Q & A
Question: I was in a car accident three months ago and have had neck pain, headaches and pain between my shoulder blades since. It seems to be getting worse and my medical doctor just says it will take time and to keep taking the medications he prescribed. He did send me to Physical Therapy but that just hurt more. Any ideas?
Name: Jim O.
Dear Jim O.
I am sorry to hear of your accident. The symptoms you relate are very common after an auto accident and are considered part of what is called a "whiplash associated disorder". The use of medications in the early days after an accident may be appropriate but like all RX. medications they have side effects and inherent risks. We don't like to see anyone taking any more medication than they need or taking that medication any longer than they need. A wait and see attitude is only recommended if you are gradually improving while you are waiting. If it's been three months and things are not improving then it may be time you looked at a different approach. In the very early stages of recovery aggressive treatment or physical therapy might be too much for you to handle. Treatment has to proceed at a pace that is appropriate to your condition and tolerance. Too much too early can actually set you back. At this stage, however, you would probably benefit from an active care plan that includes Chiropractic care and physical rehab or "Physical Therapy" type exercise modalities set at a pace that helps move you forward without aggravating your pain levels or setting you back. Research has shown that active care approach coupled with Physical Medicine such as adjustments and manipulation gives the best chance for recovery without residual impairments. Most importantly don't ignore your injuries. Treat them now to avoid more extensive and longer term disability or residuals.
Sincerely,
Dr. Jay Harris
Question: I've heard that once you go to a Chiropractor you have to keep going regularly after that. Is this true?
Name: K.B.
This is something that I have heard from some patients over the 30 plus years that I have been in practice. I've heard it more often from people who have never actually seen a Chiropractor. While some patients with chronic musculo-skeletal conditions may regularly seek the care of a Chiropractor to control those symptoms they generally do so in lieu of frequent or daily use of medication. While chiropractic care is very effective for the treatment of musculo-skeletal conditions, some injuries can result in significant permanent changes called "pathophysiological" changes. These people often elect to treat their pain as conservatively as possible and desire to limit or totally avoid the use of prescription or over the counter pain meds and anti-inflamatories. By controlling their pain they are more active in their lifestyle and healthier overall. Think of this type of ongoing care akin to diabetic using insulin daily or even a type II diabetic doing daily exercise and diet modification to avoid the need for anti-diabetic medication or insulin. If every person that started going to a Chiropractor had to keep going after that there would be lines around the block at all Chiropractic clinics. Our practice philosophy is to treat the patient to the resolution of the initial complaint and give that patient the tools and exercises they need to self-manage their complaint. If we are not getting the results we expect we will and do refer to other specialists for second opinions and/or treatment. We want the best results in the least time. While that patient may not need to return regularly or at all for that matter, we are confident they will refer their friends and family and this way we stay plenty busy without having patients return beyond their actual need.
Sincerely,
Dr. Jay Harris
Question: My right shoulder hurts when I lift it above my head. What can I do to alleviate this problem?
Name: BR
Dear BR:
You ask about pain in your right shoulder when you lift it above your head. You don't mention where the pain is felt. There are a number of possible causes of shoulder pain and a number of structures in the shoulder girdle that could be affected with elevation of the arm above head level. The site of the pain might shed some further light on the matter. Does it hurt in the anterior shoulder or is the pain more in the back part of the shoulder. Is the pain provoked when you lift the arm above the head to the front or when it is lifted to the side? If you bend your elbow when you lift the arm is the pain more or less intense? There are a number of potential pain generators including the rotator cuff muscles that can be strained or torn, the acromio-clavicular joint that could be impinged or "jammed" with certain movements and can experience degenerative changes that make the impingement more likely and/or more severe, and the bursa, which are fluid filled sacks that are found between two structures that would rub together if the bursa was not there. These bursa can become injured and inflamed causing pain with any movement that stresses the structures the bursa are meant to protect. Treatment is based on the actual structures involved and responsible for the pain in any given case. Treatment can range from rest and the application of ice and/or heat, physiotherapy, manipulation, injections into the painful structures, or even surgery. One of the most significant complications of acute or chronic untreated shoulder injuries is a "frozen shoulder syndrome" which results on extremely limited range of motion of the shoulder and arm. I hope this information helps you understand your problem better. If we can help in any way please call us.
Sincerely,
Dr. Jay
