Chris,

I have 2 problems with head movement. The sub-concussive type of movement that leaves me with a metallic taste in my mouth and/or a sense of mental disorder. I can shake my head 'NO' and get this feeling. I have trouble riding down rough roads in a car. I need to lean forward so my back is not in contact with the back of the seat and my body absorbs the road jarring.

I also have a C-1 to occiput injury that has never healed. In fact, I was unable to sleep at all last night because any time I relaxed my neck, the left occipital condyle to C-1 joint would be painful. The pain radiated down my neck following the left Sternocleidomastoid muscle and Trapezius muscle as they spasmed.

I finally stopped trying to sleep and got up and put an ice pack on it. After an hour of ice, it finally relaxed and the pain and spasm went away. So, I finally got to sleep about 6:00 am.

Ice is good for any time a joint is worked or exercised to prevent or reduce inflammation. Heat is used to encourage blood flow for healing. Heat is not helpful when there is inflammation.

3 chiros, 2 physical therapists, and a physiatrist (Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine MD) have all told me the importance of ice. 15 to 30 minutes on, 15 to 30 minutes off. repeat as often as possible when symptomatic.

Ice has always been helpful for me. We keep soft ice packs in the freezer.

I have had some rough days this week. Now, with my neck feeling better, my days and nights have settled down.

My neck problem also coincides with peripheral neuropathy/burning feet syndrome where my feet feel very hot. They are not actually hot in temperature but have a burning feeling. Sometimes, they get so hot feeling that I can not sleep.