Expert: Dr. Victor Dolan, DC, DACBSP - 10/7/2010

Question
I believe I have a pinched nerve in my neck almost 2wks ago I was awaken but this pain on the left side of my neck shooting sharp pain that was so bad it shot to the side of my head also. I couldn't turn my head & if I made a mistake it felt like a lighting bolt, so I bought some thermal care heat wraps along with Motrin. After a couple days the pain wasn't that strong, but here it is alomst 2wks later & its now like a dull aching like pulling sensation & I can't lean my head all the way down on the left without feeling pain. Does this sound like a pinched nerve to you & what do you think I should do go to the E.R or maybe visit a Chiropractor? I was told a pinched nerve won't show up on an Xray & to apply ice pack 20mins along with mortin & if it last 6wks or more go 2 the doctor. Anything or any advise would help, Thanks

Answer
pinched nerve, staten island pinched nerve, pain, staten island pain, neck pain, staten island neck pain, cervical brachial radiculitis, cervical brachial neuritis, vertebral subluxation, staten island vertebral subluxation, staten island chiropractor,




Hello Heather,

I am sorry to hear of your pain.  I hope I can offer some helpful advice.  If I do not fully answer your question, please re-contact me here at AllExperts.com:  http://www.allexperts.com/ep/965-100794/Chiropractors/Victor-Dolan-DC-DACBSP.htm

It does sound as if you have a 'pinched nerve'.  Now this is a lay-person diagnosis, not a medical or chiropractic technical diagnosis.  Of course, doctors have to use big words, and better yet- latin words for a proper diagnosis!

You certainly have irritation of a nerve.  Whether we call it an irritated nerve, inflammed nerve, neuritis, radiculitis, or even the lay term- a 'pinched nerve',,,, that is only 1/2 of a diagnosis.
         What is causing that 'pinch'?, What is causing the irritation??

In all probability the CAUSE of the 'pinched nerve' is a Cervical Vertebral Subluxation Complex (Cervical VSC, neck subluxation).  For my Staten Island Pinched Nerve patients I have an informative handout sheet- perhaps this will be helpful to you:

“Pinched  Nerve”   

( Also Known As-  neuritis, neuralgia, brachial-neuritis, sciatica )

“pinched nerve” – is only ½ a diagnosis,  WHAT is causing the ‘pinch’?

Your Doctor of Chiropractic will examine and evaluate you to make sure you are not showing signs of neurological damage or disease, tumors, cancers,  severe pathology, perhaps a Herniated Disc, or a Vertebral Subluxation Complex.

Sometimes  we  can  wake  up  with  a  ‘pinched nerve’,  or  a  muscle spasm.... sometimes a slip, trip, fall, heavy lift, or even a motor vehicle accident can cause a ‘pinched nerve’.  Very often -  the true    c a u s e   of  the pinched nerve, painor numbness  in the:    neck and/ or  shoulder  and/ or  arm  and/ or  hand;   pain in the back and/ or   buttock/ hip/ leg/ knee/ foot -  is a misalignment,  a  ‘kink’ in the neck or back - more properly termed a Vertebral Subluxation.

              Vertebral   Subluxation   Complex    (a.k.a.  ‘subluxation’)
The vertebral subluxation complex is the underlying cause of 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 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.




I hope that gives you some information on a common cause of the symptoms you report.

You certainly should be seen by a health professional.  While MOST LIKELY your complaint is caused by a subluxation or spasm or 'kink', you want to rule out much more serious conditions- whether a herniated disc ( not very likely ), or a cancer or tumor (not likely at all, but a slim possiblity ) which you would like to definitely rule out.

Covering up the pain allows deterioration, degeneration to progress.
Another information handout that I give to my Staten Island Pain Patients is:



PAIN           

Pain  is a  ‘red light on the dashboard’.   

RED  LIGHT  =   Trouble !!

Pain  is  your  body  telling  you  that  something  is  wrong.   Think  you  should  listen??

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?


Pain  Killing  medication???  =    16,000  deaths   ( probably  under-reported )
 DEATH ! ? ! ?    better   watch  out  on  those  medications!!!


        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) ;
SIXTEEN THOUSAND DEATHS: "Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are effective medications for the treatment of many chronically painful medical conditions. However, it is estimated that 25% of all serious adverse drug reactions involve NSAIDs, with more than 100,000 hospitalizations and 16,000 deaths occurring annually due to NSAID-induced gastrointestinal (GI) events."----- http://hhc.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/13/6/468   Home Health Care Management & Practice, Vol. 13, No. 6, 468-475 (2001)  Motrin, Advil = NSAIDS


      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.


http://rinf.com/alt-news/business-news/prescription-drugs-kill-300-percent-more-...
= An analysis of 168,900 autopsies conducted in Florida in 2007 found that three times as many people were killed by legal drugs as by cocaine, heroin and all methamphetamines put together.    BE  CAREFUL  WITH  THAT  MEDICATION !!!

It was reported in 2000, that 700,000 U.S. citizens die as a result from medical causes (iatrogenics). Of course, other records and statistics had the number above the one million mark. Whether 700,000 or one million people, that's a lot of innocent people dying from visiting a hospital and trusting a medical doctor.= http://www.dherbs.com/articles/iatrogenics-99.html


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

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;   Diplomate, American Chiropractic Board of Sport Physicians; Diplomate, 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 ; Invited to Colorado Springs (Olympic Training Center) to  Care for USA Olympic Athletes 2010 , Chiropractor to the Championship NYPD Football Team, and the PSAL High School Football Champions (Curtis)


I hope this information makes you aware of the pitfalls of just using pain medication to cover up the cause of a problem.



I would be very careful with the treatment approach I could choose for my complaint as well.  An interesting article that I give to my Staten Island Pain patients:

"Death by Medicine" (1)   is  an  eye-opening  paper  published  as  a  Web  exclusive  in the March 2004 issue of Life Extension, a monthly magazine dedicated to "up-to-date coverage of the latest scientific and medical breakthroughs from around the world." As the grim title suggests, the paper explores the hazards of conventional medicine in the United States, analyzing and combining the complete published literature to date regarding injuries and deaths attributable to medicine.

In their introduction, the authors note: "Never before have the complete statistics on the multiple causes of iatrogenesis been combined in one paper. Medical science amasses tens of thousands of papers annually - each one a tiny fragment of the whole picture. ... Each specialty, each division of medicine, keeps their own records and data on morbidity and mortality like pieces of a puzzle. But the numbers and statistics were always hiding in plain sight. We have now completed the painstaking work of reviewing thousands and thousands of studies. Finally putting the puzzle together, we came up with some disturbing answers."

The "disturbing answers" the five researchers uncover are an indictment of the entire American medical system:
         *   "The total number of deaths caused by
           conventional medicine is an astounding
             783,936 per year."
         * "The number of people having inhospital, adverse drug reactions (ADR) to
             prescribed medicine is 2.2 million."
         * "Richard Besser, of the CDC, in 1995, said the number of unnecessary antibiotics
             prescribed annually for viral infections was 20 million. Dr. Besser, in 2003, now
             refers to tens of millions . of unnecessary antibiotics."
"The number of unnecessary medical and surgical procedures performed
Annually    is 7.5 million."
         * "The number of people exposed to unnecessary hospitalization annually is 8.9
             million."
         * "It is evident that the American medical system is the leading cause of death and
             injury in the United States."

The authors are especially concerned that "(a)s few as 5% and only up to 20% of iatrogenic acts are ever reported."  (It must be noted that these reports on MEDICAL failure are compiled by MEDICAL personnel, and therefore these statistics a probably BIASED in favor of medicine, with poor outcomes being omitted or dismissed from the research.  The statistics are probably LOWER than the reality.)

They also project that the costs associated with deaths caused by medical interventions total approximately $282 billion per year, and estimate that the costs for unnecessary hospitalization and medical procedures total $16.4 billion per year.
As if this information isn't startling enough, the paper goes on to review the drug industry world. The authors discuss the dangers of many types of drugs and how their overuse is affecting our health and our environment, Next, they discuss the dangers of surgical procedures, the lack of error reporting and unnecessary hospitalization. The paper concludes with a discussion of how women are mistreated by medicine, and the dangers awaiting the unsuspecting elderly: "A total of 20% of all deaths from all causes occur in nursing homes."

The complete text of "Death by Medicine" can be found online at www.lef.org/magazine/mag2004/" mar2004_awsi_death_01.html.
More than 150 references and an extensive appendix support the discussions and conclusions presented in this paper. While many will find it quite disturbing, every health care provider and every patient should read this paper.

Reference
1).  Gary Null, PhD,  Carolyn Dean,  MD ND,  Martin Feldman, MD, Debora Rasio, MD, Dorothy Smith, PhD. "Death by Medicine." Life Extension March 2004 (Web exclusive).



I like to point out that Chiropractic is safe, effective and cost-effective; especially for a neuro-musculo-skeletal complaint such as yours.

You state:  "....I believe I have a pinched nerve in my neck almost 2wks ago I was awaken but this pain on the left side of my neck shooting sharp pain that was so bad it shot to the side of my head also. ....."; it is common to wake up with a 'stiff neck'.  If we treat this 'stiff neck' properly, we can prevent recurrence.
         If we do not treat our 'stiff neck' properly, very often the stiff neck will PROGRESS to a stiff neck WITH a 'pinched nerve'.
         Is this your first stiff neck ever???,,,, probably not.  Given your description, you have probably had minor stiff necks before, slowly progressing to this current condition.

Nerves are ALL encompassing, and control every action in/ of our bodies:  http://www.healthline.com/images/adam/big/18125.jpg ,
http://rsdrx.com/images/ParaSympSketchLRes.gif , http://www.healingtherapies.info/images/dermatome.gif , http://image.wistatutor.com/content/feed/u544/peripheral%20nerves%20(1).jpg , http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/adam/ima... .


".... I was told a pinched nerve won't show up on an Xray & to apply ice pack 20mins along with mortin & if it last 6wks or more go 2 the doctor.....": a 'pinched nerve' will NOT show up on Xray.  You would/ could get a nerve test to evaluate nerves: an EMG/ncv would be a test for a 'pinched nerve'.

Motrin could cause side effects, and it is only treating a symptom- the pain, not treating the CAUSE of the problem.  
         NOTES ON  MOTRIN:

Special warnings about motrin:  http://www.naturalessentials.com/motrin.htm
Peptic ulcers and bleeding can occur without warning. Tell your doctor if you have bleeding or any other problems.

This drug should be used with caution if you have kidney or liver disease, or are severely dehydrated; it can cause liver or kidney inflammation or other problems in some people.

Do not take aspirin or any other anti-inflammatory medications while taking Motrin unless your doctor tells you to do so.

If you have a severe allergic reaction, seek medical help immediately.

Motrin may cause vision problems. If you experience any changes in your vision, inform your doctor.

Mortin may prolong bleeding time. If you are taking blood-thinning medication, this drug should be taken with caution.

This drug can cause water retention. It should be used with caution if you have high blood pressure or poor heart function.

Avoid the use of alcohol while taking this medication.

Motrin may mask the usual signs of infection or other diseases. Use with care in the presence of an existing infection.

If you have diabetes, remember that the suspension contains 1.5 grams of sucrose and 8 calories per teaspoonful.

Motrin chewable tablets contain phenylalanine. If you have a hereditary disease called phenylketonuria, you should be aware of this.

http://www.naturalessentials.com/motrin.htm


You were told to use ice, but you bought heat wraps (?) "...I bought some thermal care heat wraps along with Motrin.....";  heat may have further inflammed your 'pinched nerve'.
         I prefer to use ICE when people are in pain.  My Staten Island Pain Patients get this information on how to use ice:


P.R.I.C.E. =    P  protection.   R rest.   I  ice.   C  compression.   E  elevation.

Hurt  yourself ??  injury/ trauma/  bruise/ not even sure - - a broken bone ??

You should certainly get to the Doctor or trained health professional to be examined  if you think it  is  bad  enough.

   BUT  in  the  meantime,  some  simple  steps  may  help.   

PRICE.


The  PRICE  protocol will usually help just about any musculoskeletal injury.


P = Protection;  protect the area from further injury- stop what you are doing, can you
     pad  or bandage the area ? Tape the area? Do something to protect the area !
R = Rest;  rest the area as much as possible, if a part is damaged, give the body time to
       repair the area
I = Ice;  ice is a potent anti-inflammatory; it will slow swelling, help with pain control
     (ice is analgesic), place ice over cloth over the injured area for 5, 10 minutes, off the
     injured area for 30 minutes; then back on again ( please do NOT use heat, heat adds to edema->
                 heat feels good while it is on,,,, and often makes the condition WORSE after you take heat off )
C = Compression;  to help prevent swelling compression may be helpful- for example
      if it is an ankle, wrap the ankle with an ace bandage and ice the area.  Many body
      parts may not be applicable to compression.
E = Elevation; again to fight swelling and pain, raising the injured body part above the
      heart may be helpful- ie raise an ankle or knee, you lay down, raise the injured part


PRICE  may  help :    Sprains,  Strains,  musculo-skeletal injury,  bruise,  contusion
Sometimes  a slip, trip, fall, heavy lift, athletic injury, or a motor vehicle accident can cause a bump or bruise, sprain or strain.  Sometimes also involved with the injury is a vertebral subluxation (or other joint subluxation) (subluxation is a mechanical problem- of any joint- and requires a mechanical correction).  In the spine, a sprain/strain  is a misalignment,  a ‘kink’ in the joint, a stretch of the muscles, tendons and/ or ligaments:- more properly termed a Vertebral Subluxation.   Sometimes symptoms can come immediately, sometimes days, weeks or even months later!- Well after the actual trauma !!!
         Spinal = Vertebral   Subluxation   Complex    (a.k.a.  ‘subluxation’)  ;   ( subluxation COULD be any joint )
The vertebral subluxation complex is the underlying cause of 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 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:
         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.  Sprain/ strain/ bump/ bruise?= may result in subluxation of the nearby joint.  CORRECT the subluxation !!!!


Dr. Victor E. Dolan,   Doctor of Chiropractic;   Diplomate, American Chiropractic Board of Sport Physicians;  Diplomate, 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





You ask; "....here it is alomst 2wks later & its now like a dull aching like pulling sensation & I can't lean my head all the way down on the left without feeling pain. Does this sound like a pinched nerve to you & what do you think I should do go to the E.R or maybe visit a Chiropractor?.....", do I think you should see a Doctor of Chiropractic? YES.
Chiropractic:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s68Yr38-lAQ ,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11VN2sGMdbI&feature=related


You say:  "....Anything or any advise would help, Thanks....",
THANK  YOU  for your question!

I have given you a lot of information.  I hope this helps you understand the CAUSE of your pain, the ROOT of your problem, and possible approaches to correcting the problem.

I hope you ger better soon!

If you need further information-- please write again!

Dr. Victor Dolan, DC, DACBSP