Question
Dear Mr. Boss:

Three days ago, I fell down the stairs at my home. I'm pretty sure i heard something snap.  I have had muscle stiffness in my neck and back that has somewhat eased since then.    But i continue to experience constant gnawing pain on my right side between my shoulder blade and spine that travels down to my right elbow. I am also having trouble  holding my head straight - it seems to go to the left.  Nothing seems to stop it - i have tried everything from Vicoden to Ben Gay to heating compresses.  I'm only 32 years old and in reasonably good shape. I don't want to spend the time and money to see a doctor if it is just a sprained muscle.  On the other hand, the pain is making me really grumpy.  Any advice you could give would be greatly appreciated!  Thanks so much!

Beth Grab

Answer
Beth,

Thanks for the question and I understand your concern. However, I recommend seeing a chiropractor. If it were just the pain around the shoulder blade, I would say give it a week. But the neck pain, pain on turning and pain down the elbow is a concern.  A spinal sprain/strain injury can cause spinal nerve irritation which ends in the symptoms you describe.  By leaving it alone, healing will take place but in a wrong manner. This could lead to recurrent bouts of these symptoms.

A few treatments will most likely resolve the problem and ensure proper healing, thus eliminating any opportunity for future symptoms and problems.

I hope this helps.

God Bless,

Dr. Boss