Question
Hi Dr. Leatherman,
A few weeks ago I felt a lump in the right side of my neck, but only when I turned it to the left side. I finally saw a doctor and they said that it was a vertebrae in my neck that was sort of out of place due to bad neck spasms on the left side. The dr told me to do neck exercises, but its been a week and the pain and headaches are worse. Should I go back, and if so what is the usual treatment for that? Thanks so much for your help!

Answer
Dear Jenny,

I am assuming that you went and saw a medical doctor initially.  I find it sad that your doctor would tell you that you have a vertebral and muscular problem, and then not refer you to a musculoskeletal expert for treatment.  I would not go back to your doctor for this problem... unless it is a tumor, it doesn't require medical treatment, and he didn't help you at all last time. You should have been referred to a chiropractic physician for care....this is what we specialize in, and research has proven time and time again that we are better in treating musculoskeletal issues than the MD's are.

Please realize that I am not trying to blast your MD, but he is not trained to address these issues like chiropractic physicians have been.  Take the time to review a few chiropractic clinics in your area and look over their websites as well to get a good understanding of their clinic (feel free to look over my website for reference) Or...if you have family or friends who have a good chiropractor, then go to them. Schedule a consultation or exam and have this problem addressed by someone who can actually correct it.

Respectfully,
Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman
www.suncoasthealthcare.net