Question
Thank you so much for your answer in such a timely manner. However; I do have another question what part of the back would cause me to have the pain from the underarm down to the elbow on the underside of the arm? Sometimes the pain feels like tenacles going down to the elbow. I already know to try and be careful with that arm because of the lymphnode removal, "no lifting heavy objects or pulling or straining with that arm. I just know that the day of the accident is when the arm thing started. And also the chiro that did EMG scan say at that time I have inflammation around the spine. Is that infection or what. He has done the emg scan 3 times now, the 2nd scan was better and the last one was bad again. I'm confused !! Why wouldn't it be better?  As far as the lymphdemia.....I have already seen one dr and she doesn't think it's lymphedema. I only went to this dr because my attorney sent me to him. I was just wondering if maybe it could be a bulging disk or pinched nerve. But Thank you very much for your input.
God Bless!
-------------------------

Followup To

Question -
I was rearended by another car back in 4/2006. All this time that I have been seeing a Chiro. The only test he did was the static emg scan and say that I have subluxation caused by sprain/strain(whiplash). I told him from the beginning that I was having numbness/tingling in fingertips and also that the circulation felt as if it was cutoff, on the sameside I had breast cancer 12 years ago and 23 lymphnodes removed and now I'm having pain in the arm on the breast cancer side and lot of swelling in the underarm.  He has never suggested that an x-rays should be done. I did go and get the diagnostic mammogram done last week and the report was good but now I have to go see a surgeon to rule out maybe lymphedemia, which I'm almost positive that it's not lymphedemia. I have a couple of places in my back that are just not right but I don't know what's wrong. My other question is could a pinched nerve be causing the pain and sometimes swelling in the armpit and upper arm? I'm just looking for some idea's about what else I should do. All the people that I know that are going to Chiro have all been x-rayed. I'm just not happy with this Chiro. I would appreciate any thought that you have on the matter.
Thank You and God Bless!!!

Answer -
Judy,

First, there are about 32 different definitions of "Subluxation" according to chiropractors.  X-rays are often not valuable in showing where a neck pain problem is, unless there is a fracture or other pathology.  Just because all of your friends got their spines xray'd, doesn't justify its use.  The determination to employ xray should be based on your history and examinaton.  Age, the extent of trauma, past medical history, physical examinaition finding and others are factors in making the decision.  Digital motion xray (fluroscopy) can determine if there is any ligament instability to neck bones by measuring abnormal excursions of joint motion, and can be valuable in "whiplash" type injuries where regular xrays of the neck appear normal (e.g. without fracture, tumor, dislocation, or other active disease process).  EMG? The problem with the EMG system used by chiropractors is multifold.  First, I think it's more of a marking tool to hook patients into believing in a mysterious "subluxation" theory moreso than a vaible clinical examination tool.  MRI of the cervical spine is what should be performed if there are signs that nerves exiting the cervical spine are compromised in any way, whether it be a disc lesion or whether it be from pre-existing bony arthritic changes.  If lymphedema is ruled out by your surgeon, then it is possible that you have a referred pain condition caused by neck injury from the car crash. "Complex Regional Pain Syndrome" is the term for this, and a doctor has to examine you further to rule this in or out.  Your best bet is a well-trained doctor of chiropractic.  So, since it's a free country, change chiropractors and find one you like and trust.  

GOod luck.

Dr. G

www.drgillman.com


Answer
Judy,

It is difficult to diagnose you over a computer.  I would suggest consulting with another chiropractor. Your arm symptoms can come from many sources, a shoulder problem, a disc protrusion, etc.  You need to be thoroughly examined and diagnosed, and then choose a path for treatment.  The surface EMG is not an accepted form of standard diagnosis.  A needle EMG is a better tool and it should be performed and interpreted by a neurologist.  Quality hands-on physical exam should reveal good information, and MRI will be able to show discs and other soft tissues in your neck, should, axilla, or lung (for example).  Please seek a chiropractor that will be able to logically answer your questions as well as collaborate with other healthcare providers.

'Regards,

Dr. G