Chiropractors/lower neck an shoulder

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Question
Several years ago after an adjustmen of lower neck my shoulders an low neck felt locked up. The technique was one where he pushed in lower neck. After doc visits an several chiros still no answer. Have been experiencing numbness an tingling also lost function of left hand one time. Had mri an xrays also. One time doing stretches something unlocked on left side of neck an shoulder feels normal. The right side is still this way. I like to know what it is. Want it fixed an dont know what to do. I have tightness on right side of head down neck. Something feels to close to my neck. I am so unconfortable an dont know where to turn for help.

Answer
Dear Dee,

The fact that you have had this issue for years means that it will likely be difficult to correct.  Now, most manual adjustment techniques require a thrust into the spine (pushing) so that really doesn't help to clarify what may have transpired on that event.  Considering the initial adjustment is what started the issue, and that you have gotten relief with stretching protocols on one side leads me to believe this is mostly myofascial in nature.

Due to that fact, what I would recommend is someone who is an expert in myofascial work with a functional perspective.  That would be a chiropractic physician who has additional training and expertise in soft tissue mobilization techniques...these are much more than massage and have been clinically proven to reduce pain and increase functional performance.  You will find these types of chiropractors in the sports injury arenas, sop I have a few sites for you to explore where you can lean more about additional certifications and find doctors near your town that have completed proficiency in these techniques.  They are all good options.

www.activerelease.com
www.graston.com
www.sastm.com
www.acbsp.com

Once you are more familiar with the above techniques, the certification/doctor finder should be able to help you find qualified professionals as close as possible.  I would suggest that you call the offices and/or check out their respective websites and then schedule a consultation with the office you like the best first and discuss this with the treating doctor.  

Respectfully,

Dr. J. 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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