Chiropractors/Neck Pain

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Expert: - 8/9/2007


Question
I woke up last night and got out of bed to turn of the air, I returned to bed and rolled over and kinked my neck, at the same time I heard a pop(on the right side). The pain was unbearable, I couldn't sit up, roll over, anything. Now I can move my head to the left and slightly to the right, but up and down are very painful, almost impossible. I also have a little pain in my arm and shoulder, but my jaw and ear are hurting too, is that normal for a kinked neck? I don't think you can severely injure yourself rolling over, so I'm not looking to see a dr, I guess I'm just looking for home pain remedies. It may not be important, but about three months ago I hurt my neck picking up my son in his infant seat, I had arm numbness, weakness and pain for a month, it got better but since then I have had spot a few inches in diameter below my shoulder blade (right side) where my skin is completely numb. Any info you can provide would be greatly appreciated!

Answer
Hi Amanda,

I know you don't want to see a doctor but with upper extremity numbness in your history and sudden onset of severe pain for no apparent reason justifies getting a cervical MRI. I can almost guarantee you have a herniated disc. Don't worry though, towel traction by a DC can reduce it in a week or two. Please get it checked out, these things can rupture necessitating surgery, believe me, it isn't pretty. Nip it in the bud early while you still can, in the mean time, ice it down every chance you get to minimize inflammation and DO NOT USE HEAT!


Good Luck!

Dr. Timothy Durnin
drs.chiroweb.com

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Dr. Timothy K. Durnin

Expertise

Anything Chiropractic related, Internal Medicine, Neurology, Hematology, Physical Therapy, Orthopedics Herniated or Slipped disc problems, Sciatica, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Spinal Injuries, Arthritis, Nutritional Advice, Diet and exercise, Supplement Knowledge, Orthotics, Laser Therapy, Pinched Nerves, Imaging Interpretation,(X-ray, MRI, Ultrasound, CT ect), any and all Neuromusculoskeletal Disorders. Expert Witness for 19 yrs, dealing with Medical Malpractice, Personal Injury, Workman's Compensation, Medicare and HIPPA issues. Active in clinical practice for 16+ yrs, I am a second generation Chiropractor, my father practiced for over 50 yrs in private practice and as a Diplomat in Radiology (DACBR) Currently on staff at Olympia Fields Osteopathic Hospital, active in private practice with several disciplines including Pediatrics, Orthopedic Surgery, Family Practice, IME's and Internal Medicine M.D.'s.

Experience

I own or am actively involved with 24 multidisciplinary clinics in the Chicago area employing M.D.'s, Orthopedic Surgeons, Pediatrics and Family Practice. My home practice is a continuation of my fathers which has existed for more than 55 yrs.

Organizations
AASP, ACA, ICS, AASP, AOPA, CPA, BBB, FCER, PADI

Education/Credentials
B.S./D.C. National College of Chiropractic 1991 Board Certified AMA impairment ratings. Presidential Cabinet Member NUHS. Phi Theta Kappa National honorary fraternity

Awards and Honors
Phi Theta Kappa/Who's Who in America Chiropractor of the year award 2001

Past/Present Clients
Many Chicago Bulls players

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