Trauma- brused or contused nerve?

I was in a roll-over auto accident three weeks ago in my convertible.  Missed the deer, but slammed my shoulder and face on the road. Fortunatley I had my seatbelt on and was kept in the car(sort-of). It landed upside down w/winsheild collapsed.  In the ER I had a CAT scan & x-rays of the cervical spine and shoulder.  Was told all looks good and was very lucky.  I have had my broken teeth fixed and my 20 sutures removed from my face, but my two fingers (index and middle)on my left hand are still tingling, like they are asleep.  My main problem is the shooting pain on the outside of my left arm, both above and below the elbow. My doctor, a family practice MD said I probably bruised a sensory nerve in the C-7 vertibrae and that there is nothing that can be done other than taking ibprofen.  I have not slept more than 4 hour per night since the accident and am in constant pain and am very fatigued.  My friends are trying to get me to see a chiropractor, but I fear that may make it worse, if I have a nerve problem.  I'm about at my wits end.  How long should I wait? I've tried heating pads, ice packs, a tens unit, tylenol, asprin, and have gone through a whole bottle of ibprofen. Please give some advice.  Is my doctor right?  Will this never end? Thanking you in advance.  Oh, I'm 47, 6', 190, and in good health otherwise, if that matters. Dan

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Dear Dan:

I would suggest that you see a neurologist, essentially one that does EMG.  Sound like you might have a brachial plexus problem (this would be compatible with your trumatic event and symptoms).  Although your injury might be a as you suggest just a contused nerve, one should be very careful and get a full examination to see if something more worrisome happened.  Explain the the neurologist your injury and see if he/she can see you sooner rather than later.

Sincerely,

CCF Neuro MD

[Dan]

Thank you Doctor.  I went to see a neurologist and he confirmed your preliminary diagnosis.  Most likely bruised or contused. He has scheduled an MRI and then an EMG if needed to confirm.  Thanks again.  Dan