Question
Hello I was crushed in an f-16 cockpit due to my instructor closing the canopy on my head, My spine has Severe disk Lesions on T11 and T12 and also L4 L5? bulging disks. I was wondering if 20% disability was fair, thats what they are trying to give me. My pain is Severe some days and mild others Please help

Answer
Hello Marc,

Sorry to hear of your injury.  Sorry to hear of your situation.

First, on the health question, do not hesitate to re-contact me here at AllExperts.com if I do not fully answer your question(s)
( http://allexperts.com/ep/965-100794/Chiropractors/Victor-Dolan-DC-DACBSP.htm ).

An airplane cockpit, I guess this happened at work, I assume you are in the military?, or perhaps work for a private company contracted to the military?

Comments on 'Disk Lesions':
Does this mean a disc herniation?  
HNP - herniated nucleus pulposis; IVD herniation - inter vertebral disc heriation; protrusions, extrusions, - all of these are fairly serious musculo-skeltal injury with neurological complications.

You have seen orthopedic and neurologic MDs.  You have gotten SECOND OPINIONS by doctors--- outside of the service, or outside of the doctors recommended by your employer.  You have had physical examination, EMG/ncv (nerve tests), Xrays, MRIs.  You have YOUR OWN LAWYER to represent you.

Information I hand out in my Staten Island Chiropractic office:
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Disk   Herniation  

 Back  (neck) Pain  can be caused by many different things.  

Big, BAD, catastrophic things like a tumor or a cancer can cause  back pain (only a proper exam by a licensed doctor, like your Doctor of Chiropractic, or your family Doctor of Medicine, can evaluate your signs and symptoms, and perhaps refer for testing).  

Big, bad things like a Herniated Disc, sciatica, possible fracture or dislocation can cause LBP (again, best evaluated by your DC or MD, and perhaps referral).  Bad things, like  - Sprains, Strains, contusion, or Vertebral Subluxation Complex (all very efficiently diagnosed and treated by your Doctor Of Chiropractic.   

Sometimes BP is caused by a Herniated disc: Herniated  disk  is  actually  a  quite  common  condition.   However,  the course of the condition is highly variable.   Some patients with a herniated disk literally cannot walk, yet other patients with similar MRI findings may be able to run marathons or lift heavy weights.   Some people suffer for only a few days with pain and symptoms, some people suffer for months.

Although the course is highly variable, there are certain steps that are always helpful to follow:  Ice the area when painful-  10/ 15minutes on, 30/ 45 minutes off;  avoid certain postures and movements;  bend the knees when coughing or sneezing;  bend the knees when lifting anything;  do not extend legs straight out when sitting, laying down, lifting, or driving.   Avoiding certain movements and postures will prevent aggravation of the condition.   Practicing good postures and movement patterns will help the condition heal and be less painful.

Disk  Herniation  is often caused by, or often  concurrent with the Vertebral Subluxation Complex.

         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.

Subluxation  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.  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
+++++++++++++++++++++++

The herniated disc can cause severe pain, dysfunction and disabiity, it can also cause very little pain, dysfunction, disability: the course is HIGHLY variable.  Chiropractic is a good treatment approach for patients with disc problems.


The herniated disc is a 'big thing' in health, and recognized as a 'big thing', a significant finding in the legal arena.

From a legal perspective, 'herniated disc' can often be evidence that gives a patient a 'total' disability from their job.

Each job, each career, each occupation has it's own description of duties. Each job has it's own contract between the emplyer and employee.  You must talk to a lawyer on this point.  In some jobs, a herniated disc can give the patient 100% disability- depending upon the contract.  In other jobs, 'herniated disc' may be pro-rated downward.  

You need an attorney, familiar with your job, your union, your occupation and it's contracts with your employer. The disability of 20% may be the highest degree of disability available to you- depending upon your job.  That degree (20%) may also be the LOWEST degree of disability that your employer can offer you.  You need a lawyer, familiar with your job, your employer, and similar cases in the past.  Precedent is important-- if they have only given 20% in the past for similar,,,, it will be hard to get you more; if they have given 80% in the past,,,- your lawyer should argue for the same for you.

With all the 'legalese' out of the way- and be advised, I am not a lawyer, for legal advice you must seek an attorney's advice, I do feel upon first impression that 20% is a very low figure for multiple injuries (looks like two disc lesions).

You probably have had many physicals, and never had any back problems.
Now, you sustain an injury at work, with diagnosed disc problems at T11/T12  and  L4/L5.  These injuries may stay with you for life, and may interfere with you getting other work. A disability 'salary ' of 20% is impossible to live on if you cannot work elsewhere.

You need Doctors and YOUR lawyer to review your specific case, give you a specific prognosis, see your specific contract.  Twenty percent sounds low, but I do not know the specifics.

Good Luck, and I wish you Good Health Naturally,
your Staten Island Chiropractor,

Dr. Victor Dolan, DC
http://drvictordolan.chiroweb.com    (email newsletter)
http://www.SIworkcomp.com