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Back and Neck Injury/Questions Answered by Expert Dr. John H. Park, D.C., C.S.C.S.
| Subject | Date Asked |
| Back injury | 9/16/2011 |
| Q: 7 months ago i hurt my back playing baseball. I was having severe back spasms and could hardly walk. ... A: This could be a lot of things. You may have a mild disc bulge causing pain referral into the ... | |
| lower back pain | 9/15/2011 |
| Q: sir i m having pain in my lower back from past 4-5 months. i consulted the doctor and he requested ... A: In simple terms, the discs in your lower back have pushed out into the area of the spine where the ... | |
| Back injury | 6/13/2011 |
| Q: A year ago I fell 10 ft and landed on my lower back, fracturing my L3 vertebrae. I wore a brace for ... A: Hard to say what is going on if all your imaging studies are normal. It almost sounds like you have ... | |
| Back problem - Cauda equina syndrome? | 6/12/2011 |
| Q: I have had ongoing back pain for the last 4 years - this was first put down to the fact I was born ... A: I think there is high likelihood that you have a herniated or bulging disc in your lumbar spine. As ... | |
| construction job cuasing pain | 4/8/2011 |
| Q: Hello i thought i was in pretty good shape i workout 6 days a week but i recently started working ... A: Sounds like you might be suffering from a lumbar disc problem, and disc bulges or herniations can ... | |
| upper back pain | 4/7/2011 |
| Q: I was rough housing with my older brother a few weeks ago (we are both in our older 20's) and he ... A: Sounds like it could be a rib injury. The area where the rib meets the spine is called the ... | |
| Cervical rib - Yoga? | 4/6/2011 |
| Q: I have been diagnosed with cervical rib and I have been living with it for many years. I get pain ... A: Sounds like you have what is known as thoracic outlet syndrome. The cervical rib and surrounding ... | |
| wedge fracture | 4/5/2011 |
| Q: as a result of this i received two slightly crushed vertabrae called wedge fractures.the thing is im ... A: Yes, absolutely. Keep in mind that wedge fractures can be very painful, and you may need to have a ... | |
| Broken neck and numbness in arms | 4/4/2011 |
| Q: I broke my c1 c2 vertebrae about three months ago and the doctor said it was healed about a week ... A: Numbness is an indication of nerve irritation. It is quite possible that one of the nerve roots in ... | |
| C5-C6 | 10/28/2010 |
| Q: At C5-C6 There is a disc osteophyte complex with left paracentral component. There is mild facet ... A: You have arthritis in your neck, and the disc has pushed out to the left side. A combination of ... | |
| Mid Back Pain | 10/26/2010 |
| Q: I am inquiring about a recommendation of who to see about a back problem I have. I am 36yrs old. I ... A: Find a good massage therapist or soft tissue specialist. If the MRI shows little evidence of ... | |
| shoulder & neck pain | 10/24/2010 |
| Q: I included my report findings at the end. Do you think the MRI shows anything significant enough to ... A: I do not believe the hypertrophic facet changes in your neck would cause the severe shoulder and arm ... | |
| Disc Compressionn - Lower Back Pain | 6/23/2010 |
| Q: John, I had a severe pain in my back while I was playing cricket 6 months back. I thought it would ... A: Sitting makes disc injuries worse because of the compressive forces it puts on your spinal column. I ... | |
| cervical injury | 6/22/2010 |
| Q: I slept on my neck wrong one night,and the muscles at the base of the head and neck were ... A: I would have to agree with you as well. It could be a cervical disc bulge/herniation compressing a ... | |
| Lower Back Pain | 4/20/2010 |
| Q: my name is Mark and I am 51 years old. I spent twenty two years in the Marine Corps and while doing ... A: Mark, you have to accept the fact that you have certain permanent and irreversible changes in your ... | |
| awful pain in 8 areas | 4/19/2010 |
| Q: What can I do for pain in leg joints,knees,wrists,tail bone,shoulders. I hurt 24hrs it hurts to ... A: Renee, you have some chronic conditions that are irreversible so you will have a certain amount of ... | |
| suggestions for back-friendly office chairs? | 4/18/2010 |
| Q: I'm thinking about investing in an office chair that is healthy for my back, and I was wondering ... A: The ability to make many different adjustments are always a plus. Herman Miller chairs are a good ... | |
| Thoracic burning! | 2/15/2010 |
| Q: I will be going to my Neurologist shortly, but am hoping you might be able to shed some light? A ... A: Brenda, it sounds to me like you have a thoracic disc herniation. I had a patient with almost the ... | |
| low back pain/mri scan translation | 2/14/2010 |
| Q: sir/madamm Please could you tell me what can be done. over 10 years ago i really hurt my back ... A: You have less space in the spine for your nerve to "breathe" if you will. A grade 1 ... | |
| mri results | 10/13/2009 |
| Q: FIRST OF ALL THANK YOU, I'VE HAD 2 BACK SURGIES ALREADY WITH L5-S1 FUSION. JUST HAD ANOTHER MRI AND ... A: You've got a lot of degenerative changes in your back. Whether you need surgery or not depends on ... | |
| C6/7 Trauma | 10/12/2009 |
| Q: I am an ambulance worker, and was injured while moving a heavy patient with acute breathing ... A: In simple terms, you have less space than normal in your neck for the nerve at the C6/7 level. The ... | |
| broken neck | 10/11/2009 |
| Q: My son-in-law, recently broke the c5 & 6 vetrebraes in his neck. He has been released from the ... A: He needs to see a physical therapist. His rehab will depend on what kind of fracture he sustained, ... | |
| neck back injury | 7/7/2009 |
| Q: I was jumping off the diving board high dive at the public pool and on the fifth dive i came out of ... A: Probably not, but I wouldn't let it go unaddressed if it does not resolve or improve over the next ... | |
| Neck Injury | 4/22/2009 |
| Q: .. About two months back I gave myself a pretty nasty neck injury. I was stretching and apparently ... A: Sounds like you're in capable hands, and I would agree that it does seem to be a soft tissue ... | |
| help! | 4/20/2009 |
| Q: Park! I am a 39yr old healthy female. Over three years ago I was lifting and playing with my son ... A: Sounds like you have more than just a recurring lumbar sprain. The symptoms you describe can be ... | |
| clavicle protruding | 2/17/2009 |
| Q: Park, I appreciate your contributions! My story...I broke the posterior tip off my t-1 in a ... A: The "two bulbs" you are referring to are the sternoclavicular joints, and it is quite normal for ... | |
| Post C5,6,7 ACDF done in 2002 | 12/13/2008 |
| Q: 47 yr cauc female , don't drink, no past Hx, smoke, good health usually until--Car wreck Oct 2002 ... A: The answer is "yes" to all of your questions. It is possible that any one of these conditions could ... | |
| post sergical pain | 12/9/2008 |
| Q: I had c4 c5 fused with hardware April 6,2007 I still have alot of pain and have minor nerve damage. ... A: The injections usually only provide temporary relief, so it is not uncommon to have more than one ... | |
| cervical curve | 10/5/2008 |
| Q: I was going to NUCCA for about almost 3 months and found that after the adjustments I have extreme ... A: You may never get the normal cervical curve in your neck restored, and that should not necessarily ... | |
| low back | 10/3/2008 |
| Q: I'm 25. I was wondering if you could tell the best sleeping positions and just about anything ... A: As far as sleeping postures is concerned, laying on your back with your knees supported or on your ... | |
| Accident/possible neck injury | 10/2/2008 |
| Q: I received a MRI result and it say that the C4-C5, C5-C6 and C6-C7 level has subtle broad osteophyte ... A: It means you have some arthritis in your neck along with degenerative disc disease. In simple terms, ... | |
| neck an back pain | 10/1/2008 |
| Q: I HAVE STRAIGHTENING OF THE NORMAL CERVICAL LORDOSIS AND UNCOVERTEBRAL SPURRING AT LEVEL OF C5-6 ON ... A: Yes, the condition you are describing can get worse. What you described are changes that are ... | |
| Neck injury | 8/25/2008 |
| Q: I'm 65 years old and in excellent health except for this problem. I have osteoporosis which has ... A: Myrna, I suggest you make an appointment with a neurosurgeon to see if you are a suitable candidate ... | |
| Left shoulder blade pain and upper back pain | 8/24/2008 |
| Q: I am a 25 yr old female w/ no prior health problems/no family hx of health problems. Back in 2005 I ... A: I answered a similar question earlier, and my response was this: It sounds like you might have a ... | |
| neck/shoulder/arm/hand and fingers | 7/19/2008 |
| Q: 4 years ago I fell down 18 concrete stairs. Since then I have been having shoulder/arm/hand and ... A: I am assuming you had an evaluation done by physician and some treatment after the accident ... | |
| L5-L4 Bulging disc L5-S1 Annular tear | 7/17/2008 |
| Q: I am 39 female 5'1" 125 pounds. 8 weeks ago I woke up and couldn't move without pain in my lower ... A: An annular tear doesn't mean you can't stay active by any means. The discs act as shock absorbers in ... | |
| severe back pain | 6/13/2008 |
| Q: I am suffering with severe back pain as a result of falling on the floor following a seizure(the ... A: You need to see your physician immediately. This is not something you want to take lightly given ... | |
| Spinal Issues/MRI Results | 6/12/2008 |
| Q: Having L & C back pain, periph neurop left foot, also just diagnosed w/ slight foot drop. HX: 20 ... A: To put it in very simple terms, your spine has undergone some physical changes that have caused ... | |
| Neck pain and MRI results | 6/11/2008 |
| Q: I recently had a neck MRI performed due to mild but persistent neck pain. If you could please help ... A: The cervical vertebrae demonstrates hemangioma within the T2 vertebral body with increased T1 and T2 ... | |
| C6C7 cervical hernation with severe arm pain | 5/8/2008 |
| Q: I had a L5S1 disc replacement 3 years ago after being diagnosed with DDD. I have recently been told ... A: Degenerative disc disease (in the neck or lower back) is the combined result of general wear and ... | |
| compression fracture T5 & T7 | 4/6/2008 |
| Q: I was recently diagnosed with a compression fracture of T5 &T7. Bone density test show no ... A: In normal otherwise healthy individuals, compression fractures of the vertebrae usually occur with ... | |
| Cervical Rib | 4/5/2008 |
| Q: Sir, I have been diagnosed cervical rib by a neurosurgeon and an orthopaedician. They gave some ... A: You would probably benefit from doing some sort of physical therapy and manual therapy. Stretching ... | |
| back pain | 4/4/2008 |
| Q: MRI report-Minimal disc protrusion w/small underlying diffuse disco-osteophytic bulge, ... A: In short, the disc is like a jelly doughnut. The disc can degenerate, bulge, or herniate. ... | |
| three dislocated disc | 4/3/2008 |
| Q: I have three dislocated disc pinching the c-6 and c-5 nerve on my neck that causes numbness on my ... A: The neck brace may help a little but probably won't return the disc to its normal position. Try ... | |
| sudden numbness in right hand | 4/1/2008 |
| Q: Last night i had a sudden numbness in my right hand whilst i was asleep. Although the hand was in ... A: I wouldn't jump to any conclusions just yet. There are a number of potential causes for the sudden ... | |
| neck pain and dizziness | 3/31/2008 |
| Q: I sleep on my neck wrong one night and woke with something like a stiff neck, but it was more like I ... A: Yes, get it checked out. It could be a simple neck strain from postural stress or something more ... | |
| help w/ mri reading | 3/29/2008 |
| Q: Saturday while cleaning, I felt a pop in my back and it hurt, but not so bad, Sunday a little worse, ... A: You definitely need to be doing some physical therapy and rehab. The meds you're taking will help ... | |
| foot drop, | 2/28/2008 |
| Q: I had my right foot drop about six months ago, I was also having alot of frequent pain in my back, ... A: I would suggest you undergo a physical therapy program to strengthen the abdominal and lumbar ... | |
| compression fracture | 2/27/2008 |
| Q: Six weeks ago I suffered two compression fractures in my T-9 and T-11 vertebrae during rowing ... A: Compression fractures usually heal nicely without any complications in 6-8 weeks so I wouldn't worry ... | |
| neck ligament damage | 2/25/2008 |
| Q: How do I know if I have ligament damage in my neck? And will it heal on its own. Thanks A: Only way to be sure is to have an MRI or other advanced imaging done. X-rays won't show anything but ... | |
| neck popped during squats(315) | 2/22/2008 |
| Q: Well my neck popped while doing squats at the weight of 315 when I was working out for football.It ... A: Sounds like it's getting better so I wouldn't be too concerned about the popping sound. As long as ... | |
| Clicking in my neck | 1/31/2008 |
| Q: During my last pregnancy I started to experience a clicking in my neck when I turn my head left and ... A: The clicking sound you're referring to is called crepitus. It indicates some laxity in connective ... | |
| knot under right shoulderblade | 1/29/2008 |
| Q: I have had extensive massage and been to the chiropractor the knot in the muscle hurts all the time, ... A: You might have a pinched nerve in your neck (possibly from a disc bulge or herniation). "Knots" in ... | |
| Herniated Disc | 1/26/2008 |
| Q: I was diagnosed with a small post lat disc herniation L at L5 S1 with a CAT scan4.5 years ago. Ever ... A: Chiropractic care can help disc injuries in some people but it is certainly not a cure-all. You ... | |
| compression wedge fracture | 1/25/2008 |
| Q: I am a rower and during practice I suffered an injury 2 weeks ago where I have a compression wedge ... A: Absolutely not. Compression fractures of the vertebrae should heal without any complications in most ... | |
| upper back injury | 1/12/2008 |
| Q: I fell downstairs landing on my upper back have had xrays and they show no significant injury apart ... A: You might have a disc injury in your spine causing the pain radiation into your chest. X-rays won't ... | |
| neck injury | 1/11/2008 |
| Q: Park, I was in a car accident in 2003 resulting in three herniated discs in my neck. I think they ... A: I can totally relate to what you're saying. I'm 35 and I still train and compete in Brazilian Jiu ... | |
| Pain in lower back | 1/10/2008 |
| Q: I am a 25 year old male and i am experiencing pain in my lower back, on the right side. It's been ... A: I am hesitant to suggest any potential causes for your pain based on limited information, but I ... | |
| back pain | 1/9/2008 |
| Q: My son was hit really hard in the lower right side of his back during football a year ago. At that ... A: Was there any diagnosis made? Chronic back pain in adolescents is unusual. Sometimes pars fractures ... | |
| just hurt my neck | 1/8/2008 |
| Q: I have just hurt my neck and im worried, I was sitting on an arm chair and my head feel forward.My ... A: It's hard to say based on the information you provided. Did you fall asleep in that position? Do you ... | |
| Sciatica | 1/8/2008 |
| Q: Park, In June 2007, I had a massage where the Therapist hyper-extended my L4/5/S1 area in an ... A: Sounds like you definitely have a lumbar disc problem (bulge or herniation). I would suggest you ... | |
| Upper back pain and strange sensations in the right hand | 1/7/2008 |
| Q: Park, I am a pianist, working as a accompanist at a music college. I don't know if you are ... A: Any time you experience numbness, tingling or weakness in the upper extremity, you have to rule out ... | |
| Static, passive, solo psoas stretch? | 1/7/2008 |
| Q: I am a big walking trigger point, and trying to stretch, release and strengthen my way back into ... A: You're right it is difficult to stretch the hip flexors adequately on your own. I've found the best ... | |
| upper right back pain | 12/20/2007 |
| Q: about 6 weeks ago after doing some DIY at home i noticed a pain in the top right hand side of my ... A: You might have two different conditions going on - one in your neck and another in your lower back, ... | |
| Extreme curvature of the spine | 12/20/2007 |
| Q: I'm 19 years old, i was born with a scoliosis, i had never been to a DR. for my problem and just ... A: Not to down play what your chiropractor is doing, but I do think you may benefit from seeing another ... | |
| Permanent Numbness in my back... | 12/19/2007 |
| Q: and thank you for taking time in reading this. I love playing soccer. Earlier this year (around ... A: If you are experiencing numbness, it means you have a problem with a nerve somewhere. You may have a ... | |
| Back Ache | 12/18/2007 |
| Q: I am 42 year old male and am suffering from back ache for last 4 years. Every year the pain erupts ... A: This seems to be a common question for a lot of people with concerns regarding what to do besides ... | |
| C-1 & C-2 fractures with odontoid crush | 12/17/2007 |
| Q: I was involved in a quadding accident rollover May 21/07 that left me with a broken neck. After the ... A: Yes, you are lucky to be alive, but you shouldn't have to live in pain for the rest of your life ... | |
| Thoratic Back pain T5 | 12/15/2007 |
| Q: I have back pain Thoratic T5 area that is a stabbing pain. It radiates to my right side. I've had ... A: Possible cause for the thoracic and rib pain can be costochondritis. If conservative care (spinal ... | |
| disc bulging | 12/14/2007 |
| Q: I have been suffering from Migraine Headaches for a few years, along with a ten year history of ... A: The adjustments and traction probably did not cause or aggravate the bulging. How long have you had ... | |
| Thoratic Back pain T5 | 12/14/2007 |
| Q: I have back pain Thoratic T5 area that is a stabbing pain. It radiates to my right side. I've had ... A: Get some imaging done (x-rays or MRI) if you haven't already done so. This will help determine ... | |
| back injury and MRI | 12/13/2007 |
| Q: Would you please assist me with this? I hurt my back playing football in college and had surgery in ... A: As a general rule, you want to exhaust all conservative treatments before you opt to go under the ... | |
| back injury from roofing | 12/13/2007 |
| Q: 7 months ago I injured my back helping roof a house. I think it was the roofing. A few days after ... A: Absolutely. Sitting for long periods of time is probably the number one cause for chronic neck and ... | |
| back injury from roofing | 12/13/2007 |
| Q: 7 months ago I injured my back helping roof a house. I think it was the roofing. A few days after ... A: I would recommend you get some imaging done - at least a set of cervical x-rays or more ... | |
Back and Neck Injury
Answers by Expert:
Dr. John H. Park, D.C., C.S.C.S.
Top Expert on this page
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
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