Chiropractors/back pain

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Expert: Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman - 4/4/2009


Question
Hello im 17 and im having problems with my back first of all when i take a deep breath my back has a sharp pain starting from the bottom the top only on the right but the pain increase's as it moves up and just to function some days i need to get my friends to crack my back and it cracks with a really deep and loud pops at the top but im scared to go to a doctor or chiropractor just cause they won't probably take me seriously. i just want to know if something is wrong when it cracks it is very painful but needed just to do daily functions with out having to hunch over please help


Answer
Dear Tyler,

Please stop having your friends "crack" your back...they are likely doing more harm than good as the techniques are not specific to the offending tissue.  Not to mention, chiropractors devote 4 years of their lives after their undergraduate degree to learn how to diagnose and treat effectively without causing damage to the tissues...you need a professional.

And yes, you should go to the chiropractor...these issue are what we see in our offices every day, and there is no reason to believe that they wouldn't believe you are in pain.  In fact, I see and treat children and teenagers in my office every week, and get fast results in pain reduction and functional improvements.  

I highly recommend that you schedule an appointment.

Respectfully,
Dr. Shawn Leatherman
www.suncoasthealthcare.net

Chiropractors

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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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