Question
Thanks for your reply so fast. I didn't fall when i came down i landed on both of my feet at the same time.I have had x-ray's done from a different doctor.My chiropractor looked at them and said he didn't see anyting that looked serius enough for having surgery.He said an m.r.i. probably wouldn't show anyting either.When i go in he puts me on the rolling table for about 10 minutes,then he puts me on his table and pops my lower back.He says my lower back is fine.Then he pops my neck he said my neck is in bad shape one of the worst he has ever seen.I don't want to have surgery because i know people who has done that and they are worse now than they were.I appreciate your opnion and help with this matter.I just don't know what to do.-------------------------
Followup To
Question -
I have been having shoulder pain and numbness in both forearms and middle ring pinky fingers on both hands for three months now.I have been going to the chiropractor for 8 weeks now.the conditions are still the same. He has cut me back to once a week now. I know how i injured myself but they keep saying it is my profession that has caused it.I drive a tractor trailer 2,700 miles a week.I was playing basketball with the kids i jumped and came down not expecting to land when i did.Any advice would be appreciated.
Answer -
Dear H. I. Mann,

What you are describing may have serious implications.  Anyone who has symptoms into both arms after a "trauma" that is not responding to care should be referred out for an M.R.I. of the cervical spine to take a closer look at the spinal cord, the disks, and the associated nerve roots.  From the symptoms you have desribed there is involvement of the median nerve which which corresponds to the C7 nerve root primarily.  You may also have involvement of the C6 nerve root. (keep in mind these structures overlap with their distributions and anatomical origins)

Depending on what is visualized on M.R.I., a more appropriate course of action can be determined, as well as a more thorough diagnosis. If there is a disc bulge that is encroaching upon the spinal cord or the nerve roots, decompression therapy would be the preferred course of action.  Axial traction (which is straight up) would also help to alleviate pressure.  If there is no focal disk disruption, or disruption without nerve or cord encroachment, structural rehabilitation would be a good option. On the other hand if significant disk derangement or significant osteoarthritic changes are noted, you may need a neurosurgical consultation.

In my office a patient with your symptoms should show  improvement within the first two to three weeks of care.  If not, I would re-examine the patient, and further diagnostic testing would be performed to more thoroughly evaluate the patients condition.  This will make sure the diagnosis is proper, and that the treatment is proper for the condition.  I do not know what type of examination was performed, what care you have received, if there was appropriate physical therapy prescribed, your current diagnosis, or what x-rays were taken and their results, so I don't have the full picture.  (By the way you should have had atleast a four view x-ray series taken of the neck. An anterior/posterior view, a lateral view and left and right oblique views before you were ever adjusted.)

Concerning the fact that you have only had symptoms after your basketball outing, indicates this was the deciding factor for acute injury, but does not negate the cummulative effect of driving posture from your career.  People who drive alot for work frequently have daily microtrauma from poor driving posture as well as the continual jarring of the vehicle.  Over time this can degenerate the proper position of the spine shifting the head forward and increasing the amount of stress on the spine, spinal cord, disk, and nerve roots.  This is a contributing factor to your current situation. In addition, did you land on your feet, or was there a fall?

I would encourage you to follow up with the chiropractic physician you are treating with and discuss these factors.  If he is hesitant to refer you for further diagnostic testing, find a chiropractor who will.  In addition you can find a chiropractor who has been specifically trained in structural rehabilitation of the spine to reduce the abnormal stress and loading of the structures at www.idealspine.com.  For information on decompression, check out ACCUSPINA and DRX 9000.  These are the best two decompression units in my opinion.

Good luck, and don't give up!
Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman  

Answer
Dear H. I. Mann,
Knowing that your chiropractor says that this is one of the worst necks he has ever seen, validates my point that you need structural rehab/ or decompression.  If the disk spaces are reduced...decompression, if your spinal curve is badly aligned then structural rehabilitation.  I can't stress the importance of getting the problem fixed before it gets any worse...I wish I had access to your x-rays to get a more complete look at the problem.  

The mechanism of injury you described is called compression.  When you jumped and then hit the ground before you were ready, it is very likely that you landed flat footed and did not absorb the force of the drop with your knees and the muscular system of the legs.  Therefore, the impact forces are transfered into the torso, neck and head which, creates a compressive force in the neck due to the weight of the head.  This can compress the cord, the facet joints in the neck, the disk, and the nerve roots, which can also affect the muscles of the neck.  Result:  pain, numbness, tingling etc...

Please research the decompression therapy, and read over the structural rehab website on Chiropractic Biophysics at www.idealspine.com.  There is alot of information on the site that would be helpful including finding a certified doctor in your area. If you would like additional information on spinal health, conditions etc...my clinic website has tons of info, www.suncoasthealthcare.net.

Let me know how everything turns out!
Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman