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Chiropractors/compression fracture
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Question
Three weeks ago I fell while lifting weights and suffered compression fractures in my T-9 and T-11. I saw a orthopedist this past Monday and he said that I could not row for another 10 weeks. My fractures are very mild, if the orthopedist did not show me them on the x-ray I would have been able to tell that they were fractured. He also said that I do not need to brace it. The rowing season starts in 5 weeks, and I am wondering if I were to brace it would it promote healing and do you think that I could start rowing lightly in 5 weeks?
Dear Matt,
NO, NO, NO! Absolutely not! You are absolutely lucky at this point that the compression fractures were not bad...often they require immediate surgery to regain the lost height of the vertebral body.
DO NOT row or lift weights for the 10 week period. If you aggravate the issue while in the healing phase, the bones can heal improperly, not heal due to increased inflammatory processes, or actually fracture worse which will mean surgical correction. Not to mention you are now already at risk of early degeneration due to the fractures...do not make it worse.
DO NOT let your hopes of rowing season screw up your spine for the rest of your life. Listen to the advice of your orthopedist, take it easy, and let the vertebra heal. You can begin lifting and rowing again only after cleared by the orthopedist, and he may want more imaging to make sure that the fractures have healed before he lets you back in the gym/boat. Good Luck.
Respectfully,
Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman
www.suncoasthealthcare.net
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Answers by Expert:
- Scott F. Gillman, DC, DACBSP
- Dr. Paul Newhart
- Dr. Victor Dolan, DC, DACBSP
- Dr. Brendon J. O`Brien, D.C.
- Gerald Anzalone, D.C.
- David Kulla, DC
- Robert A. Arnone, DC
- Keith E. Biggs, DC
- John Quackenbush DC
- Dr. Timothy K. Durnin
- Dr. Man Tran, Ph.D., D.C., L.Ac.
- Timothy A. Peck, DC
- J.R. Strecker, B.S., D.C.
- Dr. Nekessa Remy
Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman
Expertise
I can answer questions on general chiropractic care, sports injury, whiplash and auto crash, mild traumatic brain injury, structural and functional rehabilitation of the spine, nutrition for inflammation and repair, fitness training, nutrition for sports performance and other general health and nutrition related inquiries. I currently lecture on automobile trauma, occupant kinematics, and forensic risk analysis to local EMS, Fire and Police, as well as nutrition and sports injury to community groups. Rest assured all answers are generated from my clinical experience, and scientific research.
Experience
I have accumulated over 1100 hours of post-doctoral training to include; Certifications in Spinal Trauma and Mild Traumatic Brain Injury from the Spine Research Institute of San Diego, Certification in Chiropractic Spinal Trauma from the International Chiropractic Association, Certification in Low Speed Auto Crash Reconstruction and Certification in Forensic Risk Analysis from The Center for Research Into Automotive Safety and Health, Certified Proficiency in spinal and extremity diagnostic procedures from The Motion Palpation Institute, Certified in Sports Injury and Rehabilitation from the National University of Health Sciences and The American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians, Nationally Certified Fellow of Structural Rehabilitation from The Chiropractic Biophysics Organization, and I have advanced training in manipulation under anesthesia and nutrition. Feel free to check out my website for course listings: www.suncoasthealthcare.net
Organizations
International Chiropractic Association, Florida Chiropractic Association, American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians, American Academy of Pain Management, Chiropractic Biophysics, Spine Research Institute of San Diego, Center for Research Into Automotive Safety and Health, Motion Palpation Organization, American Academy of Manual and Physical Medicine, Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce
Education/Credentials
B.A. (Psychology)The University of Cincinnati
B.S. (Human Biology)Cleveland Chiropractic College
D.C. (Doctor of Chiropractic) Cleveland Chiropractic College
C.C.S.T. (Certification in Chiropractic Spinal Trauma)The International Chiropractic Association
C.C.S.P. (Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician)The American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians.
*CCST and CCSP 120 hour certification courses are not recognized by the Florida Chiropractic Board due to the fact that they are not 300 hour diplomate level courses*
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