Need neuro nurse advice re spinal injury

Published Feb 23, 2007

18 Posts

Hi,

I'm a CCRN now retired after I was in a high speed MVA 5 years ago when the driver of a crew cab pick-up ran a red light. I have herniated discs at C 6, 7, T2, 5, & L3 all with moderate spinal stenosis. My major concern is movement of C7 as much as 2 inches to the right when I tilt my head forward and 1 inch to the left when I've been upright for a period of time. I've been told by a chiropractor that if it moved that much I'd be"quadriplegic or dead" ;by a physio that it's within normal range; by my GP "I don't know who can help you with that";

by an ortho regarding radicular symptoms in my arms and hands, "I don't know what that is".

I know that most physicians won't commit themselves because they don't want to go to court.

I have not yet settled with the auto insurance corporation. I do have a report from a neurologist that there were no radicular symptoms 2 months prior to the accident, and a Medical Legal Letter from a GP Back Specialist that I had radicular symptoms after the accident and which persist to today.

I am in constant pain, can't do conventional exercises because what works for one area excerbates pain in the others. I'm particularly concerned about my neck. If I try to read a book or keep my head in a constant position , I get increased pain and pounding in my head. I haven't slept a full night in 5 years.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks from A frustrated Canadian