On Christmas day 99, my family was involved in a car accident. We were traveling about 50mph before the brakes were applied and skided about 40 feet before impact. The hit occurred in the front passenger side, where I was sitting. In addition, my uncle, who weighs about 300 lbs was directly behind me. Pushing the passenger seat to the extreme forward position. Four days later I saw a physician, who diagnosed soft muscle tissue damage. He informed me that the pain would subside in a few weeks. Instead, the pain is worse. It starts at my neck and down my spine. There is a tender spot in the middle of my back. I also get pain down my left arm and leg. It hurts to turn my neck to the left. My pain is worse when sitting standing or sleeping. Nothing seems to help take the pain away completly. I was sent to a specialist, who was more concerned that there was a litigation involved than explaining my pain. I sit all day at work and asked for a short leave of absence till my physical therapy is over, and was denied. My pain worsens at work, I also experience headaches at the base of my skull, and shoulder pain. The doctor did notice something in the 4th and 5th vertabre but did not explain this to me. Should I ask for an mri or get a second opinion. I have been doing neck and back exercises, but nothing helps. Your timely response would greatly be appreciated. diane