Question
Three weeks ago I was injured in a fall.  I broke my C1 and C2 (tiny chips that will fuse or dissapate but spine is protected - no surgery required), clavicle, hairline fracture of shoulder and cracked two ribs and a concussion.

Today I was supposed to see the neurologist who was assigned to me in the ER for a 3 week checkup, the first since I left the hospital.  He cancelled and now I can't get in for another seven days. I have two concerns: 1 - my jaw doesn't 'line up'  I broke my jaw 20 years ago and have recurrent pain, anyway.  They xrayed the jaw and didn't find a break.  However, my back teeth don't feel like they match all the time - like my lower jaw is thrust forward.  Sometimes it feels fine, however, so I don't know if I should be concerned or not?  2 - the back of my head is still 'pins and needles' numb from my crown to the bottom of my skull.  Is this normal after three weeks?  

Should I wait another week to see the doctor or should I try to find someone else who can get me in sooner?

Many thanks -

Answer
Dear Coni,

Concerning the jaw:  I would recommend that you seek out the opinion of a TMJ specialist.  These are often dentists, oral surgeons, or chiropractic physicians with specialized training and they will be the best doctors to analyze the alignment and the occlusion of the teeth.  Often regular medical doctors do not fully understand the working anatomy of the jaw and its specialized bilateral hinge mechanism of opening and closing...because their training is more focused with illness rather than trauma.  

Concerning the pins and needles continuation, this is common after injury to the upper neck and spine, and may take awhile to see resolution.  I would not automatically run out to get another opinion yet.  Wait for your scheduled appointment with the neurologist as he/she already has a working knowledge of your specific case from the ER.  If you are not happy with the visit, if nothing is accomplished, or if your questions are not addressed, then I would seek out another opinion.

Chiropractic spinal adjustments are often great at eliminating the types of symptoms you have described in the neck, but you are not a chiropractic candidate at this time for the spine. I would not recommend chiropractic for the neck or upper back until the fractures in your neck, , ribs and shoulder have completely healed, or it has been determined that the bones are stable with a non-union of the chips. This will take a minimum of 6-8 weeks.  

Good Luck Coni.

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