Expert: Dr. Brendon J. O`Brien, D.C. - 4/22/2010

Question
QUESTION: Hi-

Thanks in advance for reading this; you have actually helped me in the past.
I have been dealing with a slight disc herniation (c5 c6) for about a year now. I reinjured it about 4 months ago and have been in terrible pain ever since (multiple and constant muscle spasma aorund the neck, numbness, tingling and dull pain in my right arm).

Although I have seen Chiros in the past, they never did much for me.
I feel like there is such a divergance between the good and not so good Chiros; I unfortunately dont have the time or money anymore to keep looking for someone.

I was hoping you might be able to refer me or point me in the direction of someone in NYC (Manhattan)? I unfortuantely will not have insurance until the beginning of June; ideally someone that takes Blue Cross would be best.

Im really looking for someone who cares and takes a holistic approach. There is no doubt that deeply rooted mental/psychological issues are prolonging and/or worsening this problem. This pain is really starting to depress me as simply am no longer living a normal life.
I am one step away from doing a nerve ablation or facet injection but id really like to see one good chiro and do some real work  and try and find a permanent solution before I go down the "band-aid" route and possibly make things worse.

I am currently in physical therapy doing some traction, cold laser and massage therapy and although its helping a bit, I feel it isnt gettig to the core issue.

Any help or guidance here would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks again.

Best,

Avi

ANSWER: Hi Avi,


   It's hard to find a good Doc.  You may want to start online and search for doctors who specialize in sports/soft tissue injuries.  Call a few clinics and see how long the actual treatment time is.  Doctors that perform soft tissue work and adjust will usually spend 20-30 minutes on treatment.
   Keep up with the PT, traction, Ice...no heat!

Have a great day,
Dr. Brendon O'Brien D.C.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks Brendon;

I have been doing heat for months now! My PT told me that it would bring blood to the area as its no longer an acute injury?

Answer
Hey Avi,

  Yeah, that is typical.  With injuries to the joints/cartilage, can cause swelling for months/year.  With intense pain and your symptoms you do not want to use heat (increase swelling).  Ice will help decrease the inflammation around the joint and nerve.

Let me know if you find a good Doc. out there as I have patients all over the world.

Thanks,
Dr. Brendon O'Brien D.C.