Question
Hi David,

After an injury that I sustained on a roller coaster injury a few years ago, I'm still having problems. I got diagnosed with severe whiplash to the point where I couldn't even support my head and had to wear a hard collar for 2 weeks, then a soft collar for a month or so after that.  Off and on I've had numbness in my hands, tingling, and twitching in my legs (and pain, needless to say).  Now, 2 years later, I'm starting to have more severe headaches, numbness in my face, visual disturbances, severe twitching and spasms in my limbs (to the point where I can't grip objects anymore and spill drinks in my hand), in addition to the back and neck pain.  After going to many doctors, I finally got a diagnosis of brachial and cervical plexus neuralgia.  The doctor then put me on Neurontin (400 mg), Lidoderm patches, and Zanaflex (as needed).  I'm starting physical therapy and acupuncture as well.

I just wanted to know if this sounds like an appropriate course of treatment in your opinion.  I'd also like to ask, do you know anything about the diagnosis?  What does brachial plexus and cervical plexus neuralgia mean?

Lastly, do you know anything about Neurontin?  I heard that it causes a significant amount of weight gain, and I'd really like to avoid that if at all possible.  I know that the dose is very low, but I'm only 15, 5'2", and 105 pounds, so even a little weight gain would show up on me.  (I know this should be the least of my concerns, but I just lost nearly 30 pounds, and I don't want to gain it all back.)

Thanks so much for you time and any info!

Answer
Britney:

Thanks for writing!


It is sad that you have had this much trouble with this injury. Someone should have gotten to the root of the problem and solved it a few years ago.

This is what happened. When you were injured on the roller coaster, the bones in your back and neck and head were moved out of their normal position and seperated from their neighbors. This puts the bones in a position that stops the nerves from doing what they are supposed to do. And that gives a person pain.

I know nothing  of the Neurontin. It sounds like a steriod. I suggest you Google it and look at the side effects.

The brachial plexus and cervical plexus neuralgia means that the nerves that come out of you neck and around the shoulder   are hurting you. This is because they cannot do what they are supposed to do because the bones are getting in their way.

The bones can be easily and safely replaced by a competent chiropractor. Go to www.sorsi.com and www.holistichiro.com and find one near you.

This must be properly corrected. The chiropractor can do that and save you years of suffering and ill health.

Does this answer your question?

Dr. Rozeboom.