recent car wreck

rear ended by a semi. ER tookx-rays and said I had a compression fracture and need to see a back doctor.  I can not get in for 3 weeks my neck and shoulders have hurt the hole time but todayit got real bad and it ran down my armand in my fingers.  What causes that and is my compression fracture going to cause trouble forever being that I have a very labor intensive job.

[kittyluv1]

Where is the compression fracture located? Cervical spine?  At what level?
The neck and shoulder pain is directly related to post traumatic injury and can also involve associated muscle spasms.  Depending on the force of the accident, you could also be experiencing pain secondary to a whiplash type injury.
The symptoms in your arm and fingers could be related to possible nerve involvement if the bone fracture is causing any pressure on the spinal nerve roots or there is increased inflammation due to nerve irritation.
Hopefully the ER doctor gave you something for pain and instructions on home care.
Anti-inflammatory meds such as ibuprofen will help reduce the inflammation.
Applying ice for the first 48-72 hrs after the injury will also help reduce the inflammation
Pain control with Norco or another pain medication as well as a muscle relaxant can also help your symptoms while waiting for your specialist appt.
Depending on the results of the exam and neurological status, an MRI might be indicated to assess the extent of any nerve involvement.
It is too early to determine any longterm effects from this injury, but based on similar types of injury, the problems do resolve with treatment.
Depending on your age, it might be beneficial to have a bone density test to assess the status of your bones and evaluate whether you have increased risk for osteoporosis.
Post with an update and any additional questions/concerns you may have.
Best wishes----

[kdvo]

thank you, it is at t2 it has already been 10 days and er did give me good meds I am 30 and my bones should be strong it was just a bad hit I think.  I will ask you more later if tthat is ok

[kittyluv1]

Thank you for the clarification.  As it has been 10 days since your injury, you could apply heat (those microwave type heating pads are great) to the affected area for 15 min.  at a time, three times daily.
Once you are seen by the specialist more treatment options will be discussed.
Keep me posted ---