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 My husband (on May 1) fractured C2 in a fall from a bucket loader on a tractor from 15 feet. He was flown by life flight to Sioux Falls and was fitted with a halo vest. He had extreme pain which worsened to a degree it was not manageable with pain medications.Last Tuesday, after x-rays, it was determined things were stable enough to remove the halo .The post on the one side was loose enough that the surgeon could not tighten it and hit any resistance. Now he has a collar, the post holes in his forehead are healing quite well; the ones behind his ears remain red and oozing with large scabs forming. I wash the area several times a day with peroxide. I am worried about the healing, is there anything else we should be looking for? He is not running any fever so not sure there is infection. Both back holes are still quite painful. He feels like a bobble-head but we expect weakness, I was encouraged to read your answer yesterday to the young man that was injured on the trampoline.So far walking has been the best exercise for him. Bending over is not good and generates pain very quickly. This has been a scary injury.
Answer Dear Patricia,
If the halo has just come off, you need to give it some time. He is still in a fragile state due to the fact that the musculature has not been activated for weeks. He will need to make sure that he does not do anything too strenuous until he gets some of the muscular strength back in the neck, and he should be in an active rehab program immediately to help regain active range of motion, and muscular control over movement.
The holes from where the halo was screwed to the skull will heal...just keep them clean like you are doing. The covering of the skull and all bones is called the periosteum and is highly sensitive, so the bone will be very tender in this area for probably 4-6 weeks even after the soft tissue has healed over.
The bending over creates an increase in the inter-cranial pressure of the head due to gravity and also increase the local blood flow. This will also take time. Along with the walking, I would suggest that you have him start some lite swimming in the next 2-3 weeks as the halo holes heal up. Being in the water will allow him some support while also allowing for free range of motion. I am not talking about doing laps here..rather exercise such as floating on his back and moving his head to the sides, going underwater and creating head motions in all directions etc... This will help create strength as the water will provide gentle resistance. He should then be able to progress onward with more strenuous exercises.
Make sure he is in physical therapy...this is key for him. I wish you both the best of luck in his recovery.
Respectfully,
Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman
www.suncoasthealthcare.net
