Narrative of The Stress Cycle By Jonathan Strickling

I was injured at work. That is why I am here (Northern California Functional Restoration Program). I suffered a neck injury resulting in chronic pain in my lower neck, upper and mid-back, shoulders, and radiating pain running down both arms. I had discectomy on two levels of my cervical spine and fusion. I am still experiencing occasional numbness and tingling in my ring and pinky finger on my right hand, which also has tremors. The following is the narrative of the accounts of my pain, loss, and stress.

EVENT:

My injury happened over a period of time. In late 2002 to early 2003 I began suffering from upper and mid-back pain. I thought it to be normal fatigue from commuting to and from a somewhat stressful job. I went to my family doctor, Dr. Siu in San Francisco, for the pain. Upon his examination he prescribed Cyclobenzaprine as a muscle relaxer. The stuff really knocked me out, so I stopped taking it. As time went on my pain increased. I started taking "over the counter" meds such as Ibuprofen, which gave very temporary relief.

In late 2004 I had run out of my allotment of time off from my job, and was unable to make an appointment to see my doctor. As soon as I acquired a new allotment of time off, I made an appointment for January 11, 2005 to see Dr. Siu once again. My pain had increased and I started experiencing tremors in my right hand as well as numbness in my right ring finger and pinky.

Dr. Siu prescribed more Cyclobenzaprine, which I took occasionally. He referred me to Dr. Ho, also in San Francisco. Dr. Ho examined my X-rays and made his diagnosis of my back pain. He said that my condition was the same as his daughter's condition, and that I had "snapping scapula". I did and still do have an annoying popping sound when I rotate my both shoulders. He said there was nothing that could be done, short of surgery.

A few months past, and I really began to feel pretty bad. I talked to the attendance manager at my job, Tim Coleman, and he aided me in opening a workers compensation claim. He sent me, that afternoon, to Concentra Medical Group at Jack London Square in Oakland. I was examined by Dr. Terrazas, and X-rayed. Before I left the medical office, I was given a diagnosis of having herniations in my cervical spine with other abnormalities. He prescribed more Cyclobenzaprine and some anti-inflammatory medications. I went back to see Dr. Terrazas a few times who noted that my condition was not improving under his care, he set me up to have an MRI, and referred me to their resident specialist, Dr. Richardson.

When I was finally approved to have an MRI, and Dr. Richardson reviewed the films, his consultation resulted in the decision to try an epidural injection. In May, I had the epidural injection, which left me in a great deal of additional pain. He referred me to see a neuro-surgeon. It was at this point that the insurance company rejected my claim.

SHOCK:

I took inventory of my situation. I had a neck injury that was of no fault of my own, I had a few procedures including the epidural injection, botox injections, and medications that weren't helping me deal with the pain, and I had a rejected claim. I wasn't bouncing back like the twenty-something year old guy full of resilience and vigor.