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 Hi,
I had back pain started 3 months ago. I went to doctor and they told me I had a muscle problem and she told me to do cold and hot and sent me home. 4 weeks ago I had this spasms started on my left side I waited 2 weeks before I went to the doctor again. He told me I had a minor problem in the neck and sent me to chiropractor and he did adjustments and then I started to have numbness in my two fingers. After the 4th treatment he ordered a MRI and even before seeing the report (looking at the MRI pictures) he told me that I had a tear in one of the disks and he cannot treat me anymore. I will finally went to my main doctor again and he told me that we should try to do shot to the spine instead of surgery and they are sending me to pain mngt. I will write the MRI result here:
C6-7 desiccation, narrowing with spinal stenosis, both foraminal supraforaminal, infraforaminal due to a left posterolateral, lateral and foramiinal large disk osteopyte complex begining above C607 disk space behind the left aspectof C6 extending caudaully and inferiorly at least to the upper end plate of C7 creating the marked spinal stenosis as noted best seen on the axial series #5 from images 24...
Can you let me know what is your expert opinion in my case? I am 30 years old male, 5-7 and 165lbs. I was pretty active before.
I really appreciate any recommendations that you may have.
Thank you
Emir
Answer Emir;
Disc problems are surprisingly common: 4 of 10 people have disc issues. Is your numbing in your index, thumb, and half of the third digit? This is the classic place for C6 numbness, called a dermatome. Your chiropractor either didn't want to invest the time in you or was an idiot... we see this ALL THE TIME, EVERY DAY. Disc injuries in the chiropractors office are as common as the rain.
You are too young for this, and need a different chiropractor, one who recommends some home exercises, both that incorporate traction and extension. Getting a curve in your neck is definitely job #1.. Noone is better for this than a DC.
I would consult www.chiroweb.com for a DC near you, try and find a Palmer graduate. If you were in downtown Seattle, I'd have you come here, www.dynamicclinic.com . The reason I put that in is that I've written an article on the lumbar spine disc that may help you understand the disc mechanics.
There is every reason to think that you can get back to being the active young man you were before... be proactive on this and you will get better results!
