Neck treatment options
 

Hi everyone. Wondering if I could get some opinions on what I should do moving forward.

My suspected concussion happened while riding rollercoasters 3 months ago. No head impact.

I've been having dizziness/offbalance related to head movement and the frequency of the dizziness/offbalance has been increasing over the last few weeks. I've been starting to suspect that it might be because of a neck issue. I see that all my symptoms fit in with the assessment of Cervicogenic Dizziness.

I went to a Chiro the other day and told him how my offbalance issues happen and he believes that my neck is definitely the issue. He said if I was open for it that I should do some soft tissue work with him. I believe he said it was Myofacial release ?

Do soft tissue neck injuries self heal over time? or should I actively be seeking treatment?

Thanks

These upper neck issues do heal over time but two things are often needed. A therapist (PT, massage, myofacial release, gentle chiro) to help the cervical joint to release spasms and settle into position and a patient who is disciplined with head and neck posture, especially while sleeping or napping. You can undo weeks of improvement by strain due to poor posture.

I had to stop using my head and neck only to look to the side as I needed to do to search the yard so I could pick up the backyard of dog droppings. I had to learn to turn with my shoulders. I also needed to find a way to sleep with a straight head and neck position. No head lift or droop to the side, etc.

Once again, thank you for your reply.

I am going to look for some therapist options in the coming days. It sounds like basically I need to be aware of neck posture at all times.

Can the neck heal without any PT intervention or is it usually recommended to find one. If so, can you give me any tips of finding the right PT person.

thanks

The soft tissue work recommended by your chiro is worth considering. If the therapist finds a spasm that responds to myofacial release, it can be helpful toward healing/strengthening your neck.

But, if head movement causes balance issues, it can also be a vision problem. Find a NORA behavioral optometrist for an assessment. Health Care Locator Custom.

A large part of balance is visual. If you eyes dart as you move your head, you balance will suffer.

Years ago there was a post of neck strengthening exercises on NT. I'll look around as see if I can find it. It helped some.

Unfortunately, there is no such thing as "Get this treatment and you will be better." Finding a therapist who understands and knows how to work with your needs can be a trial and error task. Don't let a therapist talk you into continuing something that does not appear to help. Try another therapist.