Question
Almost 2 weeks ago, I was walking down a slick grassy hill and fell flat on my back. I hit the ground so hard, it knocked the wind out of me, and I had severe pain(about a 9 on the 1-10 scale. I went to the ER and they just prescribed me Valium and Percocet. No MRI's or radiographs were taken.

I followed up with my PCM the next week because I was still experiencing significant pain. My DR then ordered an x-ray, however, it did not "as far aas she could tell" show any type of fracture or misalignment.

I am scheduled to begin PT next week, but I still feel so immobilized, that Im not sure I'll be able to do any of the exercises.

My pain is a sharp pain in the middle of my back(about where my bra strap is) and I have a burning sensation in my neck, as well as under my left shoulder blade. I cannot twist, and I cannot lower my head to my left shoulder(as if to hold phone between my ear and shoulder). Also, the other day, my fingertips started to tingle slightly and my legs felt shaky, although I didn't appear to have much weakness, only a feeling of weakness.

Does this sound like something I should go back to my PCM for and "Make her" order an MRI, or should I just try the PT and see where that gets me?

Do these symptoms sound like something typical of a tissue injury?

Thank you!


Answer
Without a proper exam, I am just guessing, but there could be some misalignment that will not show up on plain xray, especially in the ribs.  There also sounds like there is a lot of muscle injury, kind of like whiplash.  PT "may" help with the muscle issues, but it is not going to help much if there are true bony misalignments.  My suggestion is to see a chiropractor.  If you don't know any or if you trust my suggestions, go to www.sorsi.com to locate a doctor near you.  I am a member of this organization and trust everyone on this list.  I am in St. Paul, Minnesota and would be happy to see you.  If you have any other questions or concerns, please email me.

Dr. Starbuck