Question
I was rear-ended back in Feb. 2006. I was stopped in the median area waiting to merge into traffic when the accident occurred. I was turned to the right, with my head turned looking out the back/rear windows when the impact occurred. At the time of the accident I was not aware of any injuries I was more upset by the whole incident as my 11 year old daughter was with me in the car. Later that day I developed neck pain, headache and lower back pain. I saw an associate of my primary care doctor. He gave me a prescription for flexeril and said to use a heating pad. I continued to have pain and saw the doctor but was given pain medicines and flexeril. I had 3 months of physical therapy which did not do much to help with the pain and stiffness I was experiencing. I also have pain in the trapezoid region and right shoulder pain. The muscles at the base of my neck on the right side are always tight and sore.I cannot sleep on my right side for long periods of time as it begins to hurt badly. An MRI showed a disc bulge at C5-C6 and a herniation at C6-C7. I was 41 years old and these findings are said to be due to old age and not the accident. I did not have any pain or other symptoms prior to this accident. I had an MRI of my lower back which shows a bulge at L5-S1. I experience pain in the right side of my lower back and throughout the buttocks area. I have seen a chiropactor with not much relief. I also saw a physical medicine and rehab doctor who performed prolotherapy on my neck. There has been improvement in my neck but I am not pain/stiffness free. Do you know of any treatments that can help or will this be chronic issue that I must deal with. Also, I did consult a lawyer because the insurance company was offering a riduculous settlement. Are there any articles that you know of that document the severity of neck injury when the head is turned to the side upon impact? Thank you for your assistance.

Answer
Hi Lisa,

With disc bulges and herniations, sometimes treatment is based on trial and error. A conservative plan of management that includes a variety of treatment modalities (exercises, mobilizations, laser therapy, massage, electrical modalities, traction, ice/heat) is usually very helpful in treating cervical disc problems. There is no reason for you to accept neck pain as a part of your life.  I recommend that you talk to other people in your area who have suffered from disc injuries and ask them if they know of a good Chiropractic doctor can help them. Also, look for a Chiropractic doctor who uses a variety of techniques for cervical disc rehabilitation.

Here is a link to a summary of a good article:
http://www.adlergiersch.com/personal-injury-articles/personal-injury-articles/a-...

I hope this helps!