Expert: Dr. Paul Newhart - 10/14/2009

Question
Hi, my name is Holly and I am 25 yrs. old.  When I was a senior in H.S., I tripped over a root and fell during a XC race.  The next morning I was in severe back pain, so much so that it was difficult to walk.  It hurt to put weight on my right foot, as pain would shoot up my spine.  I saw a chiropractor who told me I had twisted my back, and was treated for several weeks to correct it.  I was told my condition had been developing over time, and the fall during the race, pushed it over the edge. Over the past couple months, I have been experiencing some middle/lower back pain, surrounding my spine (most pain near where I hook my bra).  It comes and goes, but is there almost everyday, at varying degrees of pain.  In the last few days it has gotten more painful, and now I feel pain when I inhale deeply (not when breathing normally).  My question is....do you think I could have twisted my back again?  Should I see a chiropractor to diagnose this?

Answer
It is quite possible that things have twisted again.  I would suggest a chiropractor examine and treat this, as well as set you up in a good rehab program for strengthening.  They should also be able to tell you if it is more of a medical issue and refer accordingly.