Hello-

I hit the jackpot in a workman's comp injury last May 26 2007.
Two violent impacts - 3 feet in 3 seconds.

Was declared MMI last Oct. 5th. with 5% rating for injuries centering around broken rib with thoracic spine trauma.

Waited for IME on 1/14/08 to get thorough neurological exam.

Exam suspected thoracic nerve problem causing winged scapula...and
lumbar issues....RATING was put at 28 percent whole body.

EMG 2/21/08 confirmed and corroborated thoracic nerve to be non conductive.

MRI/lumbar 3/20 revealed...."At L4-L5 level a broad based disc bulge
that lateralizes toward the left, narrowing the left lateral recess
and displacing the left descending L5 nerve root".

Obviously, this is not a healthy, happy situation....especially having been diagnosed so late !

Only previous serious injury back when I was 8 yrs. old - broken collarbone.

Been very capable keeping my health strong till now. My tendency is to solve problems very carefully, yet directly.

But.....what can I do here? Chiropractors back off....I have been life long an advocate of chiropractic - very frustrating.

Winged scapula puts enormous pressure on shoulders and cervical area.

Enough with the exciting news.

Saw a brilliant rehab M.D. 3 days ago....he's stumped temporaily.
He's up for the challenge and is very detailed/thorough.
Maybe he will see this site/post !

Is this big time surgery?

Would swimming help get positive lumbar movement.

This is challenging.

Thanks,

Tim Drumm