How can I tell if my pain is nerve pain or bulging disc pain?!
Question: How can I tell if my pain is nerve pain or bulging disc pain.?
I was in a car accident 2 months ago. I did not brace myself for the accident; I didn't see it coming. I am in a tremendous amount of pain in both my arms, neck, shoulders, and hands. The pain is stabbing, sometimes pins/needles, and it hurts to hold/grip on object even as light as a glass of water or a magazine. On occasion I get lower back pain. I have never had any injuries prior to this accident and I am only 22 years old. I have been seeing a Chiropractor, massage therapist, doing physical therapy and seeing my MD. I had an MRI done which shows a bulging disc in C-5/C-6 area. Nothing seems to be making the pain go away; not even muscle relaxers. My MD says its just muscle strain, but my Chiropractor says its from the bulging disc. Personally, I don't see how it could be muscle strain because I did not brace myself for the accident. Both doctor's have seen the MRI report. I am going to see an Orthopedic Surgeon,but not for a couple of months. Is there any way to tell whether it is disc pain or muscle injury.?Health Question & Answer
Answers:
I think you will find that it is the disc pressing on the nerve, this is why you are getting the radiated pain down to your hands.
You will also have muscle strain from the whiplash, as the head is thrown all over the place during the collision.
Please do not go to a Chiropractor until you have seen the orthopaedic surgeon.
Massage is ok as long as it is light.
Do not put heat on the sight of inflammation as this will increase the pain, apply an ice pack to the area for sessions lasting no more than 10/15 minutes, this will reduce swelling and help the nerves to release.
It is also possible that you are suffering from the stress of the accident, this will hunch up the shoulders and squeeze the tissue and nerves.
Hope this has helped, and that you have good news from the OS.Health Question & Answer
You will also have muscle strain from the whiplash, as the head is thrown all over the place during the collision.
Please do not go to a Chiropractor until you have seen the orthopaedic surgeon.
Massage is ok as long as it is light.
Do not put heat on the sight of inflammation as this will increase the pain, apply an ice pack to the area for sessions lasting no more than 10/15 minutes, this will reduce swelling and help the nerves to release.
It is also possible that you are suffering from the stress of the accident, this will hunch up the shoulders and squeeze the tissue and nerves.
Hope this has helped, and that you have good news from the OS.Health Question & Answer
cease seeing the chiropractor is my advice.
let the bulge and sore areas heal, it sounds like you are doing too much.
take it slow and easy.
if possible visit an osteopathic doctor for his point of viewHealth Question & Answer
let the bulge and sore areas heal, it sounds like you are doing too much.
take it slow and easy.
if possible visit an osteopathic doctor for his point of viewHealth Question & Answer
An MRI scan should tell your orthopaedic surgeon all he needs to know about how your full skeleton and see whats going on.Health Question & Answer