AboutDr. Peter Carr Expertise I can answer spine related issues, as well as golf, running, and whiplash related issues. I run a very busy practice in Downtown Seattle, Dynamic Chiropractic Clinic, and sometimes do not get to answer questions every day, but when I do, I'll try my best to answer the question(s) you have.
Experience I have a doctorate from Palmer College of Chiropractic, and am a Certified Chiropractic Golf Practitioner. I am also a lecturer on whiplash injury, certified in the etiology and treatment of auto accident cases, and was a national-level mid distance runner.
Organizations American Chiropractic Association, Washington State Chiropractic Association, Whiplash Seattle Member and founder
Question Considering I don't actually know what's wrong with it, and assuming you can't just make a guess on it either, I'm mostly wondering on how to manage this kind of pain.
Details: Over a year ago I fell backwards while moving at about 15mph(skateboard). In the fall I sprained both my wrists but they're fine now, and my upper back/neck took the most force from the impact. Ever since there has been pain, on most days when still it is mild but there are days where I don't want to move at all it is so painful. On an average day I can bend it to either side with no pain, but bending it back is always painful and often excruciatingly so and bending it forward is a toss-up, uncomfortable to painful. It crunches when bent back, and the back of my neck swells with a lot of motion.
I don't think it's a muscle problem, the pain is centered on my spine and I can even pinpoint the vertebrae where the focus point of the pain is.
I have been to the doctor, but he was about as helpful as if I had asked my dog. Not talking bad about doctors, this one specifically just was not helpful. He x-rayed my head and upper neck instead of the point where the pain comes from, even though I said I never hit my head in the fall. He said it was most likely a posture problem, yet said my posture was fine during the time I was there and dismissed the fall as a possible cause. To be fair it took 6 months before a family member forced me to go in, so I imagine that makes it appear that the pain is not as bad as it truly is. Cannot afford to go back for more tests/see a different doctor.
Cold temperatures seem to make it worse(which is why I ask at the beginning of winter), ice reduces the swelling but has no impact on the pain, if anything it feels worse. Have yet to find a medication that has any impact on the pain either. Any tips on pain relief or info on possible cause?
Answer A fall from a skateboard can generate forces of 15g's! The films that were taken of your neck, xrays should be relatively cheap. You need (specifically) flexion and extension views. My fear is that you have sprained your neck, more badly than you think. The best and cheapest method to check this is to take those films. If you were in my office in Seattle (that's why it took so long to get back to you, my office flooded) I'd take these films in a heartbeat. GO see a chiropractor, they will charge you less, tell them that you you want those films, and an evaluation of those.
