Neurologist/Pain specialist: not Quack, but questionable practices? Your thoughts needed.?
Putting question 1st, cuz post is too long: He told me I'm STRETCHING MY NECK TOO MUCH - rotating it to ease the muscles is "the reason the cortisone shot isn't working." He gave me another script (always only good for 1 month) and said I should come back in 2 weeks and then maybe another shot would help.
After 40 yrs of headaches, neck & shoulder pain, I made an appt after hearing a commercial for a Pain Management center; the dr. was in my insurance program & a certified neurologist.
He's from Spain so have some communication problems. He gave me a nerve test, gave me a script for muscle relaxers (which helped) & sent me for a MRI. The MRI showed "many pinched nerves" in my neck.
I had a cortisone shot in my neck two weeks ago. Not sure It helped? Maybe - wishful thinking, or it was the numbing agent. I don't think it really helped. I saw him today to see if another shot might any difference; if not I need a new direction.
Most patients seem workman's comp. Thoughts?
2008-06-05T19:38:39Z
Please see original question at beginning of post.
2008-06-05T20:06:17Z
Thanks Terry. I have tried a chiropractor and accupunture. Maybe it takes time to find the right one :(
CarpeDM - thanks for the encouraging words.
PLEASE, I STILL WANT MORE OPINIONS.
US_DR_JD2008-06-05T22:53:44Z
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To respond to some of your issues.
1. Many pain management physicians see a moderate to high percentage of worker's compensation patients, after all workplace injuries, especially in high impact occupations result in a large portion of the spine injuries.
2. Most steriod injections are done in groups of 3 and have a cummulative result, the second works better than the first, and the tird works better than the second. This is because if the area has significant inflammation, the antiinflammatory agent requires time to work.
I cannot tell you about your individual physician. There are better and worse physicians all over the world. If you are concerned, check to see if he is Board Certified in Neurology and a Fellow or Diplomate of the Academy of Neurology and Academy of Pain Management.
It requires knowledge and experience to obtain these credentials, they are not just ordered online.
It is unfortunate if a language barrier makes your commnication difficult.
I have a similar problem, except that my problem is that I frequently see patients who speak English poorly or not at all. These communication problems are as much a stressor for the physician as they are for the patient. Both want the other to fully comprhend the conversation.
I cannot advise you as to your best course of action. However, if you have tried chiropractic treatments and other alternatives without improvement, then you are probably not going to improve those results by searching for others who might perform the same techniques.
If you are uncomfortable with your physician, then ask for a second opinion.
I'm having a problem with a MRI revealing pinched nerves. Listen the most important thing for you, is to feel comfortable with the doctor who is attending to your needs. Not all doctors are super great. That is just the way it is.
Have you ever thought about seeing a chiropractor? Getting a back and spinal adjustment. They have ones who even do acupuncture and can alleviate pain and nerve problems. You could look one up that does these things and you just might resolve your long standing problem.
your dr. sounds like he's at least trying to help you. pain and the things that cause people pain are always difficult for dr.'s to treat it's a hit or miss game that can cause a lot of aggravation on both sides. i have pinched nerves in my neck from whiplash from an accident over a year ago. physical therapy didn't help me or the dozens of shots i've had in my back. however, recently i found a chiropractor and he has helped me a whole lot and seems to know a lot more about my pain and my pinched nerves and how to help me.for the first time in well over a year i feel better and have some hope. please find one for yourself. take care feel better.