Expert: Scott F. Gillman, DC, DACBSP - 10/13/2008

Question
Hey Scott,
  I was in a car wreck in 2005. My seat belt wasn't connected properly, the car flipped, and I got ejected into the roof of the car. I never went to the hospital. I didn't have the money.
  A year after this I started noticing symptoms of nerve damage, and I have extra bone growth on the tip of my shoulder, lack of rotation in the left arm. Followed by burning back pain toward the bottom of the shoulder blade, left side of the spin.
  Now it has been 3 years, going on 4 years. Symptoms such as half armpit numbness on left arm/back. Overall left arm numbness. Barely noticeable in arm, but getting worse over the years. My left hand has less over all filling than my right hand. My right hand is normal. The most recent addition of symptoms is considerable finger tip numbness, just the middle fingertip - 1 inch back from the finger nail. Shortness of breath has happened here in there, but I had no symptoms of anxiety prior to the wreck. I went to a clinic and they passed it off as anxiety. Took x-rays of my shoulder and said it would be best to just go home. (A.K.A. we don't know or care) I have had medications for things I don't have!!!!!!!!!!!
  Over the years I have knocked of a couple of things it could be. Without a doubt I have narrowed it down nerves. It could be a burst disk.
  The main reason I am even talking to you is for a list of medical tests to test for any or all of these symptoms.
From xrays to MRI's to anything. ----- I got to Glenville State College in Glenville W.V. and this started before I started college. I work for Wal-mart and am currently on leave for college. I find becoming more difficult to do my job, carry my backpack. My overall grades are declining because its getting increasingly harder to block out the pain/numbness/burning. (taking more focus to block out and less focus for school work) I have pretty much stopped working out and all I fill like doing is sleeping, but its starting to effect that to.

     I finally have a medical card from Wal-Mart that pays up to 85% of medical bills. I hoping it something that can be solved by any means necessary, but it could be some chiropractic too. So, if you can't do anything forward it to someone who can.     
    I know because so many years have went by, I could have permanent nerve damage. Whatever the outcome I don't care.

                THE PAIN/BURNING/NUMBNESS/LACKOFSLEEP NEEDS TO END,,, THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME

  GET BACK TO ME A.S.A.P.  

Answer
Kevin,

Get a physical examination by a doctor that has training in muscluloskeletal medicine - not internal medicine.  This would include a chiropractor, a physiatrist, or an orthopedist.   You did not state what kind of "clinic" you went to.  Was it a "student health clinic" or a "psychiatric clinic" or an "orthopedic" clinic?   'Big difference between these!!   You probably do have nerve entrapment and your best bet is with manual therapists: Chiropractor, Physical Therapy, and Massage Therapy.  But your first step involves a thorough physical examination where the doctor's job is to determine what the problem could be, what anatomy is involved, and whether MRI or electrodiagnostis study (EMG) is prudent.  A well trained chiropractor can do all of this.   The problem is finding one in your area.  Check web sites: www.grastontechnique.com   www.acbsp.com  www.activerelease.com    If you can find a DC credentialed in at least two of the three, then you're likely in good hands.   Otherwise, your best first-stop should be to the MD Physiatrist for physical examination and triage.  Lastly, for your continued understanding of how things should work, read my previous Q/A to Sara.

'Good luck!   And don't forget to wear your seatbelt!  

Dr. G'