Has anyone had treatment by at an upper cervicial care office? I just started treatment and would would like to know if anyone else has tried it.
There were several sessions in TN Association National Conferences in the 1997-2002 period. Some patients reported good results with UCC. Others don't have positive outcomes from it. A few have reported worsening of pain due to stimulation of trigger zones. It's not always clear why the differences occur. There appears to be little reliable science and no randomized trials of any size underlying this class of techniques, either for TN or in any other type of disorder where chiropractors claim it to be effective.
As long as your neck is not being violently twisted or "adjusted", it probably can't hurt you. You might want to check with your insurance company to learn how they reimburse for UCC procedures. And it is wise to be sure that a mainstream physician involved in your TN care is aware of your sessions and outcomes.
For others experience on the site, try running a search on "cervical" in our search window at top right.
Regards and best,
R.A. "Red" Lawhern, Ph.D.
Resident Research Analyst
Thanks for your reply. My insurane won't cover any of the cost but I have to do something. I don't have any quality of life between the pain and the brain fog from the medicine. I have become a prisioner in my home because I am afraid to leave the house. Thanks so much for your answer
I caution you to be very careful about this practice of manipulation. I had heard its praises and so went for an "adjustment" last Thursday. I wasn't 20 steps out the door when I got the most horrific attack in my 3+ years with TN. It is relentless burning crushing pain and has not let up. I'm on more meds just in the past week than I thought possible to take. The person I went to is a certified upper cervical practitioner. He used a "rubber mallet" type of instrument and literally pounded on the right side of my neck (same side as TN). And I requested him to "go easy," so I guess I got the light treatment.
NanciB said:
I caution you to be very careful about this practice of manipulation. I had heard its praises and so went for an "adjustment" last Thursday. I wasn't 20 steps out the door when I got the most horrific attack in my 3+ years with TN. It is relentless burning crushing pain and has not let up. I'm on more meds just in the past week than I thought possible to take. The person I went to is a certified upper cervical practitioner. He used a "rubber mallet" type of instrument and literally pounded on the right side of my neck (same side as TN). And I requested him to "go easy," so I guess I got the light treatment.
Lee, was there something else you wished to add?
Regards, Red
Nanci B -- what type of treatment was this, Palmer, Blair Method?????
I was about to make an appointment with Atlas Orthogonal method --
It is touted very much on the TN Facial Pain site.
Now I don't know!!!!
Lee what method for you?
My well established surgeon says only if they are NUCCA certified.
Mine does the blair method. I have had one adjustment last Tuesday. I am going back on Monday. He had me lay on a table on my side on a table where the head portion drops. After He does measurmentss He pushed on my head and dropped the top portion of the table. It didn't hurt just felt weird. The first night I had strange feeling in my head( on the other side of my TN). The next day I did feel better. My energy level was better with no jaw pain. Friday the jaw pain came back but I think it may have been caused by the reduction of the dosage of my tegretol. . I cut the dose in half and I maybe should not have done it that quick. He said the quicker I can quit taking the meds faster I will heal. Easy for him to say' I can't quit it cold turkey So now instead of 800 I am taking 600mg a day. I will wait about a week and try to reduce it by aother 100mg'. The big thing is my insurance won't pay any of the cost and they want you to sign up for 6 months of trearments. When I go back Monday I am going to see if I can try it for 3 months and see how it works. I don't want to agree to pay for 6 months until I know if I am happy with the results. I can keep you posted on how it works. Lee
Your chiropractor has given you dangerously inaccurate advice, Lee. Rapid reduction of Tegretol can cause seizures. Please consult the prescribing doctor for a taper-down schedule. Likewise, advance payment for named medical services is generally considered to be unethical practice. My advice would be to drop this guy like a hot rock and file complaint with Better Business Bureau.
Regards, Red
I absolutely agree with Red! They will be making heart shaped ice cubes in hell before anyone comes after me with a mallet and I don't care what their claims are. They don't have any understanding of TN, that is for sure. I go to a chiropractor too. He is very caring and God-fearing man, but he researched my condition extensively before he would touch it. He has adjusted my neck, very carefully, to help another chronic problem. I still believe it helped my TN. I haven't seen him in while because the my neck and shoulder issues have been resolved. He also wanted a six week plan. When I could not commit to it for financial reasons he gave me a discount and THEN gave me 6 months to pay it out. He had known me for many years and I so appreciated his help. Not once in all those years did he ask for payment up front for long term plans of treatment. I don't have any experience with these type of techniques, but just this discussion has scared me off. Very best to you, Sara