Question
I am a 26/F - About 7 months ago I was involved in an MVA.  I was building speed (40 mph) when out of no where a woman in an SUV pulled to turn around me and (not having a moment to stop) I t-boned her vehicle, totaling mine.  Immediately I had intense pain in my chest and back (which worsened with deep breaths).  My chest was sore for more than 2 weeks and I could not even lift with arms b/c of the amount of pain I was in.  When that pain diminished the back pain increased.  I saw a chiropractor 2-3 times a week for 4-5 months, saw a Pain Management Specialist who came to the conclusion from an MRI that I had two mild bulging discs T6/7 and L5 along with mild compression fractures in the thoracic spine.  He performed four epidural injections, all with no relief.  Throughout this time I have been prescribed Tramadol and Flexiril.  I am experiencing tingling (all in one area in the mid back) that has become constant, along with increasing pain and burning sensations that alternate.  I am at my wits end here.  I am no longer going to the Chiro. b/c they feel they have done everything possible and I refuse to get any more injections, as I know the side effects of the medicine.  I feel like nobody knows/wants to help me and b/c they are "mild" bulges that I "shouldn't be in so much pain".  They are saying to give it time - but, how much more time is expected?  I just want to know if I am getting all of the help that is required as I don't want to miss anything that could be helping!  I'm considering acupuncture as a way of relief.  Please help!  Thank you so much in advance!! - Jen


Answer
Hi Jen,

I understand your frustration with all the treatment that you have gone through. There are a lot of treatments that may help with you pain but sometimes it takes some trial and error. Since you have tried chiropractic, medication and injections I will give you some other options that might be beneficial

1. Another Chiropractor
2. Physical therapy [IFC, ultrasound]
3. Massage therapy
4. Laser therapy
5. Exercise therapy [back care yoga]
6. Acupuncture

Ideally I recommend that you find a multidisciplinary clinic that can offer all of the therapies listed above so that the Chiropractic doctor there can establish a plan that would be beneficial.

I hope this helps!

Dr. Liza