I guess first of all how does he know that it's all ok if he only did an X Ray? Find another doc one that is willing to do an MRI. If you feel like something is wrong then you have to be the one to take charge and don't just take that Dr.'s advice as the final word. Many people around here have stories about bad treatment by bad doctors. I'm not one of them. I love my doctor. He believes me and he listens to me and takes everything I say seriously. Find a doctor like that. Don't stop until you do. I wish you the best Kevin keep us posted. Believe me when I say there are some of the best people on earth here on this board. Always willing to listen and offer support and advice. You're in the right place. However I think you went to the wrong place for help. I'm going to have to go do my homework on your diagnosis because I have to admit I don't know what that means but I'll come back here a lot more informed and maybe we can figure this out together.

Like tonya said, a lot of people have had good and bad experiences with different doctors. For example, I love my chiropractor and GP, but I didn't like the orthopedic guy my GP sent me to initially. He just looked at my MRI (which was ordered by my GP), said here's some steroids, sent me on my way and then I got a bill for $400! I did a lot of asking around where I live and found a lot of people who had similar neck issues (a friend of a friend, or a second cousin, or so-and-so's neighbor). I asked about different doctors and treatment centers to find out their personal opinions and experiences.

Some of the experiences I had heard about at the two closest hospitals were not great, so I took it upon myself to go to the University of Utah Hospital (over 200 miles away). Anyone I talked to who had been there, even for non-neck related problems, had received very good care. The other thing with teaching hospitals is that you will get more than one doctor working on your case. Whether you actually see them or not, there are medical students, interns and residents learning from your primary clinician and offering their opinions on your case. Besides my main NS, I had 5 different doctors reviewing my records and discussing my case in rounds, and no less than 3 physical therapists going over my post-op care instructions before I was discharged. My NS's nurse has always returned my calls the very same day and she even called me on a Saturday after my surgery to make sure I was doing OK.

If you are anywhere near a medical school that has a good neuro department, I would look into it. The University of Utah Hosptital has an entire 5 story building dedicated to neuroservices and my NS does nothing but cervical spinal surgery. He spent a lot of time with me at my initial consult, going over everything with me in detail and answering any questions I had. He offered options, had a good personality, he listened to my concerns and I came out of there with a strong sense of trust in him. My post-op period has been very good and I have no regrets with my decision to have surgery.

Sorry this is so long, but the bottom line is to be pro-active in finding a doctor that you trust and feel good about. With all the options (good and bad) out there , it's up to you to demand the type of medical care and attention that you want. Good Luck.

I agree with the fact that you must take charge for yourself, otherwise in my case to date absolutely nothing would have happened yet. After seeing all kinds of specialists from rheumatologists, to ENT to gastro, etc. I ended up realizing that the source of my problems was my neck on my own. I even had a fundoplication surgery on the valve to my stomach, as the docs thought that all the burning in my chest/neck was due to acid reflux. It wasn't.

I did some research and found a chiropractor who did digital motion xrays in BC. All previous static x-rays were normal, which is why I couldn't get any help on that front.

Well the motion xray indicated that I had instability - thus the pain. I have what appears to be a C1-C2 instability, with alar ligament laxity, along with some other possible laxity at facet joints, etc. I also have forward head posture with this.

I have tried three sessions of prolotherapy to date. Found some positive effects from the first couple treatments, but have had the pain return as much as ever. The prolo doc also indicated that I have Barre lioue, which means that my sympathetic nervous system is being affected. I do unfortunately have to work at a desk to earn income, so this does not help.

So this is where I stand today. I know I have the instability and want to get it further assessed to see where the main source of pain is coming from, hopefully try the best treatments possible, without resorting to surgery uunless absolutely necessary.

I live in Canada, which means long waits to see specialists. I'm going to my GP tomorrow to see if I can get into a neurosurgeon. As I mentioned, the orthopedist I was referred to was of no help. The trouble is I don't know who is worth going to (who will pursue my situation, and who has experience with the cervical instability issue) and once you've seen one its difficult to get to another.

I am also looking at some other possibilities, such as pain management/rehabilitation places who diagnose as well as treat with facet joint injection, etc. One thing I do not know at this time, is how much of my problem is simply ligament related, and how much is nerves or other. I just want to get some further testing done if possible before continuing with the prolotherapy, which can also get pricey paying for on your own.

I appreciate all the help out there. I would also be willing to share some of my experiences with all can use it, as I have been battling with this for a number of years now, and still trying to earn a living and remain functional at the same time.

If any of you have had similar situations and have found help at a clinic or doctor that was willing to check things out completely and do the testing required, I'd be grateful to hear.

Kevin

Are you having symptoms, numbness, tingling, limb pain? If so you need to tell your family Dr. that. Then he'll know better to order tests or referral to Neuro. I hope there'll be a better treatment plan for you and always get a second opinion if your Dr. isn't helping. Take care. Charry