What do I do about my neck and shoulder pain as a result of a car accident?
Almost 2 years ago I had a car accident which caused pain in my neck. I went to my doctor and she told me I had a microscopic muscle spasm and she gave me anti-inflammitory medication and gave me a shot in the neck. To make a long story short I did not go back to that doctor and switched physicians…eventually this pain turned into more of a dull nagging pain that settled into my left shoulder. It was tolerable up until about a month ago when out of no where it started hurting really badly, the pain is beside of my collar bone at my shoulder it is sharp pain that radiates out sometimes it feels like it goes up my neck. I also started feeling slight numbness in my arm. I went to another doctor who sent me to get X-rays they are clear. I am concerned it is a pinched nerve and conveyed that to my doctor but he seems to think that is not the case. The next step is physical therapy but I am concerned that I should get an MRI first. The doctor has said he cannot find what is wrong.
Filed under: Shoulder Blade Pain
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A physical therapist who has received MDT training (aka McKenzie method) focuses on the assessment of mechanical neck pain. Those who have undergone this training can reach a level of accuracy of 90% of an MRI when it comes to detecting the presense of a bulging or herniated disc in the neck (which is what causes the "pinched nerve"). It is NOT necessary to get an MRI before treatment…there are safegaurds built into the treatment approach that prevents progression of the problem if used appropriately. I REGULARY see patients without an MRI for back and neck pain…only when they fail to make progress do I insist on further testing. Furthermore, when patients tell me they’ve had an MRI, I usually don’t ask for the results until I have completed the examination…I’ve yet to find someone who I thought had a disc problem that wound up having a negative MRI. Go for the physical therapy and find someone who has had MDT training…at least through "McKenzie" part "B" (there are a series of 4-5 courses).
go get a lawyer before the 2 years statute of limitations runs out
your pains are going to be life long, you should be compensated for your problem
My favourite remedy is acupuncture, because it seems to work faster than other methods, although it is not guaranteed for all conditions.
After a recent accident I’d say it was a whiplash injury. After 2 Years and several Medical professionals investigating it,I dunno…
I am going to guess you are a female.
Ok, I was in an accident, did many doctors, lots of drugs, physical therapy, chiropractors.
4 years and I was in almost constant pain with bad hardaches.
Start lifting weights. 6 months later. All pain and problems resolved. Not saying it is your cure, but it did help me.
Insist on an MRI from you doctor. X-rays cannot diagnose nerve or cervical disc problems. Your symptoms sound like nerve problems generated in the cervical spine. Refuse physical therapy until you know exactly what the problem is. Click on the link below (not saying you need surgery) and the animation helps you understand which nerves from the spinal column cause pain/numbness through the neck, shoulders, arms, hands and fingers. Sure hope you find the cause and I truly hope you only require physical therapy. Nerve compression is nothing to fool around with, just get an MRI and be certain. Feel better.
http://www.laserspineinstitute.com/conditions.aspx
http://www.laserspineinstitute.com/conditions.aspx