AboutDr. John H. Park, DC, CSCS Expertise Dr. Park is the founder of 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)
B.S., Biology (National University of Health Sciences)
B.S., Biology (University of Maryland)
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with NSCA
Certified Active Release Techniques Provider
Past/Present Clients Amateur athletes, non-athletes, and professional athletes in the UFC, NFL, NBA, and PGA.
Question I am a thirty year old female who is in good health. Twelve weeks ago I hurt my back running on the left side. I was diagnosed with a degenerative disc between L5 and S1 about 6 years ago and just assumed that it would heal. 6 weeks of Pt and not much improvement, I went to the chiropractor. He went ahead and performed a side manipulation of my left SI joint, as he figured that was my problem. It has been six weeks since my one and only adjustment and I am in agony. I feel bad sitting, standing and sometimes even laying down. Now initially, I experienced a tingling sensation on my left calf, but over the past 6 weeks, it faded. Two days ago, the calf tingling came back in both legs and I am starting to experience frequent muscle spasms in both calves ( I didn't do anything to provoke this). I am really frightened that the manipulation permanently hurt me and caused nerve damage. Are the calf spasms and tingling sensations a symptom of nerve damage? I have noticed some spasms in my thigh too. Any thoughts on how to control these? Do I need to see another doctor about my condition? Thanks in advance for your advice.
Answer The symptoms you are describing are likely the result of the L5/S1 disc that has bulged or herniated and is irritating or compressing the nerve root. I don't believe the adjustment caused any permanent nerve damage, but it may have aggravated an already irritated nerve. I suggest you go back to the PT or another chiropractor who can teach you how to perform McKenzie exercises for your lower back. You may also want to consult with an orthopedist for other options including a short term course of oral corticosteroids or perhaps an epidural steroid injection. Another MRI may be in order as well.
