Question
I am a 32 yr. old female and was rear-ended about 16 months ago (med.
impact, car damage $3000). I was wearing my seatbelt and suffered whiplash.
As the passenger, I believe I was looking to the left also (we were waiting to
turn left). I had stiffness right after the accident, mainly in my neck. Urgent
care visit the next day -- basically told I had a neck sprain and I should be OK
after some weeks. I went to PT for about 5 weeks, but that didn't do much.
Pain and a bit of odd tingling was still there a month later. Another urg. care
visit and x-ray. The x-ray only revealed loss of lordosis.

Six months after that, I went to see a general doctor (with some spinal
specialty). He basically said I could get injections. I asked about acupuncture
and went to only 2 sessions. It was uncomfortable for me to sit through and I
was unsure about it overall.

My pain is very sporadic and widespread (radiates to mid and upper back, to
neck and shoulders also). Some hours of the day are OK, and other hours
(after looking down too long when doing dishes, paperwork, etc.), it can be
pretty painful. But, it hasn't stopped me from playing tennis or working in
front of the computer everyday, thankfully.

My question: should I have an MRI done to get to the root of the problem? Or,
just get injections? Would I be able to be so active is something truly bad was
going on? I am going to settle soon for my injury claim and want to do
everything I can to be well. But, I worry they will question an MRI this long
after the accident. But, so far nothing else has really helped to ease the pain.
Or, should I just figure the pain could be around awhile and just try
something like yoga?

Answer
Hi Diana,

I don't know where to start, the injections will not restore the normal cervical curvature, a Chiropractor will. A PT won't help either, an MRI is only indicated if a disc or other radiographically undetectable disease is suspected. Bottom line, go to a Chiro that comes highly recommended and get a home cervical restoration kit along with some manipulative treatments and your issues should abate in 6 or less weeks.

I hate to be the messenger of bad news but your lawyer should have been smart enough to send you to a DC since they are the most legally qualified to handle whiplash. Either way, you will require a DC to correct the hypolordosis since they are the only professionals that know how. I do have a few tricks up my sleeve but I can't post them, I can tell you what I would do at this point if in your shoes. It will require you call me at 708-466-9994.

Dr. Timothy Durnin