AboutJ. Shawn Leatherman, DC, CCST, CCSP 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, 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 1000 hours of post-doctoral training including; Certifications in Spinal Trauma/Mild Traumatic Brain Injury from the Spine Research Institute of San Diego and 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 proceedures 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. I treat accident victims in my clinic on a daily basis, and constantly stay abreast of the current research. Please visit my website for more information: www.suncoasthealthcare.net
Organizations International Chiropractic Association, Florida Chiropractic Association, 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, The Better Business Bureau Of Northwest Florida
Education/Credentials B.A. (Psychology) from The University of Cincinnati, B.S. (Human Biology)& D.C. (Doctor of Chiropractic) from Cleveland Chiropractic College, C.C.S.T. (Certification in Chiropractic Spinal Trauma) from The International Chiropractic Association, C.C.S.P. (Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician) from The American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians.
Question Hi,
I am 24 year old female, approx. 125 in weight and 168 centimetres tall. I recently had an accident at the Gym. I was doing walking lunges with a 50 pound barbell on my shoulders. As I was lowering the barbell onto my neck I lost balance/grip and dropped the bar onto the back of my neck.... I immediately felt a sharp pain and burning in my neck and knew something was wrong. I headed to my doctor for some x-rays. The x-rays confirmed that there was no fracture to the neck and I was given an anti-inflammatory as well as pain killers.
My doctor was vague as to what I did to my neck and I am unsure whether I strained or pulled or bruised it??? It has been four days and although I am feeling better, I am still experiencing a lot of pain. My doctor suggested I begin physiotherapy but do you think this is necessary? After all I did not break or fracture anything so is physiotherapy the best option??? Also, when do you think I will be able to return to my regular training at the gym???
Thanks for your help... This is a great site!
Answer Dear Van,
I must first apologize for the lateness of this response...a family emergency had to take precedence.
Concerning the neck, I would suggest for you to get a second opinion from a doctor who focuses on the functional aspects of the neck and the biomechanics of the joints. I am assuming from what you have detailed that your doctor probably just looked at your neck, did minimal testing and then took some x-ryas to look for a fracture ... then sent you on your way. Unfortunately it just isn't that easy, and he never even gave you a diagnosis of what he though the problem was.
I would suggest that you seek out the opinion and evaluation from a chiropractic physician. Chiropractors are specifically trained in the biomechanics and neurology of the spine, and we are the experts when it comes to any soft tissue injuries as well. We are the logical choice for diagnosis and management of musculoskeletal injuries. Most medical doctors perform poorly in functional orthopedic testing and assessment, and family physicians excel in sickness based care which is not your main compliant.
The chiropractor should check your functional range of motion, perform an orthopedic assessment of the neck and upper back to include neurological tests, muscle strength, and deep tendon reflexes. I would choose one who has additional training in sports injury, orthopedics, of physical rehabilitation. Ask the doctors you call if they have any advanced credentials in these fields, and from who. Make sure to take your x-rays.
Physiotherapy would be appropriate if you had a diagnosis that warrants it. However, at this time, you don't seem to have any diagnosis. This could be as simple as a bone bruise which would require no treatment, of you could have ligamentous damage which would absolutely require functional rehabilitation. Get the second opinion and make sure your okay first then decide on the course of action to take.
Respectfully,
Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman
www.suncoasthealthcare.net
