Crosby may have had fractured vertebrae as well as concussions
 

Another Crosby article for those interested:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sport...rticle2318613/

Brutal. :(

what did they use to diagnose this / like nucca?
 

Thank you greenfrog for the link...

This makes me think... how did they not check his neck?
Wouldn't Dr. Carrick have x-rayed it at his chiropractic institute?
Is this more in depth than the typical cervical series xray?
Would this assessment be similar to what a nucca chiropractor would do?

Crosby was seen by Dr. Robert Bray in Los Angeles. He is regarded as one of the foremost neurological spinal surgeons in the world. He has pioneered may of the spinal surgery techniques used today.

A NUCCA chiro does very specific x-rays looking for very fine alignment abnormalities. Chiro x-rays are oriented to seeing the alignment and major fracture conditions. Crosby's fractures are considered to be very minor and do not put him at risk.

It is interesting that there is a disclaiming of a follow-up concussion to the original concussion. It appears they are not considering the impact of minor concussions nor sub-concussive impacts.

The news now is that Crosby does not have fractured vertebrae after all, but has a soft tissue injury around C1 / C2.

This is fascinating stuff. How many people are out there with undiagnosed neck injuries?

I don't mean to hijack this thread, but anyone know who you should see if you suspect a neck injury? My neck hasn't been the same since getting hit. I have daily pain and my neck makes noises when I rotate my head. During the course of my recovery I've been to the ER, my PCP, and 3 neurologists. All know/knew of my whiplash, but noone has done any imaging. Is this something I can really push my neurologist on during my next visit or should I see a different specialist? Any suggestions?

Sorry for hijacking! :winky:

Lagr,

You could try a physiatrist or see if there are any neck and back clinics in your area. I had some very good rehab at a neck and back clinic this summer.

Thanks Eowyn! I've never heard of a neck and back clinic, but I will definitely investigate. I'm in a major east coast city, so I would think a decent one would be in the area. I have thought about a physiatrist also, but just wasn't sure if I could go ahead and see one on my own or if it would be better if my neuro recommended one. My neuro has me doing a neck exercise, but I don't really know if it's helping any. Thanks for the tips!

If you can't find a clinic that focuses exclusively on necks & backs, ask around for one that uses the Med-X equipment for neck & back strengthening. I think a variety of good rehab places may have this.

http://medxonline.com/

This is very similar to my experience. I was severely concussed nov 09 and just reinjured jan 5th.

I had a neck injury the whole time that was not diagnosed until this second injury. As Mark posted above, the docs seem to not highlight the second concussion, which I experienced.

I had to ask for a neck xray at about 1.5 years after the initial injury. It did show that muscle spasms were causing reversal of the spinal curvature. My PT sure did notice though... she said my neck was the worst she'd seen.

Lagr, I would recc. asking for a cervical series x ray and PT if you haven't had it already. It doesn't hurt to ask your neuro, if he says no then you can try another.

I have the vibration thing that you mentioned way worse since my latest injury. And the latest MRI showed the the area of the spine that was reversed has increased.

I hope that you and your neck can get more attention!

postconcussion - thank you for the advice. This is my first major injury, so I'm learning the ropes on how this whole healthcare thing works. I'm going to schedule an appt with the neuro and see if I can get x-rays and pt. I hope he is receptive to this because something is definitely up w/my neck. Up until this point I was just dealing with the pain because one of the first neurologists I saw said I just had arthritis from the whiplash. The whole Crosby story has me questioning that diagnosis.

I hope you are able to get your neck back in shape again.
And side note....I guess it is reassuring to know that I'm not the only person who is vibrating!

And another follow-up article:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sport...rticle2323352/

Upper Cervical problems mimicing PCS??
 

This is interesting stuff to me, as I had whiplash and never actually hit my head. I've done some research online but haven't found anything distinct.

Has anyone read good credible information on concussion like symptoms caused by neck problems?

I'm almost at a year now, and my neck still bothers me.

Progress report
 

Crosby skates with team during practice (not regularly, though). Still not symptom-free but feels like he's getting there.

Personally, I now think the risk is too great for him to return to NHL play, but I respect his choices and obviously the public doesn't have all the information he and his doctors do.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sport...rticle2328293/