Question
I suffered a fall app. 12 yrs. ago while working. I was attempting to push this HUGE barrel (filled with sugar), with both arms, and my feet were a ways back (as I was pushing with all I had)...I accidentally hit a wet spot, and my feet came out from under me and flew straight up in the air...slamming my body into the barrel. My chin caught the edge of the barrel during the fall and snapped my head straight back (to where it hit the large bone at base of neck), and my spine bent COMPLETELY the opposite way of which it is suppose to. I had a huge bruise under my chin and when I fell, i heard severe "CRUNCHING" throughout my body and saw "lightning bolts" in my head...Now I am having terrible pains in my neck, shoulder, arm, lower lumbar and numbness down left leg, tingling & burning in my left buttock and leg. MRI of Lumbar Spine shows...Central slightly to the right lateral protrusion of the intervertebral disc L5-S1 with associated annular tear. 2nd MRI Of Cervical spine shows: Left paracentral disc bulge at C6-7. I am a nurse and have been off work now for 9 months...chiropractic and pain medication is not helping...I am so miserable...PLEASE PLEASE advise what my options are...I can't take this much longer. Thanks for your time.

Answer
Barbara;
I am so sorry this happened to you... how is it that a nurse is pushing a sugar barrel?  Anyway, the levels that you have a herniationcould easily be causing your problems.  You chiropractor:  is he/she recommending traction?  There are lots of products out there that can help.  I should warn you: I'm a terrible tyoist.  Can you call me?  Please email me and get my #, or go to www.dynamicclinic.com ... I'd rather talk to you.

Dr.Carr