Question
QUESTION: I was involved in a car accident in June 2009. I was stopped at a red light and someone on there cell phone hit me they say at about 60 miles per hour. I have a total of 5 herniated disc and have had facet injections and had even had radiofrequency surgery done on my cervical spine which has helped with the headaches. As to my lumbar and lower spine I still have lots of pain and especially my lower back when i get adjusted really is hurtful. My pain management doctor says that there is nothing else that can be done for now, ( i am assuming because of insurance purposes). I can not sleep all night and some times have to wake up and walk around the house to stretch. Is there anything that can be done as to relieve some of the pain. I am down to once a week at the chiropractor and soon to be released from his care. But my lower back is still the same.Any advice is greatly appreciated.

ANSWER: Maria,

I'm sorry to hear your having such difficulties.  You are not alone.  My first question for you is to explain what "chiropractic" consists of.  Just joint manipulation?  Exercises?  Soft tissue therapy?  What kind of soft tissue therapy?  What kind of exercises?  Have you tried low level laser?   Let me know the answers to these, and then I could provide more helpful answers.

'Best,

Dr. G

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: They have me do a phisoball, They have me stand a like a board and balance myself while throwing a ball. They attached some stimulation pad for about 15 min. Traction for about 15 min. I have never tried lower level laser also i have received 3 steroid and cortisone injection in my cervical spine and radiofrequency surgery and also received lumbar injections (2). I have done even acupuncture. I have had some heat therapy and also cold therapy mostly when i have received the injections. They will not do any adjustments on me when I have had a injection. Also when they adjust me neck I seem to get a headache for a couple of days is that normal.

Answer
Maria,

I would ask them to consider changing some of your exercises.  In many cases, a general gym exercise program where you exercise everything in general is better than a few rehab-style exercises.  Even general cardiovascular exercises can reduce your pain levels.  Post manipulation headaches are not uncommon, but if it's for three days and it happens consistently, then that is a problem.  Either try having heat and massage on your neck pre-manipulation and heat after, or, if that doesn't ward off the headache, then do not do neck manipulation.  If that's the case, avoiding manipulation, then only do soft tissue work on the neck for a while.  Also, if the manipulation is too forceful, or if it employs too much rotation of your neck, that can provoke a headache.  If the doctor has no training in active myofascial release techniques, e.g. ART, or mechanically assisted soft tissue mobilization, e.g. Graston Technique, then you are at a disadvantage.   Neck traction for 15 minutes may also be aggravating your condition.  Stop that for a while, too, and see what happens.  Traction for 15 minutes can give anyone chronic neck pain and a headache if they are not suited to it.  GO to "google scholar" and search "low level laser AND neck pain."   Sometimes, you need to try a different chiropractor, one that has a different "bag of tricks."  Lastly, and very important, you must consider your vitamin-d level.   Unless you live in the sun, I'd suggest taking it.   Google "vitamin d and pain" and watch what comes up.  Or, go to vitamindhealth.org.  It's real.  Vit-D deficiency causes poor healing and chronic pain.   This may be your best advice here!  

'Hope this was helpful.

Dr. G