My 18-year-old son was diagnosed with a pinched nerve by a chiropractor. He “manipulated” his back for three months. My son received a little relief from this. Now his problem seems to have gotten back to where it was when he first went to the chiropractor. He just completed his therapy not quite two months ago. I am looking for some longer term relief than just two months. My question is what kind of doctor I should be carrying him to in order to “get rid of a pinched nerve?” The main symptom that he is experiencing is a need to pop his back. Until he gets it to “pop,” he is in discomfort.
Dr. Joshua’s Answer:
Perhaps a diagnosis by a medical doctor is in order. With all due respect to the chiropractor, it does not sound like a pinched nerve to me. Of course, I don’t have the benefit of a physical examination.
See the primary care physician first, and s/he will be able to order the necessary examinations and possibly refer your son to a physiatrist or other appropriate specialist.
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