Chiropractors/ankelokinspondilitis

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Expert: Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman - 3/18/2009


Question
I recently sustained a fall landing on my upper shoulder and neck area. I have had ankelokinspondilitis for the past 10 years. I heard a distinct crunch upon impact. I went to the ER and they said due to the mobility in my arms that I had not sustained any form of fracture. I have had fractures previously and have not been fully aware due to my physical limitations however not without significant pain and discomfort. I would like to know if it is possible to have fractured my back/spine without it affecting my current state of mobility. There were no xrays done while at the ER.
Thank you in advance for your reply.
Sincerely
Tammy

Answer
Dear Tammy,

Yes a fracture is possible, especially in light of the ankylosing spondylitis you have...however, this usually takes a long time to get to your neck, as it works its way up the spine from the pelvis. As the spine starts to calcify in this condition, a trauma can easily result in a fracture of the newer bone formations...although this may be only minor and classified as a stable fracture.  So possible but not probable.

However, I have seen two cases in six years of practice, where a patient of mine who went to the hospital after an injury and was sent home with nothing more than some pain killers...when they came to my office I found a fracture in their necks, even though their range of motion was not severely affected, and they had all function to their arms..  So this can happen, even though it is unlikley. In defense of the hospital, I must point out here that both of the fractures I found were stable fractures and required no significant medical care.

I would wait a few days to see if the pain issue gets better, and if not then get an x-ray from another doctors office...medical or chiropractic.  The best way to be sure is to take the films...in light of your fracture history.

Hope this helps Tammy.

Respectfully,
Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman
www.suncoasthealthcare.net

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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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