Question
Hello.  I was injured in a crash 2 months ago.  I took a direct hit in my drivers door and the door caved in about 2 ft.  I don't have health insurance, so I have not been seen by a doctor other than in the E.R. that night.  Since the accident, I am in constant pain.  The pain in centered in my lower back and in my hips.  At times, my arms and legs feel somewhat weak or like they are tingly.  My gait has completely changed.  I had a "normal" walk before..now it's very stiff and slow and it almost feels like I have to force my left foot up and then it sort of flops back down.  If it makes any sense, it almost feels like my hips are out of place or something. My walk/standing time seems to be limited to about 5-10 minutes.  Just doing dishes is enough to bring me to tears.  The doctors didn't see anything in the x-rays on the night of the accident..but the majority of the symptoms showed up about 3 days after the accident.  Is this "normal"?  I keep thinking maybe it's a pinched nerve that won't "unpinch", but I am beginning to get scared that it will be permanent.  Thank You for taking the time to read this.

Answer
Lisa;

From what you say you were injured in a car accident that was more than likely not due to someone else's fault.  You didn't have any of these problems before the accident, and they soeund like they are a direct result of this accident.  GO SEE A CHIROPRACTOR, one certified in treating this type of case.  Go to www.srisd.com to find their directory.  It sounds like you have a sertious disc injury that needs to be addressed ASAP... what you describe is a condition called slappage gait, (Google it) and it is a direct result of L5 damage.

If this was your fault there will be some out of pocket expense.  If not, secure a personal injury attorney, one who doesn't leave you all slimy after talking to him, and get him/ her on your side on this.  Most DC's will work on a contingency basis.

YOU NEED TO DO THIS ASAP.  If you need help finding a chiropractor, I can recommend one typically  pretty close to where you live. If you need a chiropractor in Seattle, come see me.  Otherwise contact me via my website... www.dynamicclinic.com

Dr. Peter Carr
Seattle, Washington