QuestionI hit my forehead really hard on the doorframe of my van and injured my neck. A chiropractor friend did an xray and said I had whiplash. It has been four days since it happened and the pain is very severe. I can function somewhat normally with moderate pain when taking 800mg of ibupropen. Without ibupropen I am in severe pain! THe point on my neck where I have the most pain is in my lower neck. It really hurts to touch and is really swollen. The bone hurts in that spot, not muscle, although I do have tons of muscle pain and tingling in shoulder and neck area. The xray veiw was above the point that hurts the worst or there was too much swelling in that area to see well. But xray above that point did show severe whiplash. Is it possible that the chiropractor missed a fracture?
Answerneck pain, Xray, whiplash, severe pain, Staten Island Neck Pain, pain medication, swollen, tingling, fracture, Staten Island Herniated Disc
Hello Michelle,
I am sorry that you banged your head so severely and still have such severe pain.
Let us start at the beginning:
"I hit my forehead really hard on the doorframe of my van and injured my neck....", so you were getting in or out and really banged your head hard. Did you have a headache after this? were you knocked out at all? dazed? a bruise? did the neck hurt immediately? did pain shoot into the head, into the shoulder, down the arm at that time? how old are you? have you had neck pain or tingling before?
It is very unlikely for you to fracture your neck given the mechanism of injury that you have described. IF you are elderly, IF you have an underlying osteoporosis, it is possible to fracture the neck, but not probable at all. Far more likely is a herniated disc to accompany your cervical sprain - strain ( Whiplash ).
"A chiropractor friend did an xray and said I had whiplash.....", you were smart to visit your Doctor friend. However,,,, sometimes when it comes to friends and family, we Doctors ourselves do NOT want it to be anything severe, AND we try overly hard to reassure the patient that they will be well, 'it is not that bad'. Sometimes we try do do a favor and take a quick cursory look, when perhaps a more in depth look is necessary. Hopefully your Xray series included several films: perhaps an AP, APOM, Lateral, left and right Obliques (at least 5 films). The Doctor of Chiropractic has many, many hours in Xray, particularly of the spine; I doubt your Doctor friend could have missed a fracture. If you have doubts, ask him(her) if he(she) took at least five films, explain you are still hurting, perhaps more films are needed, perhaps an MRI to evaluate soft tissue--- for a Herniated Disc.
A fracture is not likely unless you are at an advanced age or have osteoporosis; even with that- a fracture is not very likely. A herniated disc is far more probable. I would ask my friend to review the films, perhaps take more, get an MRI.
If you are still very concerned, take the films, or ask your Doctor friend to have the films viewed by a chiropractic radiologist (chiropractic specialties: http://www.acatoday.org/pdf/ApprovedChiropracticSpecialtyPrograms.pdf ) or perhaps a medical radiologist.
Your 'simple' whiplash could easily hurt you severely for a couple of weeks, moderately hurt you for a month or more, and mildly hurt you for two- three months. If you do have a herniated disc, your progress could be even more slow. If the films are 'foggy' due to swelling, new films should be taken until clear films are viewed. At least five views of Xrays should be taken. Pain persisting?= an MRI or CT scan should be taken. A fracture?= not very likely. Whiplash?= very likely. Herniated disc?= very likely. 'Pinched nerve'?= very likely.
"The xray veiw was above the point that hurts the worst or there was too much swelling in that area to see well....."- you do HAVE to see the point of pain,,, clearly.
"I do have tons of muscle pain and tingling in shoulder and neck area...."- whiplash, sprain strain, pinched nerve, herniated disc.
"Is it possible that the chiropractor missed a fracture?...."- possible,,, anything is possible; probable, NOT probable.
My Staten Island Neck Pain patients sometimes have their pain treated and reduced in a day or two,,, sometimes- depending upon the cause, it can take weeks. I have information handouts that I give my patients- perhaps this will be helpful to you:
Be CAREFUL with pain medications:
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; Diplomate, American Chiropractic Board of Sport Physicians; Diplomate, 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
USE Ice for your pain !!!:
P.R.I.C.E. =
P protection. R rest. I ice. C compression. E elevation.
Hurt yourself ?? injury/ trauma/ bruise/ not even sure - - a broken bone ??
You should certainly get to the Doctor or trained health professional to be examined if you think it is bad enough. BUT in the meantime, some simple steps may help.
PRICE.
The PRICE protocol will usually help just about any musculoskeletal injury.
P = Protection; protect the area from further injury- stop what you are doing, can you
pad or bandage the area ? Tape the area? Do something to protect the area !
R = Rest; rest the area as much as possible, if a part is damaged, give the body time to
repair the area
I = Ice; ice is a potent anti-inflammatory; it will slow swelling, help with pain control
(ice is analgesic), place ice over cloth over the injured area for 5, 10 minutes, off the
injured area for 30 minutes; then back on again
C = Compression; to help prevent swelling compression may be helpful- for example
if it is an ankle, wrap the ankle with an ace bandage and ice the area. Many body
parts may not be applicable to compression.
E = Elevation; again to fight swelling and pain, raising the injured body part above the
heart may be helpful- ie raise an ankle or knee, you lay down, raise the injured part
PRICE may help : Sprains, Strains, musculo-skeletal injury, bruise, contusion
Sometimes a slip, trip, fall, heavy lift, athletic injury, or a motor vehicle accident can cause a bump or bruise, sprain or strain. Sometimes also involved with the injury is a vertebral subluxation (or other joint subluxation) (subluxation is a mechanical problem- of any joint- and requires a mechanical correction). In the spine, a sprain/strain is a misalignment, a 慿ink?in the joint, a stretch of the muscles, tendons and/ or ligaments:- more properly termed a Vertebral Subluxation. Sometimes symptoms can come immediately, sometimes days, weeks or even months later!- Well after the actual trauma !!!
Spinal = Vertebral Subluxation Complex (a.k.a. 憇ubluxation? ;
( subluxation COULD be any joint )
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. Sprain/ strain/ bump/ bruise?= may result in subluxation of the nearby joint. CORRECT the subluxation !!!!
Numbness???, Tingling???
揚inched Nerve?
( Also Known As- neuritis, neuralgia, brachial-neuritis, sciatica )
損inched nerve??is only ?a diagnosis, WHAT is causing the 憄inch?
Your Doctor of Chiropractic will examine and evaluate you to make sure you are not showing signs of neurological damage or disease, tumors, cancers, severe pathology, perhaps a Herniated Disc, or a Vertebral Subluxation Complex.
Sometimes we can wake up with a 憄inched nerve? or a muscle spasm.... sometimes a slip, trip, fall, heavy lift, or even a motor vehicle accident can cause a 憄inched nerve? Very often - the true c a u s e of the pinched nerve, painor numbness in the: neck and/ or shoulder and/ or arm and/ or hand; pain in the back and/ or buttock/ hip/ leg/ knee/ foot - is a misalignment, a 慿ink?in the neck or back - more properly termed a Vertebral Subluxation.
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:
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.
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.
揚inched Nerve? ( Also Known As- neuritis, neuralgia, brachial-neuritis, sciatica )
損inched nerve??is only ?a diagnosis, WHAT is causing the 憄inch? ?That 損inch?has to be taken care of FIRST!
As the 損inch??the MECHANICAL component of the problem, the CAUSE of the problem is being taken care of through Chiropractic treatment, perhaps additional help would speed your return to health:
Nerve Health Support:
-----B complex containing thiamine, folic acid, B-12 and niacin is highly suggested for nerve support. High dose
B-vitamins should only be taken at the advice of a licensed healthcare professional.
-----B-6 is lower in patients with neuropathy. Vitamin B-6 reduces the glycosylation that can cause nerve damage. Amounts greater than 200mg/day can cause neuropathy symptoms.
-----Calcium and magnesium are important for nerve conduction and as muscle relaxants.
-----A multi-vitamin/mineral supplement is suggested for comprehensive support.
-----Essential fatty acids are necessary for nerve health. Essential fatty acids include omega-3 fatty acids (fish and flax oil) and omega-6 fatty acids (black currant seed oil, borage oil and evening primrose oil).
-----Proteolytic enzymes may be beneficial in neuritis for the inflammation.
-----Lecithin aids in nerve support.
-----Natural herbal remedies including passion flower, valerian, chamomile, scullcap and white willow bark may be helpful.
-----Eat a healthy diet. Avoid foods that stimulate the nervous system such as caffeine, chocolate, refined sugars, soda pop and cigarettes.
-----Drink plenty of filtered water.
-----Chiropractic care is imperative to remove nerve irritation.
Joint Support:
-----Glucosamine sulfate helps strengthen joint integrity. Glucosamine is effective in relieving joint pain associated with osteoarthritis. Glucosamine's pain-relieving effects may be due to its cartilage-rebuilding properties. These disease-modifying effects are not seen with simple analgesics and are of particular benefit.
-----MSM is known for its pain-relieving properties in such conditions as fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, bursitis, tendonitis, back pain and muscle soreness. Not many clinical trials have been done using MSM, but clinical observations support the theory that MSM is beneficial in pain managment.
-----White willow is an antiinflammatory and analgesic agent. White willow was used as far back as the Middle Ages to reduce pain and fevers. The salicylates found in the white willow bark are responsible for the anti-inflammatory and anti-fever effects. Acetylsalicylic acid, otherwise known as aspirin, is chemically similar to the salicylates.
-----Boswellia and turmeric (curcumin) are potent antiinflammatory herbs. Curcumin may have similar action to aspirin.
Information that I discuss with my Staten Island Herniated Disc patients
includes the following:
Disk Herniation
Neck Pain/ Low Back Pain can be caused by many different things. Big, BAD,
catastrophic things like a tumor or a cancer can cause pain (only a proper
exam by a licensed doctor, like your Doctor of Chiropractic, or your family
Doctor of Medicine, can evaluate your signs and symptoms, and perhaps refer
for testing). Big, bad things like a Herniated Disc, sciatica, possible
fracture or dislocation can cause Back or neck pain (again, best evaluated by
your DC or MD, and perhaps referral). Bad things, like - Sprains, Strains,
contusion, or Vertebral Subluxation Complex (all very efficiently diagnosed
and treated by your Doctor Of Chiropractic.
Sometimes Back or neck pain is caused by a Herniated disc: Herniated disk is
actually a quite common condition. However, the course of the
condition is highly variable. Some patients with a herniated disk literally
cannot walk, yet other patients with similar MRI findings may be able to run
marathons or lift heavy weights. Some people suffer for only a few days with
pain and symptoms, some people suffer for months. Although the course is
highly variable, there are certain steps that are always helpful to follow:
Ice the area when painful- 10/ 15minutes on, 30/ 45 minutes off; avoid
certain postures and movements; bend the knees when coughing or sneezing;
bend the knees when lifting anything; do not extend legs straight out when
sitting, laying down, lifting, or driving. Sleep on your back or side, arms
down. Sleep with a chiropractic cervical support pillow. Avoiding certain
movements and postures will prevent aggravation of the condition. Practicing
good postures and movement patterns will help the condition heal and be less
painful. Disk Herniation is often caused by, or often concurrent with the
Vertebral Subluxation Complex.
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.
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.
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.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
If you think of something else, have further information for me, have an additional question, do not hesitate to REcontact me here at AllExperts.com : http://www.allexperts.com/ep/965-100794/Chiropractors/Victor-Dolan-DC-DACBSP.htm
Thank you for the question.
Your Staten Island Chiropractic Expert,
Dr. Victor Dolan, DC
Email newsletter: . . . . http://drvictordolan.chiroweb.com
