Hey Micro Man, (like the name) just to reaffirm; what you are describing with your health since the injury all of us here have and are experiencing the same. Yes definitely its trail and error on the therapies (I have been to so many), the one therapy that I can say has helped my daily chronic headaches is Occipital nerve blocks or injections. The blocks basically block the pain nerve impulses because many head/neck injuries the major nerves have been irritated or inflamed. The blocks can come with a steroid that relaxes and eliminates muscle spasms, the steroid is added for extended relief. Side effects are very minimal. The procedure takes roughly an hour when all said and done with local anesthetic.
As mentioned I have tried MANY treatments, and reading your posts its like I wrote them myself because I have and been going through the exact same issues. Yes it was much worst in the beginning (March 2013), the symptoms have gotten better, but I can say the blocks really fight for you to relive the chronic daily pain. I have 2 children as well and understand totally what you are experience because I am experience the same things, it has gotten better from the early days, I'm 27 months post injury and I can truly say I never thought I'd make it this far, because the early day were really DARK.
Just to give an idea on treatments I'v done:
- message
- chiro
- hyperbaric
- cold laser therapy (helpful)
- PT
- Vitamins
- rest
- medications
Another intriguing treatment in neuro visual therapy, I have yet to try but I'm skeptical with this type of treatment.
It's been 2 weeks sine my injections and I can say pain has been reduced substantially, hope it lasts forever.
Yes triggers defiantly are the reasons for your pain and other symptoms if you can avoid those triggers.
Its important to sleep well also, as most of the healing takes place when body is a rest.
The key is nerve inflammation (cervical and cranial) get that under control.
ED
Quote:
Originally Posted by MicroMan
Thanks so much for providing such a thoughtful reply Mr. Mark : ) It appears you have a wealth of experience in the area. You’ve mentioned a number of things that are very helpful; I’ll try to respond in point form so as to minimise my written ramble
- I live with my wife (she has been tremendous) and our 2 children (6 and 10) in a detached home. Extraneous noise is not an issue for me, but interacting and tolerating the kids has been problematic. I tend to withdraw from family life via the basement… darker, cooler, and offers reprieve from in-home stimuli
- For employment I am in a very mentally challenging research-based position in which I direct a laboratory. However, I have not been capable of returning to work as of yet. My inability to tolerate basic daily interactions preclude this (see below)
- As you suggest, I’ve come to learn what my triggering activities are. I’m getting a feel for when I’m at risk for lengthy days of recovery. I’ve learned that any activity that increases bloodflow (possible pressure?) is intolerable. This includes simple exercises, such as walking (I was running >20 km a week at the time of the accident). Interestingly, even being declined in a dental hygienist’s chair for an appointment resulted in 2 weeks of recovery. Similarly, mental engagement (Xwords, sudokus, emails, reading) for more than 5-10 min are triggering events. Talking with someone other than my wife for more than 10 min is too much. Etc.
- I’ll take a look a the Vitamin post and also do some reading on DTI MRI… thank you very much
- Interesting on the C-1 and C-2. I have gone to 3 Chiropractors, all of who performed neck pressure point techniques, did an adjustment, and manipulated my skull. In every case, the impact on me was tremendously terrible… brought on some of the worst headaches and depression issues I’ve endured over the 20 months. Worst part of it was that the recovery from these lasted 4 weeks. With that said, I will look into this. Would massage therapy work?
- Interesting suggestion on the blood pressure. Since the accident, my blood pressure is higher and my heart beats approx. 25 time per minute more than prior to the accident. I was recently put on a diuretic bp medicine that has lowered my blood pressure, though no effect on my headaches has occurred.
In the end, it appears I’m going through what many of community already have. I need to find away to mentally feel better and increase my activity levels without sending me into lengthy recoveries… I guess this translates to “suck it up” : )
Again, thanks for the help Mark
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