Hi,

Thanks for posting your query. I have gone through the details and I shall try providing you with useful information pertaining to your concerns.

Subluxation or protrusion of intervertebral disc is usually the result of ongoing spondylosis / straining. It would have been better if you had mentioned the areas of the spine involved or subluxated.

1. Spine problems such as spondylosis and subluxation are chronic and ongoing problem, however acute exacerbation can be corrected and reversed either conservatively or by a surgery - this is decided by your physical symptoms. The group of symptoms you reported are partly due this spine problem. Other contributions from perimenopause/menopause related hormonal disturbances and stressors are likely too. Nevertheless, the do not warrant a surgical cure.

2. I am not aware of chiropractor practices; however a competent back surgeon would be able to treat your problem effectively. He may order a repeat Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan and start you on analgesics and physiotherapy.
Intrathecal injections would be the next line of treatment if you do not respond well to the first line.
You are at freedom to choose between a chiropractor / orthopedic; but if I were you I would choose the later.

3. Yes, prolong sitting can cause more pressure and lead to worsening of pain. I expect that to improve with one of the two conservative line of treatment. Surgical approach can be considered if they don't.

4. Any activities which involve bending and lifting objects need to be avoided completely. In fact, I would prefer you to be on back / neck supports (belt or a collar) during the time of pain. A few back muscle strengthening exercise which will be taught when you visit the physio to help you.
Sleep on a hard mattress in supine position with a straight back.

5. Lastly, what you have is a very common condition. I would say every 1 in 10 population in your age group may have it. Paralysis is a very rare complication. We can be able treat it and rarely would need surgery.
Do not worry. I would not expect you to have any long term sickness or paralysis if the treatment is done early through a competent surgeon.

Hope I have provided you with enough information to guide you towards cure. Let me know if you have any other inquiries.

Wish you good luck!!

Dr. Prasad

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Hi and thanks again,

It looks like you have some difficulties in uploading the report; I am not able to see any attached reports here. That's ok, it is at least clear that it is the cervical (neck) spine that is affected.

To summarize the treatment of subluxated cervical discs:

1. Immobilize the cervical spine using a hard cervical (neck) collar
2. You may drive with the collar and the seat belts on.
3. Avoid strenuous physical exercise especially the ones which involves neck.
4. Analgesic (pain killers) such as Advil is very useful in this condition
5. MRI of cervical spine is necessary to determine the severity of subluxation. Treatment would be needed at the earliest if there is severe cervical root compression or canal stenosis.
6. Physiotherapy and surgery can be considered (if needed) following the consult with orthopedic.

The above measures which include neck immobilisation are suggested to prevent worsening of the problem.

Long term effects are usually related to neurological deficits (paralysis); this is seen in progressive condition where medical advice is not followed. That being said, you can fix an appointment with an orthopedic as and when possible while strictly following aforementioned restrictions. You would need to hurry the consultation if you notice weakness of upper limbs (like difficulties while combing, buttoning shirt and some difficulties with walking).

Hope this suffices. Let me know if you need any other information.

Wish you good health

Regards

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