chronic neck pain(after MVA)

[Kari98]

Kari98
I  am a 43 year old woman.  I work as a hairdresser.  I got rear ended while stopped  to yield for a car turning left.  I have had chronic neck pain since.  They said I have myofascial pain, soft tissue damage, reversal of the cervical curve, spondylisis and a broad based atypical herniation (to the right of my spine).  I have done all they have said TENS unit, excercises, pkysical therapy.  I also have tried chiropractic and accupuncture with unimpressivr outcome.  I also have started having migraines after the accident.   Is there any other treatment I should try or do you think it will be chronic and lifelong?

[Maureen_58]

On Saturday, September 22nd, 2007 I was rearended.  The highway was at a standstill when we (my two sons and I) were hit.  The angle in which way we were hit; I got the worst of the impact.

Since then I've had several MRI's, X-rays, examinations and Doctors' visits.

I'm seeing a Doctor at a Cronic Pain Centre along with my Family MD.  I'm perscribed several pain medicines.  I know which to take when the other isn't enough.  Sometimes none of them work.

I didn't go back to work after the car accident.  I have neck, shoulder, hip, lower back, back, etc. pain.  

I do go to a Rehabilitation Centre but have found the only thing that feels any good (for a short time) is the massage therapy.  There was a Chiropractor there (only on Thursdays) that did that 'activator' instrument on me.  It did wonders....for a short while.  I mainly rely on my meds to relieve the pain.

My Chronic Pain Doctor recommended Botox injections as a pain blocker.  I don't like needles and am afraid of doing more injury to my already injured body if I didn't feel anything.  Then, when the Botox wore off, I'd be in the most terrible pain ever.  I feel I can keep a better handle on if I've over done it, with my medication.

The horrid thing about the accident, and there are many, is when I've taken my meds, got my makeup on and feel good; to the world/everyone I look just fine.  Little do they know (some do) just how horrid it is to have to rely on medication to be able to function.  Most people feel, unless you have some physically visible injury, you're okay.

I have lots more to say, but I found this site looking for any advice on loosing weight after having a car accident.  Since the mva, I've put on 25 lbs.  I hate it!!  So now, along with the pain I have this added weight!  I'm also on antidepressants and am bi-polar (have been on these meds for many years).  

Don't get me wrong, I'm actually a very positive outgoing person (even with all the stuff going on in my life).  I hope I don't sound 'woe-is-me'...if I do/did, I'm sorry.

Thank you for listening/reading,
Maureen
:)

[Tuckamore]

An Osteopath should not require a referral. They function just as an MD, seeing patients in a general clinic. My osteopath is at my HMO clinic and she is a PCP. She specializes in Internal Medicine and as such (Internal Medicine) they do not treat pediatric or OB/GYN patients. They can obtain all the specialities the MD's do such as cardiac, peds, surgery, etc. Indeed you may have seen one in your life time and not even known it. They have additional classes that MD's do not have in adjustments and believe that the entire body must be aligned and in tune to function properly. See below:

Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O. or DO) is an academic degree offered in the United States. It is a graduate-level first professional degree for physicians and surgeons, requiring four years to complete. Holders of the D.O. degree are known as osteopathic medical physicians. D.O.s are trained much in the same way as M.D.s, with the addition of osteopathic manipulative medicine techniques.

Let us know how your visit goes with the DO. The younger ones I believe are better because they have all the new knowledge of adjustments and haven't "lost" that skill or became caught up in just "doctoring."  Take care, Tuck

[Kari98]

Thank you for your helpful insights.  I have not seen an osteopath yet.  My insurance is an HMO.  I have gone to their pain clinic.  My doctor said I could always be referred back again.  My MVA was March 2007.  I know my job is not the best with my injury.  I love my job and don't want to give it up unless absolutely necessary.  I guess the hardest thing for me is peoples reaction to still being on pain meds.  I feel like I should already be better.  I have been coping better lately because the headache neurologist I saw has really helped with the migraines.  He switched me from Nortriptylene as a migraine preventative to Protriptylene.  I am new excercise class 2x a week.  I will do that in addition to walking.  I see my doctor in 3 days so I can mention a referral to an Osteopath.  Thanks Again!!! Kari. 98

[Tuckamore]

Hi Kari98,

Welcome to MedHelp. I am glad you found us. And I am very sorry you are hurting.

Your HA are most likely related to the tight muscles and tension in your neck. You have multiple issues going on in that area. It sounds like you have tried numerous things to help ease the pain. I do not know how long it has been since you had the MVA but anything that lasts over three months is considered chronic. And chronic pain is treated differently that acute.

I see a DO (Doctor of Osteopathy) for my pain management. They are excellent in treating the types of injury and condition that you describe. The do "manipulations" similar to chiropractic "adjustments" but because they are physicians they have a better knowledge of the body as a hole. Newer grads seem to be better at this than older DO's. I see a female DO and she has been a God-sent. I would not function without her treatment and support.

Other's will recommend that you make an appointment at a good Pain Management Clinic/Physician. I also think that is a very good choice. There are multiple approaches to pain management and a good clinic may offer other suggestions. Plus there are many members at MH that will offer other suggestions. Responses may be a bit slow today due to the holiday weekend.

Please let us know how you are doing. The Pain Management Forum at MH as many members that experience pain every day of their life. You will find we are a supportive group full of information, suggestions and compassiopn. We are glad you have joined us. Take care, Tuck