Expert: Dr. Victor Dolan, DC, DACBSP - 7/9/2009

Question
I served in the United States Marine Corps in Iraq from 2004-2005 as a machine-gunner on convoy security missions. In November of 2004, we were escorting a convoy past Fallujah during Phantom Fury and had to run with out our headlights.
We came up on a bridge that had concrete Jersey barriers set up and we ran into one going 45-50 MPH.  The only thing that kept me from being ejected was the handle used to spin the turret.  The barrier did not move at all but we hit it at such a speed to where the driver's side wheel was torn off the axle and into the floorboard of the drivers seat.  
It has been over five years since the accident and nothing has appeared on the MRI or Xrays.  

The pain I have in my hip is not major, but significant enough to keep me from working out or running.  It feels like it is centered around the joint itself, but every now and then I have pain that goes around my left buttock   and down the left center of my leg.  

Thank you for your help it is much appreciated.

Answer
Hip pain, hip injury, back pain, persistent pain, negative findings





Hello Michael,


First, I am sorry for your persistent hip pain.  Does the pain also originate/ radiate to/ be related to the lower back, SI (sacroiliac) joint, thigh or knee?

Next, let me thank you for your service on behalf of America.  You guys do NOT get enough thanks, recognition, appreciation, money or medical coverage !!!  THANK YOU for your patriotism and actually laying it on the line with your own life and body.

Pain.  Five years later, pain,,,, negative findings on tests.

How many tests have you had?  MRI--- how many, where
( what facility(ies) )  Xrays,  EMG/ncv?- Have specialists such as Orthopedics and Neurologists taken a physical look at you?

Get the MRI FILMS, Xray films, test results and go for a second viewing, a second opinion---- away from the VA away from the military-- go to a private civilian doctor.  The tests are all subject to interpretation and different perspectives may see something that others have missed.

I do not know if you have been to a Doctor of Chiropractic.  I highly recommend a Chiropractic evaluation, and perhaps a chiropractic regimen of care--- depending upon the outcome of that evaluation.

You can certainly visit your local doctor, but if you wish, chiropractic does also have different credentials, different specialties, similar to the medical field; see: http://www.acatoday.org/pdf/ApprovedChiropracticSpecialtyPrograms.pdf  
To view your films, you may want a Chiropractic Doctor with a DACBR (imaging specialty).  To treat you, you may want a doctor with a sports injury degree (DACBSP), ortho or rehab specialty.

You may be surprised, you may feel pain- primarily in the hip, but it may be radiating from the SI joint, lumbosacral spine, or even from the knee.  You suffered a good trauma, and more then one area may have been involved- and overlooked!



Information I utilize in my Staten Island Chiropractic office may be helpful to you:



PAIN     

Pain  is a  ‘red light on the dashboard’.
 
Pain is your body telling you that something is wrong.

That RED LIGHT on the dashboard of your car-
-- do you ignore it until the car breaks down,
or do you get it checked and correct the problem?  

Pain,
pain in your body-
-- do you ignore it until your body breaks down,
or do you get it checked and correct the problem?   

Pain,  
do you cover up the pain by taking a painkiller?  
Take a painkiller,
mask the pain,
and allow a problem to progress in your body?

                            

NOTICE  ON  PAIN  RELIEVERS:
 
Label changes ORDERED by FDA;  the FDA announced proposed label changes for OTC over-the-counter pain relievers to include the potential for stomach bleeding and liver damage (FDA news  206- 207;  12-9-06) ;

The  American Heart Association issued a scientific statement recommending medical doctors change the way they prescribe OTC pain relievers from a first choice to an alternate of recommending non-pharmacologic treatment (AHA statement  2-26-07).

NSAID Acceleration of ARTHRITIS; an important side effect of Aspirin and other NSAIDS is that it will inhibit cartilage repair and accelerate cartilage  destruction ( Journal of Rheumatology, 1982; 9: 3- 5 ). Many times people take NSAIDS for the pain of Arthritis, not realizing these drugs may make the underlying condition worse.  These medications cover up the pain, and cause the problem to worsen.


Pain  can  often  be  the  result  of  the  Vertebral  Subluxation  Complex.

Vertebral  Subluxation           (  ‘VSC’ ,    ‘subluxation’   )
Vertebral Subluxation  is  actually  a  quite  common  condition.   Doctors of Chiropractic look for pathological conditions which may require referral to other specialties,   and also look for ‘Subluxation’. Other disciplines look for pathology, but overlook the importance of alignment and movement in the spine which affects our nervous system  (the master control system- ALL health disciplines learn this).  VSC- ‘Subluxation’ – can be the cause of many symptoms and conditions.



Only  a  Doctor of Chiropractic  will  evaluate  and  treat  for  VSC,   as  well  as  other  pathology.



The course of VSC is highly variable.   Some patients with VSC literally cannot walk, yet other patients with similar test findings may be able to run marathons or lift heavy weights.    Some patients immediately develop symptoms related to the VSC,  some patients take years to develop symptoms.  Some people suffer for only a few days with pain and symptoms, some people suffer for months.  Some people recover in days, some take months or years, depending upon severity of the condition.

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.


The Vertebral Subluxation Complex describes what happens when spinal bones lose their normal movement patterns and position.  When subluxated, joints are in a stressed, vulnerable, compromised condition.  Subluxation may cause Arthritis, Disk Herniation, or aggravate such conditions.
       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

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


Another handout I utilize:




“Sciatica”   
( Also Known As-   neuritis,  neuralgia,  sciatic-radiculitis   ) (pain down the leg, with or without
back pain)    

Sciatica can be caused by many different things.  

Big, BAD, catastrophic things like a tumor or a cancer can cause
Sciatica (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 Sciatica (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.  

Sciatica 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 Lumbar (Low Back) Vertebral Subluxation involved. Sometimes  we  can  wake  up  with  ‘sciatica’,  .... sometimes a slip, trip, fall, heavy lift, or even a motor vehicle accident can cause a ‘sciatica’.  

Frequently-  the true    c a u s e   of  the ‘sciatica’,  = pain in the lower back, buttock(s), thigh, calf and/or foot (even to toes);  is a misalignment,  a  ‘kink’ in the back- more properly termed a Vertebral Subluxation.

“”Sciatica””  is only  1/2  a diagnosis  ....   what is   causing   the sciatica?


              Vertebral   Subluxation   Complex    (a.k.a.  ‘subluxation’)
The vertebral subluxation complex is often the underlying cause of sciatica and 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   (subluxation)  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:
         The VSC contributes to OsteoArthritic degeneration. 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.  For good health- Treat the   Cause,  not just the Symptoms.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


"......It has been over five years since the accident and nothing has appeared on the MRI or Xrays........"-- perhaps time for new tests, definitely time for different eyes to look at the films themselves.

 
"........It feels like it is centered around the joint itself, but every now and then I have pain that goes around my left buttock   and down the left center of my leg....."  ------ hmmmm does almost sound like a variant of sciatica, could come from the SI or L/sac joint(s).  Can also come froma a mal-aligned hip joint--- see the local DC .




I hope the above helps.

Go Get Checked Out at your local Doctor of Chiropractic; I would not be surprised if chiropractic could help.

If you need further,,, do not hesitate to REcontact me here at
AllExperts.
http://www.allexperts.com/ep/965-100794/Chiropractors/Victor-Dolan-DC-DACBSP.htm



Wishing you Good Luck, Good Health and a quick recovery,
your Internet Chiropractic Staten Island Expert,


Dr. Victor Dolan, DC DACBSP
http://drvictordolan.chiroweb.com - - -- - Email NewsLetter