Expert: Gerald Anzalone, D.C. - 3/1/2007

Question
Hi I was in a car accident 4 yrs ago.  Ever since I have had a back problem right on the middle of my shoulder blade.  I have seen many chiropractors, neurologist, pain management doctors and message therapist but I still haven gotten no relief.  The pain management doctor told me i have a nerve that becomes swollen and has given me a shot that was supposed to paralyze the nerve and minimize the pain.  But it only lasted 2 months.  I soon will get marry and I want to have children will this be a difficulty for my back?

Answer
Thank you for your question.

Without having the benefit of your complete medical history, examination findings, treatment outcomes, and your present physical status, it is difficult for me to fully answer your question or to provide you with an accurate prognosis.

In general, however, the fact that you are experiencing complications and symptoms that may be causally related to a car accident four years later despite a number of therapeutic interventions is generally not encouraging for long-term improvement.

With regard the possibility of experiencing increased spinal pain while pregnant or during delivery, it may be possible for you to experience an increase of neck pain while delivering due to an increase in intra-thecal pressure (increased pressure within the thecal sac, the structure which contains the cerebrospinal fluid, spinal cord and spinal roots compartmentalized by a surrounding membrane called the dural mater), particularly if the neck-related problems involve herniated discs.

For example, if you experience an increase in neck pain when sneezing or coughing, that pain is likely due to an increase in intrathecal pressure that may worsen a herniated disc.

As I am not sure what the precise cause of your symptoms may be, I am unable to answer your question further. I hope, though, that his response is of some help to you. I would encourage you to seek the counsel of the doctor you may be seeing at present.