twisted spine

[123steven]

hi,I was a front seat passenger of a vehicle which was involved in an accident.The hospital refered me for physio as I had kneck and back pain and severe muscle spasms.I had xrays taken at the hopital A&E and was told there was no damage to my spine.Ive had 9 physio sessions and during these my pherapist informed me that I had whiplash which was giveing me severe pains around my shoulders,kneck and base my head and to top it off that my spine was twisted and locked and due to this the muscle spasms are all over the place.The pherapist informed me after perfoming the 9th session that she has decided to stop giveing me any further sessions as she feels she is unable to get any further in helping me and that I should talk to my gp about alturnate ways which to look at solveing my problems.I have also been getting a problem where my legs have suddenly buckled and dropped me unexpectedly to the floor and now and again I get like little electric shocks in my left leg which also affect my standing up as my knees start to give on each shock,these shocks can be upto eight in quick succesion.Ive spoke to my gp today and she is refering me to the pain clinic and that if I get anymore shock symptems to report straight to hospital as I could have the start of a compressed disk which in turn could lead to nerve problems.I am starting to get worried now and have got no patience with anyone anymore as I constantly feel drained with the lack of sleep due to not being able to get confortable and the constant nagging pain in my back.Has anyone else had a pherapist give up on them due to not being able to help further,and what ideas of help could anyone give.thankyou

[jemma116]

Hope you get sorted out soon.
Wishing you a speedy recovery.

[123steven]

hi,thanks for your reply.I have been on pain relief tablets,ie-solpadol,anxicalm,vimovo and now on tramadol as this is a stronger pain killer which does seem to help.The anxicalm is a relaxant which helped me at night but since Ive been of them my sleep patern is not good as I cant get comfortable and lay in bed for sometimes up to 2 hours before I doze off,more from exhaustion.Thanks again for your reply,regards Steve

[jemma116]

Just take care with the Tramadol.

I had a very bad reaction to Tramadol.  You may be OK.  If you get any adverse reactions, shaking, dizzy, feeling sick, stop taking it.

[123steven]

hi,thanks for your reply,I will ask about this proceedure from my gp at my next visit,as I dont want to do more harm than good,I was takeing Vimovo but have now been prescribed Tramadol as its a stronger pain killer along with these I also take Solpadol,I was also takeing Anxicalm but am off these now.thanks again,regards Steve

[jemma116]

I am glad that you have been back to your GP and are being referred to the pain clinic.

Yes, I have had a physiotherapist give up on me.  They do do that when they can no longer help and the condition is not improving.

The shocks you have been experiencing are the nerves being pinched or pressed on by slipped discs.  

Normal xrays do not show discs.  They only show up the vetebrae (bones).  An MRI scan will show the discs and the condition they are in.

Do not do anything to make the condition worse, eg. no lifting pulling, pushing, no twisting, etc.  and keep warm.  The doctor may have prescribed you with pain relief and anti-inflammatory drugs.  

Wishing you a speedy recovery.

[caregiver222]

The appropriate treatment is axial traction along the vertical axis of the spine, pulling the vertebral segments apart gently, with the traction applied several times a day for short periods, initially with an anti-inflammatory. You will not get better without axial traction. A cervical collar is contraindicated because of loss of muscle tone. These devices (axial traction harnesses) are available for about $35. Discard the water bag and gently suspend yourself over a chair (not letting your full weight on the harness) for from three to fifteen minutes. Then relax and do the same thing after an hour or two. Keep well hydrated. Manipulation sometimes helps. Do not allow ultrasound, which makes the problem worse by inflaming the nerve sheaths. Ultrasound can be helpful if used judiciciously (around the muscle), but all the therapists I know don't get the concept. Do not use muscle relaxants, except for the first day of traction treatment. Range-of-motion excercises through the limits of pain are generally recommended unless there is structural defect (hairline fractures). Sometimes there is a minor dislocation of the spinal segments that a physician can relieve by manipulation. This would show on an MRI.