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Old 02-04-2014, 08:06 PM
Canadoc Canadoc is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 41
10 yr Member
Canadoc Canadoc is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 41
10 yr Member
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Keepin'TheFaith07 View Post
Hi Canadoc, I read your post and can definitely relate to your symptoms. I suffered a slip and fall on ice 3 years ago, and still live with pressure/discomfort in my head when lifting objects/over exertion/ or any type of stress. I am a part time personal trainer, so it has made my job challenging and frustrating, at times. Most of my clients usually pick up the weights.

If I really overdo it, the symptoms last longer, with more discomfort in my head, as well as pressure in my ears, and sometimes burning in the back of my head. It almost feels like my brain is torqued in my head . Sometimes, it knocks my Atlas out as well. I usually ice my neck and head, when the symptoms increase.

Overall, I am a bit better. I can tolerate picking up more weight. But not holding it for a long time. I used to work out in a gym, lifting weights, but I can no longer do that. Maybe someday, but not now. I used to bike, and do other cardio exercise. But have been very limited in that as well, without it bringing on symptoms. In the past year, it has improved however. I can ride my stationary bike for up to 30 mins, with minimal symptoms, that don't last as long as they used to. But I can't exercise anything like I used to. If I push too much, I just set myself back. So I continue to take baby steps. Are you able to run/bike etc, for long periods, without head symptoms ???

I have been seeing an Atlas Orthogonal chiro for 2 years now. In addition to the concussion, I have an atlas subluxation. My Atlas has become more stable over the 2 years, but it still comes out. She believes the soft tissue in my neck is still healing, in addition to my head. Have you had your neck checked out ??? It may be worth it to seek out an upper cervical chiropractic specialist.

I've tried acupuncture, couldn't handle vestibular therapy, and I am very sensitive to any drugs that my dr and other neurologists have prescribed. I am on a good supplement regime. In addition to my chiro, I see a cranial sacral therapist and a myofascial therapist. Both give me relief.

I'm seeing my neurologist for a follow up next week. I haven't had an MRI in 2 1/2 years, so my chiro suggested that he order an upright MRI to rule out/check for any Chiari malformation from the trauma. I think it's a good idea. All else I've been told is that there's inflammation that causes my symptoms.

All we can do is accept our current situations, and live life as fully as we can. I try to do that everyday, while continuing to heal.
I don't post much to this forum, but have found it very helpful.

Thank you for your post !
Thanks for your post Keepin' the Faith07. Boy, sounds like we've been walking the same road. I see a fair number of concussions in my practice including complex mTBI. Still haven't come across anyone like me. I've consulted with local concussion specialists (one of which sits on a national "think tank" committee for mTBI recommendations). He thought that the exertional head pain was from a meningeal hypersensitivity to normal increases in intra-cranial pressure. His advice was to pre-medicate with anti-inflammatories before a work-out. Another MD, who actually did his fellowship in the States focusing on mTBIs, suggested a second MRI to rule out the infamous Chiari malformations which presents typically with exertional headaches. Fortunately (I think), mine was normal. He suggested getting an opinion from MD in Buffalo who dealt with more atypical cases.

I like your "cervical spine theory" to which I never gave much thought. I often ask my wife to massage the upper posterior part of neck which provides an unusual head sensation but yet oddly comforting. What goes against a purely cervical issue is a lingering cognitive haze I experience after an excessive strain. That suggest to me a intra-cranial source. But at this point, nothing is for certain. Like you say, part of coping is accepting what life sends your way. My spiritual journey has also taken on new importance.

I'd enjoy keeping in touch with you but will let you decide if that's of any interest. I'm not very familiar with this site but I think you can request me as a friend (like in Facebook). Good luck with your MRI.
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