Expert: William Palmer DC - 1/6/2007

Question
Brief history - 2002 suffered back and neck pain, after 8 months of trying to figure out the problem because pain was in chest, arm, back, neck finally MRI revealed C5-6 & C6-7 herniation with disc degeneration. I had PT for about a month and symptoms cleared. Very few problems after that. 11/06 I was in a rear-end car accident - Did not have another MRI had x-ray which shows retrolisthesis C5-6 along with C5-6 foraminal narrowing secondary to osteophtosis. I have been seeing a Chiropractor 3 x a week instead of PT for seven weeks now. I have this area on my left side by shoulder blade that is constantly bothering me.  I can't get any relief from the pain which feels like a nerve is irritated and also my elbow on my left arm constantly feels like I hit the funny bone with occasional numbness and irritation of index finger. I was told by Chiropractor it is a rib head. I have only had one adjustment that has relieved the pain from that area. What do I need to ask the Chiropractor?  

Answer
What you have is very serious.  History of a disc that is later damaged enough to translate the vertebrae is a serious instabilty.  It would not be unusual to see the chiropractor frequently for the next year, and you will likely need to see him at least once a month for life.  Without this, you will require a surgery, and you may require one anyway if his work is not effective.  The pain in your elbow is likely coming from this area in your spine.  I highly doubt it is coming from a rib, but your doctor can see you, I can't.

As for questions---ask your doctor to check out a company called Spinal Logic, which does specific expert x-ray analysis of motion films like your flexion and extension films.  They will give your doctor, and your lawyer, the tools to truly evaluate and treat you, and possibly make or break your case in the car crash.

You may also benefit from decompression therapy--ask him about it.

Good luck,

Dr. P