Expert: Dr. Victor Dolan, DC, DACBSP - 2/24/2009

Question
About two months ago the skin on the left side of my back started to become numb. Just under my shoulder blade a patch the size of both my hands.
I went to the docters and he said there was nothing he could do as i am quite young (19)and it was just my nerves had become swollen.
But recently it has been becoming more painful, and feels like realy bad sunburn. It is becoming very painful as all my clothes rub against it and, like sunburn, is very very sore.
i hope you can help me, and thank you in advance:)

Answer
back pain , back numbness , staten island back pain , swollen nerves ,






Hello Hannah,

Sorry to hear of your numb/ stinging back.  Sorry to hear of your numbness under your shoulder blade, 'swollen nerves'.

I am surprised that your Chiropractor said there was little he/she could do for you.  Pain/ numbness in anyone at any age is a sign that something is wrong, something has to be looked at, and perhaps some kind of treatment given.

I would chose a different Doctor of Chiropractic for a new evaluation.

"....there was nothing he could do as i am quite young ....", I would see a different Doctor.  Pain or numbness is a problem at any age.  Pain or numbness is your body talking to you, telling you something is wrong.  Find out what that something is with a proper diagnostic workup.

".....it was just my nerves had become swollen.....", I do not understand this.
"....it was just my nerves had become swollen....", huh, what? Nerves control and co-ordinate EVERY activity within your body.  Swollen nerves are a BIG deal. What caused nerves to become swollen??, illness, injury?
      Switch to a diferent doctor, find a new chiropractor!

"....recently it has been becoming more painful....", a change; a change for the worse.  IT IS TIME TO GET THIS COMPLAINT PROPERLY EVALUATED.

Ask around the neighborhood, get the name of a good Doctor of Chiropractic, go see this new doctor for a new workup.

Physical examination, history, Xrays are a basic investigation into your complaint.  Perhaps blood tests, MRI, EMG/ncv are also possiblities to properly evaluate your complaint, which is growing worse.

Your body was talking to you two months in the past.  Now it is getting worse, your body is starting to shout at you.  Listen.  Have this evaluated in person.

My recommendation: See a new DC, get a new evaluation, include the steps outlined above.

If you have further questions, if you need further info, do not hesitate to re-contact me here at AllExperts.com   
  http://allexperts.com/ep/965-100794/Chiropractors/Victor-Dolan-DC-DACBSP.htm .



I wish you Good Luck and Good Health naturally, your Staten Island Chiropractic friend signing off,


Dr. Victor Dolan, DC
http://drvictordolan.chiroweb.com    (email newsletter)





back pain info:


Back  Pain  (BP):           
Back  Pain  can be caused by many different things.  

Big, BAD, catastrophic things like a tumor or a cancer can cause  back pain (only a proper exam by a licensed doctor, like your Doctor of Chiropractic, or your family Doctor of Medicine, can evaluate your signs and symptoms, and perhaps refer for testing).  

Big, bad things like a Herniated Disc, sciatica, possible fracture or dislocation can cause BP (again, best evaluated by your DC or MD, and perhaps referral).  

Bad things, like  - Sprains, Strains, contusion, or Vertebral Subluxation Complex (all very efficiently diagnosed and treated by your Doctor Of Chiropractic).  BP can come from a motor vehicle accident, sport injury, slip, trip, fall, arthritis, lifting improperly, or even bad posture in standing, sitting or sleeping.  All of these things often have a  Vertebral Subluxation involved.

 
              Vertebral   Subluxation   Complex    
(a.k.a.  ‘subluxation’)

The vertebral subluxation complex is the underlying cause of many healthcare problems.

A subluxation interferes with the proper functioning of the nervous system (the master system which controls and coordinates all function within the body) and may cause various other conditions, symptoms and problems.



This is a serious condition identified by its five parts:

    Spinal Kinesiopathology:
         This is fancy way of saying the bones of the spine have lost their normal motion and position. It restricts your ability to turn and bend. It sets in motion the other four components.

    Neuropathophysiology:
         Improper spinal function can choke, stretch, or irritate delicate nerve tissue. The resulting nerve system dysfunction can cause symptoms elsewhere in the body.

    Myopathology:
          Muscles supporting the spine can weaken, atrophy, or become tight and go into spasm. The resulting scar tissue changes muscle tone, requiring repeated spinal adjustments.

    Histopathology:
         A rise in temperature from an increase in blood and lymph supplies result in swelling and inflammation. Discs can bulge, herniate, tear, or degenerate. Other soft tissues may suffer permanent damage.

    Pathophysiology:
         Bone spurs and other abnormal bony growths attempt to fuse malfunctioning spinal joints. This spinal decay, scar tissue, and long-term nerve dysfunction can cause other systems of the body to malfunction.



The Vertebral Subluxation Complex describes what happens when spinal bones lose their normal movement patterns and position.

         Automobile accidents, improper lifting, improper posture, alcohol, emotional stress, chemical imbalances, and long periods of sitting can cause the Vertebral Subluxation Complex.

          Vertebral  Subluxation  cannot be corrected through chemicals (medicine), stretching, yoga, vitamins or physical therapy alone.  Subluxation- a neuro/skeletal/muscular- mechanical- problem requires a mechanical correction-  -  -    a manipulation,     best performed with the chiropractic adjustment.

Dr. Victor E. Dolan,   Doctor of Chiropractic;   Diplomat, American Chiropractic Board of Sport Physicians; Diplomat, American Academy of Pain Management; Certified Clinical Nutritionist (IAACN); FIRST  Chief of Chiropractic  in  a  Hospital  in  New York State (DHSI);  As  Seen  in  PREVENTION  Magazine