Posted 8/14/2018 6:33 PM (GMT 0)
Motox:
I cannot overly stress the risks associated with chiropractic “adjustments” for someone with possible hyper mobility issues.
Each mobilization (low grade force) and each manipulation (high velocity, high thrust force that actually disrupts the normal joint seal) will bring increased ligament and tendon laxity, arthritic changes to the articulating bone surfaces, inflammation, and the real risk of neurological injury - stroke or paralysis.
This is not a benign recommendation by your primary care.
As a physical therapist, my speciality area of practice was spinal cord and head injury. The worst of the worst. Quadriplegia. Brain injury leaving the affected on a ventilator and dependent on all aspects of self care.
Among the cases that etched a memory in my mind was the case of a 23 year old woman, recently post pardum, who went to a salon for a routine cut and shampoo. Little do people realize the extreme hyperextension that salon hair washing basins impose on the cervical spine. Being post-pardum, this young and vibrant woman had expected high levels of hormones that relax the muscles and pelvic sling of the birth canal. Hormones that also relax the body’s connective and ligamentous tissue, systemically. The position of her head in the hair washing basic hyperextended her neck, causing impingement of the delicate cerebral arteries that course through the cervical foramen to the brain and brain stem. The result was a devestating stroke (interruption in blood supply) and permanent paralysis of one side of her body.
Everyone can take care to be cautious when going to a salon for a routine hair washing. As we age, stenosis of the cervical vertebrae, bone spurs, stiffness. Always exercise caution in any situation that calls for hyperextension of the neck.
I guess this is my public service annoincement, of sorts.
What to do? Stand at the washing basin and lean over the washing basin, the stylist using a spray hose to wet and rinse the hair. OR If you do use the washing basin, placed a small, rolled hand towel in the cut-out where the neck rests, supporting an even alignment of the neck.
Ethnos-Daniels is one possible diagnosis. Not definitive. Do not overly fixated on the “what if’s and long term implications pending a more detailed consultation.
Life is full of unexpected twists and turns. Joint laxity May have little bearing on your future life projectors or not. Certainly, learning self-care in terms of core strengthening to enhance and support joint’s at risk, use of dynamic splints (allow for movement while maintaining optimal joint alignment), diet/nutrition, et al. will all be to your benefit. Prevention and monitoring is key.
I was a fast-track professional, marathon runner, awarded 3 masters’ degrees . . . A gerbil on a treadmill of life. Until chronic loss of health found me. My life is different now. It is not comparable to what was or, really, what would be considered an average life for a typical day. Adapting and adjusting. But, honestly, isn’t this what life is? Adapting, adjusting. Sometimes making the best of a less than ideal situation.
Take a proactive mind-set. Take the mind-set of diligence to learning and educating yourself about your health and diagnoses conditions. Talk with others who are walking a similar pathway. I have learned more from others facing my quandary of ailments more than I have learned from any physician. I look at my medical providers as partners who collaborate in my care - a two way communication and treatment planning.
Your x-rays shoe no alarming dislocation or subluxation - from my non-radiologist view. Take that as a win.
Knowledge is power. You will be OK.
Karen