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Back and Neck Injury/disc injuries in neck
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Question
I injured my neck in a fall 20 years ago. I fell down some steps and it crushed the disc in my neck between the 5th and the 6th vertebrae and the 6th and 7th, they are pinched on the right side. My head hurts constantly, my arms feel real heavy at times for no reason and the outside of my left arm, down through my little finger and ring ringer will hurt really bad or just go numb, does this mean that mu injury is getting worse, if so should I see a specialist for it? It is affecting my life everyday now instead of once in a while.
Dear CJ,
Very short answer here...yes the problem is getting worse, you are experiencing a neurological pain distribution and yes you need to go see someone very soon!
The two best options for you right now are chiropractic care and neurosurgery, and I would suggest that you get both. Conservative chiropractic care is a great option unless the disc is severely pressing on the spinal cord or nerve roots, or if there is bad stenosis (narrowing around the spinal cord or spinal nerve roots) and I would suspect significant spinal degeneration of the bones as well.
First step...you need a functional examination of the spine and upper extremities with orthopedic testing and neurological testing...scout view x-rays of the neck and very likely a MRI of the neck. A goo chiropractic physician can do all of this quickly. If the findings are moderate to severe on that exam...then he/she should refer you for a neurosurgical consult and evaluation to ascertain surgical options.
I would get the appointments scheduled soon. It will only get worse if you let this go. Good Luck CJ.
Respectfully,
Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman
www.suncoasthealthcare.net
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Answers by Expert:
Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman
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 1100 hours of post-doctoral training including; Certifications in Spinal Trauma/Mild Traumatic Brain Injury from the Spine Research Institute of San Diego, Certification in Chiropractic Spinal Trauma from 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 procedures 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 Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians, American Academy of Pain Management, Spine Research Institute of San Diego, Center for Research Into Automotive Safety and Health, Chiropractic Biophysics, Motion Palpation Organization, American Academy of Manual and Physical Medicine, Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce
Education/Credentials
B.A. (Psychology)The University of Cincinnati
B.S. (Human Biology)Cleveland Chiropractic College
D.C. (Doctor of Chiropractic) Cleveland Chiropractic College
C.C.S.T. (Certification in Chiropractic Spinal Trauma)The International Chiropractic Association
C.C.S.P. (Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician)The American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians.
*CCST and CCSP 120 hour certification courses are not recognized by the Florida Chiropractic Board due to the fact that they are not 300 hour diplomate level courses*
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