QuestionAbout a week ago I started to have horrible muscle spasms in my left shoulder and the pain radiated up into my neck and down my spine a little bit. I went to my chiro and he told me that my first rib was out so he did the adjustment and since then the pain is still there but is becoming less and less. I am wondering how long I should expect this pain to stick around? Also, I was in a bad car accident about 6 months ago and suffered horrible whiplash. Could this first rib going out of place be a result of the car accident or is it possible I just slept wrong because I don't remember doing anything to cause this to happen. Thank you!
Answerfirst rib out, first rib subluxation, whiplash, cervical acceleration deceleration injury, staten island auto accident, staten island motor vehicle accident, staten island car crash, cervical sprain strain, staten island whiplash, soft tissue injury,
Hello Vanessa,
I am sorry to hear of your pain. I am sorry to hear of this aggravation to your motor vehicle accident injury, your 'whiplash'.
You state, "..... I was in a bad car accident about 6 months ago and suffered horrible whiplash. Could this first rib going out of place be a result of the car accident...", absolutely yes. You would not have this rib subluxation without first having had the severe cervical sprain strain injury caused by the motor vehicle accident.
You state, ".....is it possible I just slept wrong because I don't remember doing anything to cause this to happen.....", it is possible you slept wrong, moved wrong, had a repetitive motion, or poor posture that caused this episode; but without the 'whiplash' the 'wrong move', or 'wrong posture' would not have caused this rib to subluxate.
'Whiplash' predisposed you to this episode. Cervical hyperflexion hyperextension injury weakened your soft tissue (--- your muscles, cartilage, ligaments, tendons) to allow the rib to subluxate.
'Whiplash' has many names: cervical sprain strain, cervical hyperflexion hyperextension injury, cervical acceleration deceleration injury (CAD). 'Whiplash' is a common term, but many people also use it derisively, as if it does not exist, or as if it is minor. Only people who have NOT had back or neck pain would call 'whiplash' minor. The damage is real, the pain is real, the condition CAN be minor, moderate or severe.
I have many Staten Island Auto Accident patients with resultant cervical sprain strain. After your car crash I hope you sought safe, effective, cost-effective Chiropractic care for your neck and back injury.
You state: ".... I went to my chiro and he told me that my first rib was out so he did the adjustment and since then the pain is still there but is becoming less and less. I am wondering how long I should expect this pain to stick around?....". You may have slept wrong, moved wrong, WHATEVER; but this episode is superimposed upon the cervical acceleration deceleration injury you describe as 'horrible', so I will translate that as a severe cervical whiplash. Your soft tissue (cartilage, ligaments, tendons, muscles, even nerves, blood vessels) is still healing, but still vulnerable, weakened, 'stressed out'. Your neck, shoulders, midback, probably your entire back is going to be easily aggravated for months yet to come.
As a sports injury expert (DACBSP = Diplomate, American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians, see-- www.ACBSP.com ; for Chiropractic Specialties see-- http://www.acatoday.org/pdf/ApprovedChiropracticSpecialtyPrograms.pdf ) I am aware of 'soft tissue injuries'. For instance, a SIMPLE, -mild- sprained ankle will have residual edema, residual fluid in the tissues - - - - one full YEAR after the initial injury. Your neck soft tissue is no different. The residual edema, the residual fluid within the tissue makes that tissue more vulnerable to injury.
As a matter of fact,,,, following sprains and strains in sports, Athletic Trainers often say; '... once you tape, it is ALWAYS taped forever more...'. What these experts mean is that once the soft tissue is injured and edema takes place, swelling in the tissue, that area is weakened and NEEDS support,,, probably for the remainder of that athletes CAREER.
You are only six months post-mva, six months past a 'horrible' whiplash (your description), so it is no surprise that the area is still unstable and prone to exacerbation/ aggravation.
"....I am wondering how long I should expect this pain to stick around?....", this in part depends upon how well you have responded to your Chiropractic care following the automobile accident, and how severe this exacerbation is. Six months post- MVA with a SEVERE whiplash you may have been well enough to be seeing your Doctor of Chiropractic at a visit schedule of once per week, perhaps twice per month. This exacerbation would probably require 3- 4 visits per week for 2- 3 weeks. Only on site, hands one examination by your treating Doctor could really ascertain what is necessary for you. Necessary not only to 'feel better' but necessary to make long lasting GOOD changes to your neck, to your cervical biomechanics so that the future does not hold further degeneration, further exacerbation for you.
I would expect that within a month of treatment you should be back to the status pre-exacerbation. I would expect that you are still under care for a horrible cervical sprain strain.
In my office I distribute many informational handout sheets, these may be helpful to you:
PAIN
Pain is a 憆ed light on the dashboard?
Pain is your body telling you that something is wrong.
That RED LIGHT on the dashboard of your car-
-- do you ignore it until the car breaks down,
or do you get it checked and correct the problem?
Pain,
pain in your body-
-- do you ignore it until your body breaks down,
or do you get it checked and correct the problem?
Pain,
do you cover up the pain by taking a painkiller?
Take a painkiller,
mask the pain,
and allow a problem to progress in your body?
NOTICE ON PAIN RELIEVERS:
Label changes ORDERED by FDA; the FDA announced proposed label changes for OTC over-the-counter pain relievers to include the potential for stomach bleeding and liver damage (FDA news 206- 207; 12-9-06) ;
The American Heart Association issued a scientific statement recommending medical doctors change the way they prescribe OTC pain relievers from a first choice to an alternate of recommending non-pharmacologic treatment (AHA statement 2-26-07).
NSAID Acceleration of ARTHRITIS; an important side effect of Aspirin and other NSAIDS is that it will inhibit cartilage repair and accelerate cartilage destruction ( Journal of Rheumatology, 1982; 9: 3- 5 ). Many times people take NSAIDS for the pain of Arthritis, not realizing these drugs may make the underlying condition worse. These medications cover up the pain, and cause the problem to worsen.
Pain can often be the result of the Vertebral Subluxation Complex.
Vertebral Subluxation ( 慥SC?, 憇ubluxation? )
Vertebral Subluxation is actually a quite common condition. Doctors of Chiropractic look for pathological conditions which may require referral to other specialties, and also look for 慡ubluxation? Other disciplines look for pathology, but overlook the importance of alignment and movement in the spine which affects our nervous system (the master control system- ALL health disciplines learn this). VSC- 慡ubluxation??can be the cause of many symptoms and conditions.
Only a Doctor of Chiropractic will evaluate and treat for VSC, as well as other pathology.
The course of VSC is highly variable. Some patients with VSC literally cannot walk, yet other patients with similar test findings may be able to run marathons or lift heavy weights. Some patients immediately develop symptoms related to the VSC, some patients take years to develop symptoms. Some people suffer for only a few days with pain and symptoms, some people suffer for months. Some people recover in days, some take months or years, depending upon severity of the condition.
A subluxation interferes with the proper functioning of the nervous system (the master system which controls and coordinates all function within the body) and may cause various other conditions, symptoms and problems.
The Vertebral Subluxation Complex describes what happens when spinal bones lose their normal movement patterns and position. When subluxated, joints are in a stressed, vulnerable, compromised condition. Subluxation may cause Arthritis, Disk Herniation, or aggravate such conditions.
Vertebral Subluxation cannot be corrected through chemicals (medicine), stretching, yoga, vitamins or physical therapy alone. Subluxation- a neuro/skeletal/muscular- mechanical- problem requires a mechanical correction- - - a manipulation, best performed with the chiropractic adjustment.
Dr. Victor E. Dolan, Doctor of Chiropractic; Diplomat, American Chiropractic Board of Sport Physicians; Diplomat, American Academy of Pain Management; Certified Clinical Nutritionist (IAACN); FIRST Chief of Chiropractic in a Hospital in New York State (DHSI); As Seen in PREVENTION Magazine
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My Staten Island Whiplash patients also get:
揝tiff Neck?
( Also Known As- wryneck, torticollis, neck muscle spasm )
-can be caused by big bad things: cancers, tumors, fractures, even heart attacks- only history/ examination/ evaluation by an appropriate health professional can differentiate these problems/ conditions.
USUALLY these complaints are neuro-musculo-skeletal.
For example: sometimes we can wake up with a 憇tiff neck? or a muscle spasm.... sometimes a slip, trip, fall, heavy lift, or even a motor vehicle accident can cause a 憇tiff neck? Sometimes we just slept wrong ! Often- the true c a u s e of the neck stiffness and pain; the underlying c a u s e of the complaint - is a misalignment, a 慿ink? in the neck - more properly termed a Vertebral Subluxation. Treat the c a u s e, not just the symptoms - for true improvement.
Vertebral Subluxation Complex (a.k.a. 憇ubluxation?
The vertebral subluxation complex is the underlying cause of many healthcare problems. A subluxation interferes with the proper functioning of the nervous system (the master system which controls and coordinates all function within the body) and may cause various other conditions, symptoms and problems.
This is a serious condition identified by its five parts:
Spinal Kinesiopathology:
This is fancy way of saying the bones of the spine have lost their normal motion and position. It restricts your ability to turn and bend. It sets in motion the other four components.
Neuropathophysiology:
Improper spinal function can choke, stretch, or irritate delicate nerve tissue. The resulting nerve system dysfunction can cause symptoms elsewhere in the body.
Myopathology:
Muscles supporting the spine can weaken, atrophy, or become tight and go into spasm. The resulting scar tissue changes muscle tone, requiring repeated spinal adjustments.
Histopathology:
A rise in temperature from an increase in blood and lymph supplies result in swelling and inflammation. Discs can bulge, herniate, tear, or degenerate. Other soft tissues may suffer permanent damage.
Pathophysiology:
Bone spurs and other abnormal bony growths attempt to fuse malfunctioning spinal joints. This spinal decay, scar tissue, and long-term nerve dysfunction can cause other systems of the body to malfunction.
The Vertebral Subluxation Complex describes what happens when spinal bones lose their normal movement patterns and position.
Automobile accidents, improper lifting, improper posture, alcohol, emotional stress, chemical imbalances, and long periods of sitting can cause the Vertebral Subluxation Complex.
Vertebral Subluxation cannot be corrected through chemicals (medicine), stretching, yoga, vitamins or physical therapy alone. Subluxation- a neuro/skeletal/muscular- mechanical- problem requires a mechanical correction- - - a manipulation, best performed with the chiropractic adjustment. For good health- Treat the Cause, not just the Symptoms.
Dr. Victor E. Dolan, Doctor of Chiropractic; Diplomat, American Chiropractic Board of Sport Physicians; Diplomat, American Academy of Pain Management; Certified Clinical Nutritionist (IAACN); FIRST Chief of Chiropractic in a Hospital in New York State (DHSI); As Seen in PREVENTION Magazine
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And, it sounds like I may have already given you this information, but it is info I give my Whiplash, stiff neck, pinched nerve people:
揚inched Nerve?
( Also Known As- neuritis, neuralgia, brachial-neuritis, sciatica )
損inched nerve??is only ?a diagnosis, WHAT is causing the 憄inch? Your Doctor of Chiropractic will examine and evaluate you to make sure you are not showing signs of neurological damage or disease, tumors, cancers, severe pathology, perhaps a Herniated Disc, or a Vertebral Subluxation Complex.
Sometimes we can wake up with a 憄inched nerve? or a muscle spasm.... sometimes a slip, trip, fall, heavy lift, or even a motor vehicle accident can cause a 憄inched nerve? Very often - the true c a u s e of the pinched nerve, painor numbness in the: neck and/ or shoulder and/ or arm and/ or hand; pain in the back and/ or buttock/ hip/ leg/ knee/ foot - is a misalignment, a 慿ink?in the neck or back - more properly termed a Vertebral Subluxation.
Vertebral Subluxation Complex (a.k.a. 憇ubluxation?
The vertebral subluxation complex is the underlying cause of many healthcare problems.
A subluxation interferes with the proper functioning of the nervous system (the master system which controls and coordinates all function within the body) and may cause various other conditions, symptoms and problems.
This is a serious condition identified by its five parts:
Spinal Kinesiopathology:
This is fancy way of saying the bones of the spine have lost their normal motion and position. It restricts your ability to turn and bend. It sets in motion the other four components.
Neuropathophysiology:
Improper spinal function can choke, stretch, or irritate delicate nerve tissue. The resulting nerve system dysfunction can cause symptoms elsewhere in the body.
Myopathology:
Muscles supporting the spine can weaken, atrophy, or become tight and go into spasm. The resulting scar tissue changes muscle tone, requiring repeated spinal adjustments.
Histopathology:
A rise in temperature from an increase in blood and lymph supplies result in swelling and inflammation. Discs can bulge, herniate, tear, or degenerate. Other soft tissues may suffer permanent damage.
Pathophysiology:
The VSC contributes to OsteoArthritic degeneration. Bone spurs and other abnormal bony growths attempt to fuse malfunctioning spinal joints. This spinal decay, scar tissue, and long-term nerve dysfunction can cause other systems of the body to malfunction.
The Vertebral Subluxation Complex describes what happens when spinal bones lose their normal movement patterns and position.
Automobile accidents, improper lifting, improper posture, alcohol, emotional stress, chemical imbalances, and long periods of sitting can cause the Vertebral Subluxation Complex.
Vertebral Subluxation cannot be corrected through chemicals (medicine), stretching, yoga, vitamins or physical therapy alone. Subluxation- a neuro/skeletal/muscular- mechanical- problem requires a mechanical correction- - - a manipulation, best performed with the chiropractic adjustment. For good health-
Treat the Cause, not just the Symptoms.
揚inched Nerve? ( Also Known As- neuritis, neuralgia, brachial-neuritis, sciatica )
損inched nerve??is only ?a diagnosis, WHAT is causing the 憄inch? ?That 損inch?has to be taken care of FIRST!
As the 損inch??the MECHANICAL component of the problem, the CAUSE of the problem is being taken care of through Chiropractic treatment, perhaps additional help would speed your return to health:
Nerve Health Support:
-----B complex containing thiamine, folic acid, B-12 and niacin is highly suggested for nerve support. High dose
B-vitamins should only be taken at the advice of a licensed healthcare professional.
-----B-6 is lower in patients with neuropathy. Vitamin B-6 reduces the glycosylation that can cause nerve damage. Amounts greater than 200mg/day can cause neuropathy symptoms.
-----Calcium and magnesium are important for nerve conduction and as muscle relaxants.
-----A multi-vitamin/mineral supplement is suggested for comprehensive support.
-----Essential fatty acids are necessary for nerve health. Essential fatty acids include omega-3 fatty acids (fish and flax oil) and omega-6 fatty acids (black currant seed oil, borage oil and evening primrose oil).
-----Proteolytic enzymes may be beneficial in neuritis for the inflammation.
-----Lecithin aids in nerve support.
-----Natural herbal remedies including passion flower, valerian, chamomile, scullcap and white willow bark may be helpful.
-----Eat a healthy diet. Avoid foods that stimulate the nervous system such as caffeine, chocolate, refined sugars, soda pop and cigarettes.
-----Drink plenty of filtered water.
-----Chiropractic care is imperative to remove nerve irritation.
Joint Support:
-----Glucosamine sulfate helps strengthen joint integrity. Glucosamine is effective in relieving joint pain associated with osteoarthritis. Glucosamine's pain-relieving effects may be due to its cartilage-rebuilding properties. These disease-modifying effects are not seen with simple analgesics and are of particular benefit.
-----MSM is known for its pain-relieving properties in such conditions as fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, bursitis, tendonitis, back pain and muscle soreness. Not many clinical trials have been done using MSM, but clinical observations support the theory that MSM is beneficial in pain managment.
-----White willow is an antiinflammatory and analgesic agent. White willow was used as far back as the Middle Ages to reduce pain and fevers. The salicylates found in the white willow bark are responsible for the anti-inflammatory and anti-fever effects. Acetylsalicylic acid, otherwise known as aspirin, is chemically similar to the salicylates.
-----Boswellia and turmeric (curcumin) are potent antiinflammatory herbs. Curcumin may have similar action to aspirin.
Dr. Victor E. Dolan, Doctor of Chiropractic; Diplomat, American Chiropractic Board of Sport Physicians; Diplomat, American Academy of Pain Management; Certified Clinical Nutritionist (IAACN); FIRST Chief of Chiropractic in a Hospital in New York State (DHSI); As Seen in PREVENTION Magazine
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Why so many treatment visits ?, Why so many different therapies ??
Many people do not come to the Doctor of Chiropractic first. Many people take an over the counter medication (OTC) (covers up the pain, does not treat the cause of the pain), see a medical doctor for a prescription medication (covers up the pain, does not treat the cause of the pain, stronger then OTC drugs, increased possibility of side effects and complications), or just wait and hope the pain goes away.
Then, after the pain continues, FINALLY they go to the Doctor of Chiropractic.
Studies show that while Chiropractic is often the last Doctor people will go see, they expect immediate results- i.e.; a couple of weeks of treatments are expected to cure the problem. It is a paradox that people WAIT to go to the Doctor of Chiropractic, but expect immediate results, on conditions that have been building for months or years; yet when they go to a medical doctor- they accept invasive surgeries and/ or a long treatment protocol of physical therapy- weeks, often months.
Spinal pain, like many other conditions, often builds for years and years until the pain becomes strong enough to send someone for treatment.
It is well known that heart conditions build for years and years, yet in 40% of cases, the first pain someone feels with their heart,,,, is the last pain someone feels with their heart (a fatal heart attack in 慳symptomatic?patients). Sad that they waited for pain to be a gauge of health. Pain is the LAST thing that comes in a problem, and often the FIRST symptom to go away. If there is a problem, isn抰 it better to treat BEFORE the pain, or if pain has started, isn抰 it better to take care of the problem, prevent future pain and progression of the condition?
Why so many treatment visits to start?, Well the problem, the condition, has momentum on it抯 side. Irritation, inflammation and damage has taken place and then the pain comes. Pain is the last thing that comes in the condition, and Pain is the first thing that disappears during treatment; but the underlying irritation, inflammation and damage has to be repaired. Initial treatment schedules, depending upon the severity of the complaint could be as often as twice per day, or once per day for two- three weeks, followed by a gradual reduction in treatment visits. This is similar to surgery! When a patient has an invasive surgery, often there is followup rehab treatment of daily, then every other day, then weekly visits for a prolonged period (i.e.; shoulders- up to a year of treatment AFTER invasive surgery).
Chiropractic works with your body. Chiropractic helps your body to heal itself. Chiropractic restores Homeostasis, balance in the body. Chiropractic corrects the Vertebral Subluxation Complex. You cannot be 慼ealthy?if you have a Subluxation. You MAY feel it, with a pain, stiffness, or a 慿ink?in your neck/ back. You may NOT even feel it- just as people often do not feel the cavity growing in their tooth,,,, until it hits the nerve; or you may not feel it at all, like people do not feel high blood pressure or diabetes until AFTER damage has been done!!
The vertebral subluxation complex can be the underlying cause of many healthcare problems. A subluxation interferes with the proper functioning of the nervous system (the master system which controls and coordinates all function within the body) and may cause various other conditions, symptoms and problems.
This (Subluxation) is a serious condition identified by its five parts: Spinal Kinesiopathology, Neuropathophysiology, Myopathology,
Histopathology, Pathophysiology. Chiropractic corrects this 憇ilent?condition, works WITH your body, and like other health approaches requires a certain treatment regimen.
Dr. Victor E. Dolan, Doctor of Chiropractic; Diplomat, American Chiropractic Board of Sport Physicians; Diplomat, American Academy of Pain Management; Certified Clinical Nutritionist (IAACN); FIRST Chief of Chiropractic in a Hospital in New York State (DHSI); As Seen in PREVENTION Magazine
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Maintenance
What ? ! , I have to brush my teeth!?,,, after EVERY meal ! ? ,,, For the REST of my life ! ? ! ... I don抰 want to. period. I won抰. To heck with it ! If I get a hole (cavity), THEN I抣l take care of it. Maybe I won抰 get any cavities anyway?...
It took the American Dental Association YEARS to educate people that they should brush frequently to avoid dental disease. It has taken YEARS to educate patients that visits to the Dentist for hygiene, cleanings, flossing, coatings, etc. are necessary to PREVENT dental problems. Some people still do not floss after every meal, some do not even brush often enough (yyyuuukkkk), so some people still have severe dental problems despite all the knowledge about PREVENTION and dental health maintenance that is out there. Can you believe it ?? !!
Some people have the same problem with PREVENTATIVE Spinal Health
that used to exist with preventative dental health. Some people come to the Doctor of Chiropractic and say, ?..do not adjust me, just give me therapy...? some people say,
?..What ? ! , I have to practice SPINAL HYGIENE !?!, (practice proper postures, proper movement patterns, and see the Chiropractor periodically !?!), Naahh, ... I don抰
want to. period. I won抰. To heck with it! When I get PAIN, then I抣l take care of it.
( pain is often the LAST symptom to appear- whether a cavity or a heart attack ! )
Vertebral Subluxation Complex (a.k.a. 憇ubluxation?
The vertebral subluxation complex can be the underlying cause of many healthcare problems. A subluxation interferes with the proper functioning of the nervous system (the master system which controls and coordinates all function within the body) and may cause various other conditions, symptoms and problems.
This (Subluxation) is a serious condition identified by its five parts:
Spinal Kinesiopathology, Neuropathophysiology, Myopathology,
Histopathology, Pathophysiology.
The Vertebral Subluxation Complex describes what happens when spinal bones lose their normal movement patterns and position.
Automobile accidents, improper lifting, improper posture, alcohol, emotional stress, chemical imbalances, and long periods of sitting can cause the Vertebral Subluxation Complex.
Vertebral Subluxation cannot be corrected through chemicals (medicine), stretching, yoga, massage, vitamins or physical therapy alone. Subluxation- a neuro/skeletal/muscular- mechanical- problem requires a mechanical correction- - - a manipulation, best performed with the chiropractic adjustment. For good health- Treat the Cause, not just the Symptoms.
Chiropractic corrects the Vertebral Subluxation Complex.
You cannot be 慼ealthy?if you have a Subluxation. You MAY feel it, with a pain, stiffness, or a 慿ink?in your neck/ back. You may NOT even feel it-
just as people often do not feel the cavity growing in their tooth,,,, until it hits the nerve; or you may not feel it at all, like people do not feel high blood pressure or diabetes until AFTER damage has been done!! PREVENTION- Visit the Doctor of Chiropractic REGULARLY,,, just like your dentist! (practice spinal hygiene as you do dental hygiene -PREVENTION!-
Dr. Victor E. Dolan, Doctor of Chiropractic; Diplomat, American Chiropractic Board of Sport Physicians; Diplomat, American Academy of Pain Management; Certified Clinical Nutritionist (IAACN); FIRST Chief of Chiropractic in a Hospital in New York State (DHSI); As Seen in PREVENTION Magazine
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Well, I hope I have hit all the bases.
Please let me know.
If you need further, do not hesitate to RE-contact me here at AllExperts.com : http://allexperts.com/ep/965-100794/Chiropractors/Victor-Dolan-DC-DACBSP.htm
Thank You for the question,
Dr. Victor Dolan, DC, DACBSP
email newsletter:.......... http://drvictordolan.chiroweb.com
