QuestionI was in a rear end collision on Monday Nov 10, 2008. There was no injuries so I did not go to the ER. The next day, I had a sore neck and a bad headache, took some OTC meds and chopped it up to being in the accident. By Wednesday I had this throbbing pain that nothing would help in two spots. Being that I was just out of the military I had not been to a doctor, so I called and made a appointment and because I was a new patient I had to wait a week. The throbbing pain was all over my head by then, neck really stiff, tried heat and cold packs, with no luck. Also when I look up at the sky I get this sharp pain. Dealt with that for a week and went to see the doctor. He said I had severe whiplash and gave me vicoden and flexorel. Told me if it wasn抰 better in a week to see a chiropractor. After taking the meds for about 3 days the pain went away. I quit taking the vicoden on Friday, and then on Sat I quit taking the flexorel. By Monday I wanted to chop my head off the pain hurt so bad. It starts behind my ears and grows all the way to my forehead and eyes sometimes constant pain, throbbing. I start taking my meds again, and call a chiro and get in right away. He sends me for X-rays and says that I have pulled muscles between C2-C3 and a straight neck. I see him for three weeks and I the pain in my neck and head is gone so he has me quit taking my flexoral. Within in 6 hours pain is back, its bearable. I go through the day and in pain because he wants to do a exam. I see him and he says he doesnt know why I am getting the pain but that we will work on the occipital muscles and to take my meds again and that we will do exercises next week. Two treatments of exercises and I am in pain on my medicine. This time he adjusts my head. Wow, within minutes I get relief with the sharp pain. Still have the numbness, tenseness behind my ears on both sides. We did this for three visits and the sharp pain is gone altogether. I still have this tenseness and numb feeling on both sides behind my ears. He tells me he is not sure what is causing this and that he will see me on Monday and we will go from there.
I guess my questions are, is there something else we should be doing. Would a MRI show anything? I know I cant live without taking this medicine, but yet I don抰 like taking it either. Is their anything you can suggest that I can suggest. Please help!!!
Thanks
Jennifer
Answerstaten island auto accident, staten island motor vehicle accident, headache, whiplash, OTC meds, Vicodin, Flexoril,
Hello Jennifer,
Sorry to hear of your car accident and subsequent aches and pains.
Let us start at the beginning of your story.
"I was in a rear end collision on Monday Nov 10, 2008. There was no injuries so I did not go to the ER...." -- there were no injuries.
We have to start here.
Obviously there was injury. You did not feel the results of that injury until the next day. You did not feel the FULL impact of the damage until days or even weeks later. Inflammation is a process, a cascade of chemical physiological events, a row of dominoes. Sometimes we can hurt ourselves on a Tuesday, and not feel the full pain until Saturday or Sunday. How we INITIALLY treat an injury often determines how complicated and chronic the condition can become.
Sometimes a person can hurt their neck or back, and the first thing they do is put some nice heat upon the area. Grrrrrreat- for chiropractic business, Baaaaaaad for the patient. The heat will often set up a deep rooted inflammation. It will takes weeks or months to restore the area to healthy status. When people come in to me and tell me they hurt themselves, and have been putting heat on it, and it has gotten worse, and they keep putting heat,,,,,,, I feel very sorry for that patient. They are going to be in pain for a prolonged period because they treated the problem improperly initially.
"The next day, I had a sore neck and a bad headache, took some OTC meds and chopped it up to being in the accident...."- you had pain, your body was talking to you; what do you do?- you shush the body- you say to the body- 'be quiet'; you cover up the problem by taking a medication. You cover up the problem, and the problem continues to grow worse.
"Dealt with that for a week and went to see the doctor. He said I had severe whiplash and gave me vicoden and flexorel. ....".
Vicodin: http://aids.about.com/od/miscellaneousmeds/a/vicodin.htm
"Vicodin is actually a combination of two pain relievers; acetaminophen, commonly known by the trade name Tylenol; and hydrocodone, a synthetic codeine. Vicodin is one of the most widely prescribed pain relievers and has become one of the most frequently abused." Vicodin is a painkiller-- so it kills pain, and does nothing about the cause of the pain.
Flexeril:
Cyclobenzaprine is a muscle relaxant. It works by blocking nerve impulses (or pain sensations) that are sent to your brain.
Cyclobenzaprine is used together with rest and physical therapy to treat skeletal muscle conditions such as pain or injury.
http://www.revolutionhealth.com/drugs-treatments/flexeril
A muscle relaxant; again, what is CAUSING the muscle spasm, the muscle pain.
These medications covered up your problem by giving SYMPTOMATIC treatment, but the CAUSE was ignored. The CAUSE was progressing- creating more inflammation, adhesions, irritation to muscles, nerves, joints.
Your problem got a headstart.
Ultimately- a Doctor of Chiropractic: "Still have the numbness, tenseness behind my ears on both sides. ....", you have had a SHORT term of chiropractic care, and have already felt progress.
Good! You covered up the problems with medications, and the condition progressed. Now, you are treating the CAUSE of the problem. Yes the CAUSE of your condition has had a headstart, has caused damage, and will take a period of time to correct; but it sounds like you are in the right place.
I have many Staten Island Auto Accident patients- we have too much traffic, and too many MVAs ( motor vehicle accident ). Every day is an adventure on our crowded roadways. "Whiplash" - a term not commonly used anymore - is common; ESPECIALLY in rear end collisions. Whiplash, now more currently named Cervical Acceleration Deceleration injury, or Cervical sprain/ Strain is a common complaint in the Doctor of Chiropractic's office. Case history consultation, physical examination, Xrays are all employed in every traumatic MVA in my office. Beyond Xray- MRI, EMG/ncv (nerve tests) are also commonly utilized.
Your accident occurred Monday Nov 10, 2008, it is almost February 2009; you have had WEEKS of pain, almost two months of this problem.
Yes, you need Xrays, MRI, EMG/ncv, and perhaps other tests your DC relies upon.
Your accident occurred Monday Nov 10, 2008, it is almost February 2009; you have had WEEKS of pain, almost two months of this problem.
Your condition had a headstart; you need patience to allow your body to heal the CAUSE of your symptoms.
My Staten Island Whiplash patients all get the following information in a handout sheet their first visit:
PAIN
Pain is a 憆ed light on the dashboard?
Pain is your body telling you that something is wrong.
That RED LIGHT on the dashboard of your car- -- do you ignore it until the car breaks down, or do you get it checked and correct the problem?
Pain,
pain in your body-
-- do you ignore it until your body breaks down, or do you get it checked and correct the problem?
Pain, do you cover up the pain by taking a painkiller? Take a painkiller, mask the pain, and allow a problem to progress in your body?
NOTICE ON PAIN RELIEVERS:
Label changes ORDERED by FDA; the FDA announced proposed label changes for OTC over-the-counter pain relievers to include the potential for stomach bleeding and liver damage (FDA news 206- 207; 12-9-06) ;
The American Heart Association issued a scientific statement recommending medical doctors change the way they prescribe OTC pain relievers from a first choice to an alternate of recommending non-pharmacologic treatment (AHA statement 2-26-07).
NSAID Acceleration of ARTHRITIS; an important side effect of Aspirin and other NSAIDS is that it will inhibit cartilage repair and accelerate cartilage destruction ( Journal of Rheumatology, 1982; 9: 3- 5 ). Many times people take NSAIDS for the pain of Arthritis, not realizing these drugs may make the underlying condition worse. These medications cover up the pain, and cause the problem to worsen.
Pain can often be the result of the Vertebral Subluxation Complex.
Vertebral Subluxation ( 慥SC?, 憇ubluxation? )
Vertebral Subluxation is actually a quite common condition.
Doctors of Chiropractic look for pathological conditions which may require referral to other specialties, and also look for 慡ubluxation? Other disciplines look for pathology, but overlook the importance of alignment and movement in the spine which affects our nervous system (the master control system- ALL health disciplines learn this). VSC- 慡ubluxation??can be the cause of many symptoms and conditions.
Only a Doctor of Chiropractic will evaluate and treat for VSC, as well as other pathology.
The course of VSC is highly variable. Some patients with VSC literally cannot walk, yet other patients with similar test findings may be able to run marathons or lift heavy weights. Some patients immediately develop symptoms related to the VSC, some patients take years to develop symptoms. Some people suffer for only a few days with pain and symptoms, some people suffer for months. Some people recover in days, some take months or years, depending upon severity of the condition.
A subluxation interferes with the proper functioning of the nervous system (the master system which controls and coordinates all function within the body) and may cause various other conditions, symptoms and problems.
The Vertebral Subluxation Complex describes what happens when spinal bones lose their normal movement patterns and position. When subluxated, joints are in a stressed, vulnerable, compromised condition. Subluxation may cause Arthritis, Disk Herniation, or aggravate such conditions.
Vertebral Subluxation cannot be corrected through chemicals (medicine), stretching, yoga, vitamins or physical therapy alone. Subluxation- a neuro/skeletal/muscular- mechanical- problem requires a mechanical correction- - - a manipulation, best performed with the chiropractic adjustment.
Dr. Victor E. Dolan, Doctor of Chiropractic; Diplomat, American Chiropractic Board of Sport Physicians; Diplomat, American Academy of Pain Management; Certified Clinical Nutritionist (IAACN); FIRST Chief of Chiropractic in a Hospital in New York State (DHSI); As Seen in PREVENTION Magazine
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
My Staten Island Auto Accident patients also get another handout:
揥hiplash?
( Also Known As- Cervical Sprain/ Strain, CAD= Cervical Acceleration/ Deceleration Injury)
Sometimes a slip, trip, fall, heavy lift, or a motor vehicle accident can cause a 慦hiplash Injury? This can result in ligament sprain, muscle strain, and 憄inched nerves?
Often - the c a u s e of the neck stiffness and pain; a cause of stretched ligaments and muscle strain is a misalignment, a 慿ink?in the neck- more properly termed a Vertebral Subluxation.
Sometimes 慦hiplash?symptoms can come immediately, sometimes days, weeks or even months after the actual trauma !
Vertebral Subluxation Complex (a.k.a. 憇ubluxation?
The vertebral subluxation complex is the underlying cause of many healthcare problems.
A subluxation interferes with the proper functioning of the nervous system (the master system which controls and coordinates all function within the body) and may cause various other conditions, symptoms and problems.
This is a serious condition identified by its five parts:
Spinal Kinesiopathology:
This is fancy way of saying the bones of the spine have lost their normal motion and position. It restricts your ability to turn and bend. It sets in motion the other four components.
Neuropathophysiology:
Improper spinal function can choke, stretch, or irritate delicate nerve tissue. The resulting nerve system dysfunction can cause symptoms elsewhere in the body.
Myopathology:
Muscles supporting the spine can weaken, atrophy, or become tight and go into spasm. The resulting scar tissue changes muscle tone, requiring repeated spinal adjustments.
Histopathology:
A rise in temperature from an increase in blood and lymph supplies result in swelling and inflammation. Discs can bulge, herniate, tear, or degenerate. Other soft tissues may suffer permanent damage.
Pathophysiology:
Bone spurs and other abnormal bony growths attempt to fuse malfunctioning spinal joints. This spinal decay, scar tissue, and long-term nerve dysfunction can cause other systems of the body to malfunction.
The Vertebral Subluxation Complex describes what happens when spinal bones lose their normal movement patterns and position.
Automobile accidents, improper lifting, improper posture, alcohol, emotional stress, chemical imbalances, and long periods of sitting can cause the Vertebral Subluxation Complex.
Vertebral Subluxation cannot be corrected through chemicals (medicine), stretching, yoga, vitamins or physical therapy alone. Subluxation- a neuro/skeletal/muscular- mechanical- problem requires a mechanical correction- - - a manipulation, best performed with the chiropractic adjustment. For good health- Treat the Cause, not just the Symptoms.
Dr. Victor E. Dolan, Doctor of Chiropractic; Diplomat, American Chiropractic Board of Sport Physicians; Diplomat, American Academy of Pain Management; Certified Clinical Nutritionist (IAACN); FIRST Chief of Chiropractic in a Hospital in New York State (DHSI); As Seen in PREVENTION Magazine
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
INFLAMMATION
The Vertebral Subluxation Complex describes what happens when spinal bones lose their normal movement patterns and position. When subluxated, joints are in a stressed, vulnerable, compromised condition. When Subluxated, the area becomes INFLAMMED. Inflammation is a body response governed by 慚other Nature?or biological law. That INFLAMMATION is similar to a -Bruise- or a contusion, or even a cut on your skin.
Inflammation: A basic way in which the body reacts to infection, irritation or other injury, the key features being redness, warmth, swelling, loss of function and pain (chiropractic students learn: rubor, calor, tumor, function loss, and algesia).
Have you ever had a Bruise ?? Did it disappear as soon as you looked at it and wished it away?
Or did it Disappear OVER TIME? Did it come back if you injured / irritated the same body part again?
Did you ever have a cut ?? Did it disappear as soon as you looked at it and wished it away ?
Or did it take time to heal? And if you scraped it, irritated it,,, did it take even longer to heal ?
When you have a spinal subluxation, the surrounding area becomes 態ruised? irritated, INFLAMMED. This inflammation takes time to heal. This inflammation is easily re-inflammed, re- started.
The subluxation is NOT JUST a 慴one out of place?easily 憄ut back into place? TIME and proper TREATMENT are partners in correcting your health problem. Subluxation has the
biochemical inflammatory process as part of the picture, as well as other components:
慥SC? the Vertebral Subluxation Complex (aka: the 揝ubluxation?
Only a Doctor of Chiropractic will evaluate and treat for VSC, as well as other pathology.
The course of VSC is highly variable. Some patients with VSC literally cannot walk, yet other patients with similar test findings may be able to run marathons or lift heavy weights. Some patients immediately develop symptoms related to the VSC, some patients take years to develop symptoms. Some people suffer for only a few days with pain and symptoms, some people suffer for months. Some people recover in days, some take months or years, depending upon severity of the condition.
A subluxation interferes with the proper functioning of the nervous system (the master system which controls and coordinates all function within the body) and may cause various other conditions, symptoms and problems.
Subluxation is a serious condition identified by its five parts:
Spinal Kinesiopathology: This is fancy way of saying the bones of the spine have lost their normal motion and position. It restricts your ability to turn and bend. It sets in motion the other four components.
Neuropathophysiology: Improper spinal function can choke, stretch, or irritate delicate nerve tissue. The resulting nerve system dysfunction can cause symptoms elsewhere in the body.
Myopathology: Muscles supporting the spine can weaken, atrophy, or become tight and go into spasm. The resulting scar tissue changes muscle tone, requiring repeated spinal adjustments.
Histopathology: A rise in temperature from an increase in blood and lymph supplies result in swelling and inflammation. Discs can bulge, herniate, tear, or degenerate. Other soft tissues may suffer permanent damage.
Pathophysiology: The VSC contributes to OsteoArthritic degeneration. Bone spurs and other abnormal bony growths attempt to fuse malfunctioning spinal joints. This spinal decay, scar tissue, and long-term nerve dysfunction can cause other systems of the body to malfunction.
Dr. Victor E. Dolan, Doctor of Chiropractic; Diplomat, American Chiropractic Board of Sport Physicians; Diplomat, American Academy of Pain Management; Certified Clinical Nutritionist (IAACN): FIRST Chief of Chiropractic in a Hospital in New York State (DHSI); As Seen in PREVENTION Magazine
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Sumary:
Your rear end motor vehicle accident certainly caused sprain/strain injury. Perhaps disc pathology is involved- Xray and MRI are needed. Perhaps nerve irritation is involved- EMG/ncv is necessary. Your Doctor of Chiropractic is an excellent place to be for these spinal and related complaints. Be patient. It is not uncommon for these injuries to take several weeks even a couple of months to make great headway. After two- three weeks of treatment you should feel good improvement, but to be back in good shape could take two- three months. Another info handout I utilize on the need for patience and a chiropractic treatment regimen:
Treatment Regimen
Why do I need to have treatment __________________ ? ! ??
( TWICE A DAY ?, EVERY DAY ?, 3- 4x/week, 2- 3x/week, 1- 2x/week )
Depending upon your specific condition, your specific case, you may need to be seen many times in a short period.
If your condition is severe, complicated, particularly painful; you may need close, frequent attention. Similar to medicine, usually the more severe the case the more often medicine is taken with larger doses. The Doctor of Chiropractic works with hands and therapy in person to accomplish the goal, the MD can treat 憀ong distance?via medicine without actually seeing the patient for treatment.
Why do I need to have treatment for (weeks, months, years!?! ) ?
Again, the Doctor using chiropractic techniques needs to get 慼ands on?in person.
An MD can treat a patient without actually physically seeing the patient every day through medicine; i.e.: 搮Here are 60 pills, take one a day every day, and I will see you in two months厰. The dentist can say- 搮here, wear these braces 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for the next two- three years. I will see you every two weeks, but I抣l be treating you every day, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day for the next few years厰 .
People can wear braces and retainers for YEARS. It can take YEARS to move the bones (known as teeth) into their proper position. It can take years and years, and thousands of dollars ! But, those teeth (bones) have to be properly aligned to have a nice smile.
BUT you do not have to keep wearing the brace or retainer, you can take the brace off any time,,,, and let the teeth go back to their misaligned positions (habit), and have a lousy, unhealthy smile.
Some people with certain conditions have to take a medicine every day, seven days a week, 365 days a year; 搮..for the rest of their life??.
For the REST OF THEIR LIVES !!!!
Sometimes someone can have a damaged heart, lung, liver, kidney, pancreas; and they have to take a medicine, sometimes a FEW medicines, every day, sometimes for years, sometimes 搮for the rest of their life厰 . Similarly, a damaged neck or back, a damaged spine, a damaged nervous system can sometimes use treatment ?..for the rest of their life厰 .
Most people who go to the Doctor of Chiropractic feel a difference in their pain in as little as two or three weeks. Instead of taking years (like braces and the teeth) to make changes, the dynamic spine can start to feel better very quickly. To maintain the proper position and movement of the vertebrae (bones) it can take a continued regimen of care (of course not as frequent as the initial schedule, but to maintain gains, maintenance has to be performed). BUT you do not have to keep up with treatment, you can stop any time you want,,,, and let the vertebrae go back to their misaligned positions (habit).
It is a joke amongst Chiropractors that the DC is a magician- first Chiropractic makes the pain disappear, and then the patient disappears as well !!, BUT- pain is the last thing that comes in a problem, and the first thing that disappears under treatment,,,, but the disappearance of pain does NOT mean correction of the underlying health problem.
Correct the problem- follow a proper regimen of care !!!!
Dr. Victor E. Dolan, Doctor of Chiropractic; Diplomat, American Chiropractic Board of Sport Physicians; Diplomat, American Academy of Pain Management; Certified Clinical Nutritionist (IAACN); FIRST Chief of Chiropractic in a Hospital in New York State (DHSI); As Seen in PREVENTION Magazine
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
If you would like, do not hesitate to re-contact me here at AllExperts.com @
http://allexperts.com/ep/965-100794/Chiropractors/Victor-Dolan-DC-DACBSP.htm
I hope this helps.
Good Luck,
Dr. Victor Dolan, DC
http://drvictordolan.chiroweb.com (Email newsletter)
http://www.SIAutoAccident.com
