Dr. Gregory Winton Bernard, D.C.

Pain in kids is never normal, he needs a good work up, if persistent advanced imaging which could be ultrasound diagnostic, a CT, an MR or XR, it sounds like he already had scoliosis check that is usually an XR, so if pain continues push for more until you figure out cause.

A pinched nerve is a really poor generic term, you need a good evaluation, and someone can easily explain what is going on and develop treatment specific for you.

Without knowing your history this is a difficult question. First, a good exam needs to be done. I presume you have had a recent MRI, without this it would be a blind injection which is never a good idea. Next, you should have had an MRI with contrast, research suggests many things are missed without contrast as high as 35%. Understanding the difference between anabolic and catabolic injections should have been discussed. If not responding then orthopedic review should be done again.

Your question is a good one. Chiropractic schools train doctors to adjust and work with pediatric patients and many chiropractors specialize in peds. We adjust many babies to improve nervous system function, help with digestion, ear aches and reducing the traumatic effects from birth. The youngest I have personally worked with was about 2 minutes old. In your case, if your 13-year-old is having back pain, she should see a chiropractor who does a complete examination, perhaps even radiographs if indicated, and find the source of the pain. A trained chiropractor should be able to explain the back pain mechanism to you, so you understand the implications. Back pain in a 13-year-old is not normal and can be from a plethora of causes and should be evaluated diligently. 

You should have it professionally checked, because sometimes pain and cramping in the calf muscles can be related to more serious health conditions. Diabetic problems, poor blood flow, progressive neuropathies, etc. Given, you had that checked, then you need to review activity. Example: if you stand on concrete all day, that could be a factor, etc. There are some simple yet effective methods to keep muscles loose and reduce pain provided you don't have other serious causes.

Dr. Bernard

First, my advice to anyone in a car accident even if very minor should have and examination and be checked out. Often, subtle damage can lead to long term pain later in life. Remember the pain does not correlate with the seriousness of injury. Often cancer has no pain or a sliver in your finger has a ton of pain. Get checked out to protect yourself down the road!


Dr. Bernard

Many Yoga stretches can provide great relief and reduction of sciatic type pain. If you have had sciatic pain for six months, you should have it looked at and determine what the cause is. Disc herniation? Degenerative changes causing nerve irritation? Just a piriformis spasm? Without the proper review of the cause, it may not respond to any conservative care until you know why? Further, in some circumstances any stretch or activity could make it worse.

Your question is very complex and with the limited amount of data provided it is impossible to answer with any certainty. Scoliosis has poor outcomes with surgery and with nonsurgical treatments. You will need to have a comprehensive work up with a competent neurosurgeon and then get another opinion. The options for surgical interventions are extensive, and varied. You have to understand the difference in technique and approach from a neurosurgeon vs and spinal orthopedic surgeon and if you are a actual candidate for surgery at all.

Without knowing the injury and or the rational and reason for the x-rays, it would be impossible to comment on the risk/benefit ratio of having 5 x-rays. Certain techniques use multiple x-rays to provide feedback on improvement, bio-mechanics and rational for treatment. The newer systems use much less radiation and most trained professionals only use radiographs when warranted. If your concerned ask the provider to explain the rational and use, so you understand the risk/benefit ratio.


Dr. Bernard

You really need a free consultation to answer this question adequately. First, is the pain new, old, chronic? Have you had any trauma? What do you do for work? These are examples of questions that play an important roll in establishing correct advice. You may need X-ray, MRI, etc., but without a correct history guessing is all you have.

First, establishing that it is a lipoma is critical. Ruling out more serious things first. Most lipomas that are problematic have to be excised, and often return. I have read articles of people trying to manipulate and break up with marginal results

She needs an adequate diagnosis, finding out if she a central nervous system (brain) problem. This is to rule out many causes of hand shaking. Get an evaluation, then MRI and don't waste time as some conditions can progress quickly.

It is not unusual to have some numbness or nerve involvement after an elbow surgery depending on severity or nerve involvement and or scar tissue. If it persists, you will need an EMG/NCV to determine the exact location and possible MRI. These tools allow you to treat the problem without guessing. Many people suggest just doing soft-tissue and or pain control, but without the "wiring" diagram treatment will be guessing.