Neuromuscular psysiologist finds soft tissue injuries in 100% concussion sufferers
 

The MMTR clinic has been spouting this information for years. Some here on NT have sought treatment at MMTR will limited if any improvements. Yes, they are correct about the need for upper neck treatment. But, MMTR's claims to having a therapy protocol that is unique and better that every other physio therapist is unfounded. In the past, MMTR has claimed they have FDA approval of their protocol but a search of FDA records shows no such approval.

The University of Pittsburgh has found that 85% of concussion sufferers show signs of upper neck injuries with many of the symptoms due to or made worse by the upper neck injuries. I call them subtle upper neck injuries because they are very difficult to diagnose.

What are the procedures to diagnose a subtle upper neck injury? I have had an MRI which obviously showed nothing wrong. I am doing neck stretches that I was given by a PT but that's about it. I believe headaches I was having were due to my neck (as they would go away after I stretch well). I saw a physiatrist who suggested: first try stretching/osteopathic treatment, then if that doesn't work try topical ibuprofen, if that doesn't work try ibuprofen internally, if that doesn't work muscle injections, finally nerve block.

Are there other diagnostics that should have been/can be run? Other treatments that people have tried and that have helped?

Upper neck therapy is a long process. You need to reduce the muscle spasms and keep the vertebra in position for weeks while the soft tissue/ligaments heal. This means discipline with posture and movement during this time. The most important is good straight neck posture during rest and sleep. Don't expect someone else to fix this. Most of the effort will be yours.

After every therapy, you should be icing. A PT doing gentle traction and mobilization may be the right solution but it depends on the skills of the therapist.

So far the only physical therapy that I have been prescribed is neck stretches: there has been no manual manipulation. Other than good posture (which I will admit I lack), is there anything else that you would suggest? Specific exercises?What about sleep: with a pillow or without?

All suggestions highly welcome.

Duh, As I said, Sleep so that you maintain a straight neck. If you can do that with a pillow, OK. You probably need to just find your own system. Finding a therapist to help loosen up your neck will be a start.

Ages ago, someone posted a link to a neck exercise program. Maybe a search will find that post.

The position of my head/neck has a massive effect on my symptoms. None of my doctors/therapists has anything to say about it except that neck problems are common in conjunction with concussion.

Is there any really specific methods to help with my neck?

@Mark - You mentioned disciplined posture?

Just be sure to sleep or rest without letting your head and neck get into a bent or twisted position. I sleep on my back with my head straight held up by a pillow rolled so it supports the side of my head. It takes a long time to see improvements as the ligaments strengthen.

What are the symptoms of a soft tissue damage? Just pain or the full PCS spectrum?

Neck - Soft tissue symptoms -

tight, strained, burning ,achy feelings in neck muscles, possibly even shoulder & upper back muscles. If those muscles feel rock hard then they are in spasms.

trigger points in those muscles

A good PT, DC & MD (if they feel for it) should be able to feel and tell if soft tissues are a factor.. Sometimes MDs focus on the head injury and overlook soft tissue factors.
Like with whiplash, soft tissue symptoms can show up awhile after the injury/accident.

A friend or family member should be able to help check for trigger points & tight muscles, if those are found then a follow up w/ a good PT is a good idea.