Question
Dear Kevin, I was in  a car accident in February 2011 in which I sustained  a fractured sternum and a certain amount of whiplash.
I've had three lots of physiotherapy and chiropractic work with some accupuncture and electric heat pad treatment over approximately the last nine months, which was when the insurance permitted me to have any treatment, but still have neck stiffness, restircted movement etc and have also now been suffering fro  feet pains and stiffness.None of this was with me prior to the accident.
What are the longterm possibilities of the eradication of neck problems and how do the feet trouble srelate and what if anything can be doen to bring my feet back to where they were?
MANY THANKS Rosemary

Answer
Hello Rosemary,
I am very sorry that you are still experiencing pain from the car accident 9 months ago.  Your question is,  what are the long term possibilities of eradicating the neck pain and does the pain and stiffness in the feet relate.   I have questions because I have not examined you and I do not know the results of any Imaging studies of your neck and lower back.  Have you had a NCV/EMG of the lower extremities?  I see that you have went through many different therapies but it has been based on what the insurance has allowed. The problem with this is the extremely restrictive nature of insurances at least in the USA, which can cause more problems with the individuals health especially following a traumatic accident.  They may give you permission to see one doctor or therapist for a few visits and then there is a long delay to get authorization to have another round of treatment.  This starts a "yo-yo" effect of your bodies healing mechanics which slows your progress.

Ultimately at this point you probably have significant scar tissue build up which does restrict motion and can cause pain as these fibers break with certain normal movements.  The laws in the US allow you to have an attorney represent you on a "lien" that basically tells the doctor that (s)he will guarantee them Payment for treatment when the case settles allowing you an open door for help.  While this is risky for the doctor and for you should you lose the case it's not a bad thing.  I do not know the laws in the UK though, I am sorry.  If you do not have this ability then I would suggest making some form of a financial deal outside of the insurance and allows you more treatment.  Whether you pay him a lump sum up front at a reduced per visit rate or if (s)he would be willing to put you on a payment plan so that you can get all the treatment you need.

So, with the "financial" side out of the way, will you get better.  Yes,  consistency is key, find a doctor "chiropractor" that was trained at one of the Palmer schools in what is called "diversified" treatment,   This doctor should give you a prescribed course of stretching at home and strength training as well.  (S)he should also provide you with chiropractic adjustments and physiotherapy as long as you do not have any conditions that are contraindicated to treatment (the doc will know ).    The treatment schedule for you to notice positive changes is 2-3 times per week for 4 weeks then 1-2 times per week for another 4 weeks then 1 visit every week to 2 weeks for a month.  This is average treatment times for an individual involved in a motor vehicle accident without complicating factors such as a disc injury etc.  Normally within the first month you will start to notice improvement as long as you participate and do your homework.  

I hope this helps, it is difficult to provide recommendations when the laws outside of the US can be significantly different.  However, anywhere in the world, if you pay for the service you will receive the service. You will have to wait to get your money back from the accident case but if you can afford it or get a loan from family or friends you will get consistent treatment which is a must for you to get better.  

So the last thing, are the feet involved.  My opinion is yes, there is likely some form of compression on one of the spinal nerves OR due to lack of exercise (walking, stretching, etc) because of the neck pain etc, you are starting to feel some peripheral neuropathies and/or muscle atrophy (wasting tissue ) that if it is left untreated can become perminent.  You also probably have not had treatment in a while due to insurance restrictions.

So you need to find a way to get the treatment you need and get your life back.  I hope this helps and I am sorry that I cannot give you more definitive answers.  It is very well documented in history that injuries do resolve with appropriate treatment in most cases.

Best wishes,

Dr. Kevin Kaldy
Chiropractic Physician
Www.lasvegaschiro.com
[email protected]