Accidents and Chronic Injuries

Dear Dr. Caraotta,

I was in an automobile accident last July and hurt my neck and low back. At first my low back didn’t hurt, but my neck pain was quite bad. I went to my doctor and he gave me pain medication and muscle relaxers. My neck continued to hurt, so he sent me to physical therapy. The therapist showed me some exercises for my neck. These exercises helped, but I still get neck and low back pain at least 3-4 times a month. I work construction and have a high pain tolerance. I could live with this but was wondering if Chiropractic Orthopedics could still help me since my accident was in July?

Steve

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Dr. Caraotta's Response

Your question is not all that uncommon, Steve. Of course without examining you I cannot tell for sure, however from my clinical experience as a Chiropractic Physician and Non-Surgical Orthopedic Physician it is likely that you sustained a moderate neck and low back injury since you are continuing to experience symptoms.

Most patients with conditions such as this, respond very well to a course of rehabilitation in our office.

A complicating factor, however, may be the type of employment you have as well as the fact that conditions that are not attended to promptly may turn chronic, that is, a person’s muscle and joint structure may recognize the contracted state and mal-positioned state as being a normal state. When this occurs it could be more of a challenge to correct.

If you have further questions on the above I would be glad to speak to you about this. Feel free to contact our office at
398-4004.