Expert: Gerald Anzalone, D.C. - 12/8/2008

Question
 i have a winged scapula caused by a contusion to the long thoracic nerve,caused by lifting a stove with a strap placed on my shoulders. The result of the nerve damage is paralysis of serrates anterior muscle. Can a chiropractor help this?

Answer
Response to treatment for a nerve injury depends upon a number of factors, including the severity of the injury.

According to a 1999 study on long thoracic nerve injuries published in the journal Clinical Orthopedics and Related Research, "Fortunately, most patients experience a return of serratus anterior function with conservative treatment, but recovery may take as many as 2 years." The authors also state, "Patients with severe symptoms in whom 12 months of conservative treatment has failed may benefit from surgical reconstruction."

You should consult your neurologist for treatment recommendations. If your injury is believed to be amenable to conservative (i.e., non-surgical) care, a physical therapist specializing in rehabilitation would probably be the better choice.

(Reference: Waiter JM, Flatow EL. Long thoracic nerve injury. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1999 Nov;(368):17-27).