Expert: Dr. Paul Newhart - 1/7/2008

Question
hello, I have a 15 yr old daughter who is a gymnast, and took quite a big crash today. She was doing a skill(giants)on the bars and peeled off pretty much doing a superman with her feet going first. She landed between her neck and the top of her shoulders with her feet going over her head. Neck still on the ground. She is extremely stiff and I am bringing her in for an xray in the morning. Would you suggest an orthopedic or would a chiropractor be just as good? Also she says her sternum between her breast area is sore, could that just be because of her muscles that are swelling. She is icing and I have given her aleve.
Thank you for your input

Answer
First, I would like to apologize for the lateness of my reply.  I was on vacation, and forgot to set an away message.  After the Xray to determine if anything is broken, I would suggest a chiropractor.  that is your best bet for realigning her spine as it probably is now misaliged.  Icing and aleve were good to start.  she may also need to see her family doctor for a stronger med. if needed.