Expert: Gerald Anzalone, D.C. - 12/22/2007

Question
I was in a car accident in June 07. I did go to the ER at the scene but once I got home; my muscles started to get really tight in my neck and back. Couple weeks later I started PT and it didn't help the pain.  Now I still hurting.  Could this happen by being side swiped or is there something else going on. I wasn't hit very hard.  And my butt-bone is hurting bad.  I'm scheduled for an MRI to check my lower spine because the DR found some abnormalities in the X-ray today.  I'll really scared.

Answer
Michele,

Thank you for your question.

Soft tissue injuries commonly result from auto accidents and may produce significant pain symptoms associated with damaged muscles and ligaments. Myofascial pain disorders can become vicious cycles of pain and spasming, and depending upon the severity of the problem, may require a combination of appropriate hands-on treatments, therapeutic modalities, or medication to effectively manage them.

Soft tissue manipulation performed by a chiropractor, massage therapist, or a physical therapist (if they are trained to use these modalities), or acupuncture, often are effective approaches for dealing with soft tissue trauma.

Because I don't have the benefit of all your clinical information, I can't comment on whether you might have some other underlying condition contributing to your symptoms; I recommend that you discuss your current symptoms in detail with your health care provider and decide on a better treatmetn approach for dealing with the pain that you're currently experiencing.

I hope that this answers your question.

Best wishes for happy and healthy holidays!