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Chiropractors/broken ribs, pain after 2 years
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Question
Hello,
I feel as if i am going nuts. 2 years ago i was involved in a serious vehichle accident. I was a passanger and we were hit head on from a big pick up truck. after the impact if felt as if my ribs on teh left side were broken. There was extremem pain, i could not breath and very bad tenderness. xrays were taken but i was told that if they did break it might be a hairline fracture and to go home and rest. i also hurt my knee and back. it has been 2 years and my ribs still hurt. i can't do my daily activities without wanting to scream out. i was put on advil and volataren, both anti inflamatories. I have also taken naproxen sodium and tylenol 3's. my life style does not allow for me to take anything stronger nor do i feel i should have to. I would like to know if you have ever heard of a rib not healling after 2 years. I plan on going back to my doctor but i dont think he believes me mostly because i won't take the vicoden. please help!!!!!
Dear Pati,
Yes I am aware of continual rib pain after trauma. Unfortunately this area of the body does not have specific treatment protocols and can become a chronic pain generator because of associated scar tissue formation as well as an increase in the pain generating nerves after trauma (it is called neoneuralization, synaptic arborization, or neurological wind-up).
Your GP doesn't have specialized trainning with these types of phenomenon, and will most likely not be aware of the neurological aftermath. You need to find a physician certified by The American Academy of Pain Management, or The American Academy of Pain Medicine. These physicians will be aware of the above mentioned conditions/sequela, and will have training in ways to help such as biofeedback, accupuncture, and pain management injection proceedures. Hypnosis is also a valid way to decrerase your pain perception.
As always, it is a good idea to call offices as well and ask questions of the satff and see if you can get a free consultation with the doctor. Remember that pain is subjective and requires interpretation in the brain for significance, but is mostly generated through abnormal processes or trauma of tissue. You are not crazy, you just need to get to a physician who has the training to help. Good Luck.
Respectfully,
Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman
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Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman
Expertise
I can answer questions on general chiropractic care, sports injury, whiplash and auto crash, mild traumatic brain injury, structural and functional rehabilitation of the spine, nutrition for inflammation and repair, fitness training, nutrition for sports performance and other general health and nutrition related inquiries. I currently lecture on automobile trauma, occupant kinematics, and forensic risk analysis to local EMS, Fire and Police, as well as nutrition and sports injury to community groups. Rest assured all answers are generated from my clinical experience, and scientific research.
Experience
I have accumulated over 1100 hours of post-doctoral training to include; Certifications in Spinal Trauma and Mild Traumatic Brain Injury from the Spine Research Institute of San Diego, Certification in Chiropractic Spinal Trauma from the International Chiropractic Association, Certification in Low Speed Auto Crash Reconstruction and Certification in Forensic Risk Analysis from The Center for Research Into Automotive Safety and Health, Certified Proficiency in spinal and extremity diagnostic procedures from The Motion Palpation Institute, Certified in Sports Injury and Rehabilitation from the National University of Health Sciences and The American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians, Nationally Certified Fellow of Structural Rehabilitation from The Chiropractic Biophysics Organization, and I have advanced training in manipulation under anesthesia and nutrition. Feel free to check out my website for course listings: www.suncoasthealthcare.net
Organizations
International Chiropractic Association, Florida Chiropractic Association, American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians, American Academy of Pain Management, Chiropractic Biophysics, Spine Research Institute of San Diego, Center for Research Into Automotive Safety and Health, Motion Palpation Organization, American Academy of Manual and Physical Medicine, Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce
Education/Credentials
B.A. (Psychology)The University of Cincinnati
B.S. (Human Biology)Cleveland Chiropractic College
D.C. (Doctor of Chiropractic) Cleveland Chiropractic College
C.C.S.T. (Certification in Chiropractic Spinal Trauma)The International Chiropractic Association
C.C.S.P. (Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician)The American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians.
*CCST and CCSP 120 hour certification courses are not recognized by the Florida Chiropractic Board due to the fact that they are not 300 hour diplomate level courses*
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