Chiropractors/Back injury

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Expert: Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman - 3/3/2008


Question
Hi Dr. Leatherman. My back has been mildly sore for the last few days due to a minor injury. The spine is sore to the touch between the shoulder blades.  I did not have concern until I learned my spine seems to deviate towards the right side a little.  This deviation is through the whole mid part of my back.  Should I just wait and see if things get better or worse?  I don’t have medical insurance so I don’t want to go to a doctor unless I’m risking a more permanent or severe problem. Thanks, Amy

Answer
Dear Amy,

I am not quite sure what type of injury you have sustained or what the involved activity was, but if your pain levels are minor, then a wait and see approach is probably okay.  If you had a fall or blunt force trauma to the back, then I would suggest that you get it looked at immediately with an examination and x-rays.

Now, if this is more of a strain sprain type of injury without any focal trauma, then I would recommend that you utilize ice packs initially to help reduce the pain.  20 minutes at a time is how long you should have it applied, and there should be a thin layer of cloth between the ice pack and the skin.  Feel free to do this every hour if you need to.  

Concerning the use of heat, I do not recommend it unless it is a hot shower or bath (moist heat).  Dry heat will dehydrate the tissue and compound the inflammation that already exists.  If you use heat, you should perform mild stretching of the area afterward to maximize tissue extensibility, and then follow the application with ice to cool the tissue.  

Function should gradually return without any difficulty over a few days to a week or so, and pain should diminish.  If the pain gets worse, does not improve, or your function get worse, then get to the doctor for an examination.

Good Luck Amy.

Respectfully,
Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman
www.suncoasthealthcare.net

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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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