I live near Erie Pennsylvania, but if the herniation is visably not pressing on the spinal chord; then my symptoms could be muscular in nature, right??
Symptoms of Chiari are caused by the herniation preventing the adequate flow of cerebral spinal fluid. A special MRI that measures this flow called a CINE would typically be ordered to find out if the Chiari malformation causes your symptoms. I would try to find a NS who specializes in Chiari because it is rare and a lot of doctors are sadly uninformed.
I know the disc isn’t the issue, at least not yet. But my neck and muscles are a mess. They hurt all the time! I will try any pain management they can give me, just together through for now. But if my symptoms increase or do not ease up with treatment; I will be traveling to see a specialist. At this time, that is all I can do. I appreciate everyone’s input, I’ve learned a lot about Chiari thanks to all of you! I just wish these neurosurgeons were all as informed as Charians are!
I think the chiropractor flared my neck issue up. We didn’t know I had Chiari, so thinking I was getting help merely aggravated my herniation. The quacks thing is, the neurosurgeon today said “go ahead and see the chiropractor, and try traction”! Yep, the two no no’s now that I know I have Chiari. Oh boy! Don’t worry, I’m not doing either one!
Isn’t it my luck that there was a Chiari specialist right in the same building with the neurosurgeon I saw yesterday. Guess what? He left last week to work back in Pittsburgh where he was from. Grrrr! One step forward-& two steps back. I may have to wait til I can go this June. It i may see another one in the area who has at least done Chiari surgeries. At least he may be more familiar with this condition. Completely bummed!!!
Are there Chiari specialists in Buffalo?