]

Thx very much, very useful doc!

[NZer1]

Thanks from me too..............
Improvements and more focus on how my body is placed, had been having problems with this area and general symptom issues because of it.


Nigel

[uprightdoc]

You're welcome Robert and Nigel.

[Robnl]

Hi Doc,

What George the hiro also suggested is to use hotpacks in the neck now and then.....to get things flowing.

[Robnl]

Hi doc and Francis ( i called you but no answer),

Good news about cine mri...i think.

This morning i thought; why call hospitals etc....call the manufacturer!
So i called Siemens medical....and;
- the guy knew cine
- Siemens mri got cine standard since 2003
- radboud hospital got 5 of these machines!

I will go to radboud in march!
It's not upright, but should show something...right?

[NZer1]

Dr F is there any insights to where things are going astray from which excercise gives improvement?


My neck has always since sporting injuries and work injuries been a problem to re-align and get relief and mobility. Recently I have been doing stretches to help the general MS challenges and I now realize that I wasn't doing a neck back with head facing up stretch. In hind sight it is because I almost faint when I stretch as much as possible. Doing this backward exercise has improved my overall well-being mentally most of all confusion and head aches.

My L'Hemittes over the last couple of years has been very mild and sometimes non existent as the overall disease progresses btw.

;)
Nigel

[uprightdoc]

Nigel,

Tipping the head backward to stretch is good for the joints and muscles but you don't have to go to extremes and you shouldn't hold the position too long. The suboccipital cavernous sinus is located between the base of the skull and the first cervical vertebra called atlas. Tilting the head back compresses the vertebral veins which decreases blood flow. Prolonged hyperextension of neck such as occurs with sky watching or women getting their hair washed can cause temporary ischemic attacks also known as mini-strokes. Excess and prolonged rotation of the neck can also cause problems. Certain prolonged yoga poses have been associated with mini-strokes.

The circulatory system of the brain is designed to handle temporary compression from head and neck movements. It is not designed to handle extreme or prolonged compression of the vertebral arteries during head and neck extension and rotation.

That said, keep stretching your neck, as well as the rest of your body. Stretching is good for you. It helps me a great deal.

[uprightdoc]

Hello Robert,

Cine MRI has been around for awhile and can be helpful but I would not recommend recumbent Cine MRI for Francis. Francis has a Chiari 0. It is important to see if the cerebellum descends more in the vertical/upright position. It is likewise better to see how CSF flow is affected during upright posture.

[Robnl]

Hi doc,

I know, i mailed tecsedera and asked for the status ofupgrading fonar devices in Europe.
I know that from the marketing guy from fonar.

Would be great if Francis and i could go to fonar germany...

[Robnl]

Hi Doc,

I got reply from Tecserena London is still the only CINE MRI site in Europe.

Well, my wife likes to go to London

[uprightdoc]

Hi Robert,
A radiologist Professor Francis Smith uses The FONAR upright MRI facility in London that does the Cine Flow studies. Professor Smith is involved in research of the craniocervical junction (upper cervical spine) and Cine flow studies. I am working with Dr. Harshfield on writing a section for a chapter in an online book about the craniocervical junction for Prof. Smith. I am also working on second manuscript on the craniocervical junction and craniospinal hydrodynamics for another online book.

The FONAR facilty in London is the best place for both you and Francis to go. Prof. Smith is aware of the latest research on the craniocervical junction and one of the best radiologists you can see in Europe for your condition. I would also have your scans checked by Dr. David Harshfield. Dr. Harshfiled is an expert on the craniocervical junction and closely examines all the muscles and connective tissues for disruption, tears and scars. Dr. Harshfield has x-ray vision. He sees what others miss and writes the most detailed reports i have ever read.