Chiropractors/back pain

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Expert: Scott F. Gillman, DC, DACBSP - 6/30/2009


Question
i am 14 and i have had terrible back pain for about 6 to 9 months. I have not been to see the doctor because my mom did not think it was serious enough to take me but i can't sleep at night because of my back and when i wake up i can't breathe and i can't sit or stand in one position for to long without my back hurting its mainly my lower back that is causing the pain and it sometimes radiates to my legs and i have really bad knees i have dislocated both of them more than ten times each, i used to play sports at every waking moment but i cant anymore because of my knees ankles and back but anyway if you could just tell me what you think is wrong and if you think its serious enough to see a doctor maybe my mom would believe you so if you would reply that would be great! thank you so much!!

Answer
Dear Sydney,

This is serious!  Nobody, especially not a 14 year old, should have to suffer with daily back pain.   If you played a lot of sports and have endured knee (cap) dislocations, then it is no surprise that you have ongoing knee pain.  Spine pain can come from different sources.  Athletes in your age group are very prone to stress fractures in the spine, and there are lots of cases of doctors telling the patient that, "It's just a muscle...take ibuprophen and go home...," when, in fact, it's a fracture to the spine or an avulsion (tearing away) of a tendon from the bone.   Find a chiropractor - a good one.  Look at some of the more recent questions/answers on my list to get information on how to find top-notch chiropractors.  Please be sure to have your parent address this, and if they don't, then email me again.  

'Regards

Dr. G

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Scott F. Gillman, DC, DACBSP

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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.

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Doctor of Chiropractic Diplomate: American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians

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