Sidney Crosby Is In California To See A Spine Specialist

**Kipper** · Jan-23-2012, 08:44 AM

Crosby in California to see spine specialist By Josh Yohe, PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Sunday, January 22, 2012

Sidney Crosby's rehabilitation from concussion symptoms has headed west.
The Penguins star is in California receiving treatment from Dr. Robert S. Bray, a neurological spine specialist. He spent most of last week in Atlanta with Ted Carrick, a chiropractor who aided his recovery from a concussion last summer.

"I think this is a good thing," Penguins general manager Ray Shero said Saturday. "He's just going for more therapy. He's doing everything he can to get back to play."

Shero said Crosby had a positive week with Carrick. Crosby has said his current problems are related to motion and balance issues while skating.

Shero said Crosby likely will be with Bray for a few days. The only person who can clear Crosby for a return to game action is Dr. Charles Burke, the Penguins' team physician.

Crosby hasn't played since Dec. 5, when a physical game against Boston left him feeling concussion symptoms only eight games into his comeback from an 11-month absence.

Bray is no stranger to athletes. The founding director and CEO of D.I.S.C. Sports and Spine Center in Los Angeles, Bray has worked extensively with the 2010 U.S. Olympic hockey team and the Los Angeles Kings. According to Outpatient Surgery magazine, Bray has performed more than 10,000 spinal surgeries.

Bray will give Crosby a full neck examination and evaluate the support structure between Crosby's neck and brain. Crosby also will receive soft tissue treatment.

"I think everything went well with (Carrick)," Shero said. "Hopefully this will work out. He wants to get back to play."

Shero said Crosby's mood was particularly good this past week. He spoke with the Penguins' captain after their 4-1 victory Thursday at the New York Rangers.

"I thought his spirits were really good," Shero said. "I think part of it was because we had just gotten a really big win against the Rangers, but I also think he was just in a good mood."

Crosby is expected back in Pittsburgh sometime this week.

"We hope to have more information soon," Shero said.

Read more: Crosby in California to see spine specialist - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pitt...#ixzz1kHxplSJe

**(419)BlackNGold** · Jan-28-2012, 08:28 PM

more BS from the Penguins front office.....

http://penguins.nhl.com/club/news.ht...fb-pghpenguins

Pittsburgh Penguins Statement on Sidney CrosbySaturday, 01.28.2012 / 7:43 PM / News Pittsburgh Penguins

The diagnosis of Dr. Robert S. Bray, a neurological spine specialist based in Los Angeles, is that Sidney Crosby had suffered a neck injury in addition to a concussion. Dr. Bray reports that the neck injury is fully healed. Those findings will be evaluated by independent specialists over the next few days. The most important goal all along has been Sidney's return to full health, and we are encouraged that progress continues to be made.

**(419)BlackNGold** · Jan-28-2012, 08:48 PM

Neck injury now?

So, the Pens are going to get a second opinion by an "independent specialist" on this? I thought Dr. Bray was the specialist!

So still no time table on Sid return until the Specialist's findings are reviewed by an Independent Specialist!

**(419)BlackNGold** · Jan-28-2012, 08:49 PM

Peyton Hillis think's Sid is milking this!

**Jimmie** · Jan-29-2012, 07:38 AM

How is a neck injury like this just missed?
C1 -C2 injury is pretty severe, or can be. Thats where your spine connects to your freaking brain. Movement frim side to side and the nodding motion.
If the Pens docs just flat out missed this, how does that make Crosby, and the rest of the gang feel...not real secure I would imagine.

Sent from my bad *** Driod RAZR

**vandelay industries** · Jan-29-2012, 09:56 AM

The medulla, the lowest part of the brainstem before it becomes the cord, actually sits partially in the hole in the C1 vert. Some motor neurons that control movt pass through here. It's entirely possible that injuries to the C1/C2 area can effect equilibrium and balance. These injuries can come from mechanism of concussion or they can be completely independent.

It's entirely possible that the C1/C2 injury could be contributing to his balance issues and therefore why they have never gone away because this issue wasn't addressed.