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Question
Hello , I have been in pain for aprox.6 weeks, recently in the last week diagnosed via MRI with a neck bone spur in my c5 cervical. I've been in a lot of pain + tingling down my right arm to my thumb. Gabapentin, Vicodin, and over the counter ibu offer some relief. I've consulted with a surgeon. And have made 2 visits to a highly recommended chiropractor. Will the chiropractic visits ever get me back to normal? Or do keep researching nuro surgery?
Sincerely, -dm
David,
The only reason to have surgery is if there is compression of the nerve such that you lose arm muscle function AND you have relentless pain. Otherwise, you must continue to try conservative measures. Neck tractioning, both in the doctor's office and at home is very helpful. It's only been 6 weeks, and in the larger scheme of things that's not a real long time (I know, that depends on who is the owner of the painful neck and arm). Manual and mechanical neck traction, carefully applied chiropractic joint manipulation, and heat application to any sore muscles is your best bet. Also, if you do neck traction with a head harness, please wear a football mouthguard so that your jaw joints don't get jammed. If all goes well, your treatment should reduce the symptoms within a few weeks. The DC should be monitoring your neurologic signs: Reflexes, hand/finger strengths, skin sensation (via pinwheel or light touch).
'Hope this helps.
Dr. G
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Scott F. Gillman, DC, DACBSP
Expertise
21 Years in practice: I can answer any question regarding chiropractic and sports medicine treatment. Mostly, I can help the unknowing public understand what is safe, valid, reasonable and evidence-based, and what kinds of unscrupulous chiropractors and fraudulent methods to stay away from. I have an advanced specialty degree in Chiropractic Sports Medicine. I have experience treating elite and Olympic athletes.
Experience
Experience:
- 21 years in practice;
- Pan American Games, 2011: Official Medical Staff for the Pan Am Games.
- Beijing 2008 Olympic Games: World Olympians Associan and International Sports Chiropractic Association Healthcare Team;
- International Chiropractic Sports Sciences Diploma;
- Official Provider: Jamaican Track and Field team for Penn Relays (2009-2011)
- Experience with USA Gymnastics Healthcare team and International Powerlifting Association Medical Staff;
- 300 hour chiropractic sports medicine diplomate degree (DACBSP); International Chiropractic Sports Sciences Diploma (ICSSD)
- Healthcare Consultant: Century, Ty-Wood Corp. Holliston, MA (2005-2007)
- Team Chiropractor: Boston Bulldogs USL D-3 & Boston Renegades USL W-1 League (1999-2004)
- Independent Examiner: Scope Medical and The Physician's Network
- Professional/Clinical Monitor: Affiliated Monitors, Inc.
- Board of Directors: MetroWest Chamber of Commerce (Massachusetts)2000-2006
- "The Impact of Chiropractic Manipulative Therapy on Chronic Recurrent Lateral Ankle Sprain Syndrome in Two Young Athletes" J. of Chiro Med , Fall 2004
- "Work Related Injury;" The Hanover Report, June, 1993
- "Long Lasting Analgesic Effect of Oxymorphonazine in Rats;" Agonists and Antagonists III, n.7675, 1985
- BS Biology, Doctor of Chiropractic: Northwestern College of Chiropractic,
- Diplomate: American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians (DACBSP)
Education/Credentials
Doctor of Chiropractic Diplomate: American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians
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