Question
I was in a car crash over a year ago.  Long story short - was parked in highway (Honda civic) - rear ended by Toyota Solara doing about 70mph - caused my to hit Cargo van, caused van to hit ford explorer. There were injuries in Van that I know of. I was turned slightly to the right to check on kids in back seat.  I was knocked out temporarily, no airbags deployed, shoulder strap did not work, seat broke,  - anyway - I am still experiencing chronic pain in my thoracic region.  I feel like I need to be in traction - x-rays show a curve (scoliosis type) that was not there before wreck.  I do have a herniated disc at L5-S1.  I am desperate for relief - but I want the problem fixed.  I have two small children and a husband that depend on me.  I've been to chiropractors, massage therapists, pain management (omg - never again!).  I am very interested in any suggestion you may have.

Answer
Dear Heather,

I am very interested in trying to help you further, but I need some more information.  Please answer these questions to the best of your ability and I will get back ASAP with more detailed information.

Where exactly in the thoracic region is the pain?  
Upper back, mid back, between the shoulder blades?
Do you know the anatomical location such as which vertebral levels?
Describe the pain...burning/tingling/dull/sharp/etc...?
What diagnoses have you received from all of your doctors?
What did the chiropractor do concerning treatment?
Were any exercises or rehab protocols implemented, and if so, what did that entail?
Is the herniated disk in the low back symptomatic?
What proceedures were performed by the pain management physican?
Has any of your treatment helped, and if so what and how?

Heather, Please answer these questions for me, and feel free to add anything else you can think of concerning your experience such as any other results you may not have mentioned concerning diagnostic tests like CT's, MRI's etc...I will be in touch soon.

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