AboutDr. John H. Park, D.C., C.S.C.S. Expertise Dr. Park is the founder and clinic director of Progressive Spinal and Sports Rehabilitation in Rockville, MD. As an athlete and former competitor in Tae Kwon Do and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Dr. Park has extensive knowledge in treating sports-related injuries. He has been featured in Men's Fitness Magazine and has lectured on topics related to ergonomics, exercise, health, and fitness. With his knowledge as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the NSCA, he has helped professional athletes including players in the NFL and NBA, professionals on the PGA tour, and several of the nation's best Mixed Martial Arts and Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) competitors. He has also worked with some of the top NCAA athletes in the Midwest rehabilitate injuries and return them to competition. Whether you are a professional athlete or a weekend warrior, you can be sure Dr. Park and his staff will get you back to doing the things you enjoy the most. For more info visit www.ProSpineRehab.com or www.yourMMAdoctor.com
Experience Nine years of clinical experience in private practice and group practice along with post-graduate training in orthopedics, rehabilitation, and sports injuries. Dr. Park has lectured and written on various topics in health, exercise, ergonomics, and fitness and has treated amateur and professional athletes throughout the country.
Organizations ACA
MCA
NSCA
Publications http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1608/is_5_20/ai_n6011840 Elbow Pain: Anatomy of an Armbar Injury (August 2008 FIGHT! magazine) http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/31/sports/othersports/31ears.html Back Pain in MMA (April 2008 FIGHT! magazine)
http://www.onthemat.com/articles/Shoulder_Pain_and_Mixed_Martial_Arts_10_30_2007.html
http://www.onthemat.com/articles/The_ART_of_Pain_Relief_11_07_2007.html
http://www.onthemat.com/articles/When_Its_More_Than_Just_a_Pain_in_the_Neck_11_30_2007.html
http://www.onthemat.com/articles/Knee_Injuries__Part_1_12_12_2007.html
http://www.onthemat.com/articles/Knee_Injuries__Part_2_01_10_2008.html
http://www.onthemat.com/articles/Back_Pain_in_MMA_01_29_2008.html
http://www.onthemat.com/articles/Elbow_Injuries_Part_1_03_06_2008.html
http://www.onthemat.com/articles/Elbow_Injuries_Part_2_04_01_2008.html
http://www.onthemat.com/articles/Prolotherapy_Injections_to_Build_Healthy_Tissue_05_06_2008.html
http://www.onthemat.com/articles/Supplements_for_MMA_Athletes_07_02_2008.html
Education/Credentials Doctor of Chiropractic, National University of Health Sciences
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist(CSCS) through NSCA
Bachelor of Science Human Biology, National University of Health Sci.
Bacehlor of Science Biology, University of MD
Certified Active Release Techniques (ART) provider
Postgraduate trainging in the Diplomate American Board of Chiropractic Orthopedists
Question Dear Dr Park, I am an ambulance worker, and was injured while moving a heavy patient with acute breathing difficulties. This happened in June. I knew emmediately that I had hurt myself. I suffered pain to neck.Refered pain in left shoulder, arm, and left hand. Also pins and neadles in left arm and hand and fingers.
I had eight sessions of physio without success and was refered to specialist. He ordered a MRI scan which I had on September 5th. While my GP has managed to get the results she says that she is not qualified to fully interpret them, I have to wait until November 6th to see the specialist again. I am anxious to get some idea what I am facing. I am 61 years of age and if I cannot go back to work soon I could be out of work. I am now pain free, but still get pins and needles in my left hand and fingers when my head is lifted to far. e.g Shaving, swimming, looking up into sky.
The results say; C6/7 large diffuse disc osteophyte complex results in bilateral foraminal stenosis, slightly worse on left, and narrowing of central canal with the exclusion of nearly all of surrounding CSF around the cord, but no cord signal change.
It then goes on to say; No disc osteophyte complexes or foraminal stenosis at any other visualised levels. Normal cervical and upper thoracic spine alignment. Normal signal is returned from all vertebral bodies. Normal paravertebral soft tissues. Normal signal is returned from the imaged cord. Normal visualised posterior fossa structures and cervicomedollary function.
I know you cannot make a diagnosis, but I am hoping this injury is not unfamiliar to you from patient histories, and you can give an opinion on likely outcome.
Many thanks, Brian.
Answer In simple terms, you have less space than normal in your neck for the nerve at the C6/7 level. The disc osteophyte complex refers to a disc that has degenerated, bulged, or herniated along with arthritis in the neck bones. The disc is probably pushed out and you probably have some bone spurs that are compressing or irritating the nerve root. These changes occur over time and typically don't occur from one incident (unless it is any acute disc herniation). At any rate, try going back for more physiotherapy, and seek an orthopedic consult. Some oral corticosteroids or an epidural steroid injection are some other options you may want to consider.
