Expert: Dr. Paul Newhart - 11/29/2010

Question
Dear Dr Newhart.I had an accident at work on the 15th March. The accident or incideent occured when I was helping the truck driver to offload 30 sheets of white Melamine board off the truck onto the floor and then pushing the boards 20meters away from truck to up against the wall. I had X-rays an a CT Scan done of my spine. From the results, the doctor tolled me I had pinched nerves. I experience chronic pain each and every day from my shoulder to both my arms and my hands and I also get headaches every third or 4th day. I am claiming for compensation. Just last friday 26th Nov.. I went for a consultation by my ex-employer's QBE Insurance, Neurologist. After all his questions and a couple of his physical tests. His finding was that I did not have pinched nerves. Please can you tell me Dr if at this day and age where technology is so advance, are their any form of tests I can undergo to proof that I do have pinched nerves and also if I do have pinched nerves, besides surgery can I have other types of treatment to get rid of the pinched nerves or put an end to this chronic pain I am going through??? Please help me. Regards Ivan  

Answer
I would suggest you see a good chiropractor to assess this injury.  Yes, there are tests to see if there are pinched nerves:  needle EMG.  There are also non needle EMG's as well.  Depending which state you are in, your WC laws may allow you to go to any provider after a certain amount of time (In PA, after 90 days you can go to any provider).  
Back on track.  A good chiropractor should be able to assess the injury and treat it.  A rehabilitative program would then be set up to help restore integrity to the supportive structures of the spine.