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

Hi Tim and Welcome to NeuroTalk. Have you checked out our Spinal Forum yet? Please take a look around and make yourself at home.

I also have back/spine problems and cannot see a Chiro anymore, as can't have pressure put on bones. I used to love a good adjustment. *sigh*

Glad you found us and hope your new Dr can come up w/a treatment plan for you.

Hi Tim! Welcome to NeuroTalk!

Wow, looks like you've had enough fun for awhile! Take a look in our spinal disorders forum and let us know if we can help you with anything.

Spinal Disorders
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum22.html

Thank you for your thoughtful message....certainly hope you have care for your spine issues.

I'm fortunate to know some great people with healing skills.

Wild thing about my injuries - Nerve flow has not been interrupted
in lumbar area...so I can walk. Nerve flow has been impinged on though
and could get worse.

Hey, I am a professional singer singing in my church choir....and I'm just glad
to be there....last year I had 4 other injuries from the accident.

Glad it's down to only two.

Thanks,

Tim

Hello and welcome to NeuroTalk. Great to see you have come to be with us. You will find a great number of caring, supporting members here willing to help each other as they can.

Again welcome, looking forward to seeing you around.

HI TIMWELCOME TO NEUROTALK