Chiropractors/neck

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Expert: Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman - 3/12/2008


Question
I have a vertebrae close to the base of my skull, i believe its the 3rd one down. its twisted good because i can feel a large bump. the pain is getting moderate and really bothersome i definitely feel that its turned. is this matter a surgical one or not? i just want to straighten my self out! (no pun intended)

Answer
Dear Steve,

Here's the deal...if you sustained an injury to your neck, you need to have it checked out.  Concerning a twisted vertebra, it can't twist that much, otherwise you would have dislocated your neck.  You are probably feeling a small rotation of the vertebra with a significant amount of muscle spasm...which can be quite painful.

Now, yes it is possible to dislocate the neck without having serious pain, but it takes a pretty good injury mechanism to do this with significant rotation of the neck. It is not common for this to happen.

I would suggest that you get to a good local chiropractic physician and have the neck examined, to include x-rays.  This is the first step to determine what the actual problem is.  If there is a significant problem then the chiropractor will refer you out to a qualified surgeon for a consultation.

Good Luck Steve.

Respectfully,
Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman
www.suncoasthelathcare.com

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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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