Expert: Dr. Brendon J. O`Brien, D.C. - 4/7/2008

Question
Just after Christmas 2007, while doing sit up exercises, I got up assymetrically and felt a sharp pain in my back, just below the level of the shoulder blade about midway beween my left side and my spine.  The pain was quite intense, but I shook it off, still continuining to exercise regularly.  After a month or so, there was some improvemnt - but the pain was much less in my back, but I had intermittant pins an needles in my thumb and first two fingers, and refered pain in my upper arm.

My wife persuaded me to visit the doctors who diagnosed a trapped nerve and sent me to see a physio.  I have been attending treatment for 2 months. She doesn't know exactly what I have done, but she has spent a lot of time massaging around the area of T4.(although I still have one particular spot in my back, where the original pain occured, which is still tender to the touch).  While the pain, and tingling was reducing all the time with exercise and theropy, the last few exercises she has given me have made the pain considerably worse.  These have included lying on a golf ball and massaging the tender site.

I am concerned that:

a) I have not been told exactly what is wrong!
b) the course of treatment appears to be having a worse affect that when I just let nature do its job.
c) I have a stringent military physical test to undertake in 5 weeks time - and must pass this.  I could have don so last month, but am worried that unless this gets better quickly that I'll be unable to.

I'm only taking tylenol/ibruprofen (OTC) for pain relief.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.


Answer
Hello Brian,

   You may want to see a doctor of Chiropractic.  With a chiropractic exam the doctor will be able to determine the location and severity of the impingement.  Doctor's of Chiropractic specialize in the biomechanics of the spine, all joints, and muscular system of the human body.  Chiropractic treatment will focus on reducing the pressure on the nerve at the spine or any impingement along its pathway through the muscles, ligaments, and across joints.  The doctor of Chiropractic will also help you avoid activities that will aggravate your symptoms and a treatment plan to speed your recovery.

Have a great day,
Dr. Brendon O'Brien D.C.