Neck Injury
 

I have been reading throughout the other posts about neck injuries.

I am PCS month 20 and understand that a neck injury causes symptoms that overlap with PCS.

I have a headache 24/7. Long term it has gotten better, but it is still severe.

There was a suggestion to get your neck checked out by a upper cervical chiropractor ( we don't have one where I live).

"This can be done by a great orthopedist, an orthopedic neurosurgeon, or an upper cervical chiropractor. Many of his symptoms could be due to unresolved neck issues. " (from other post)

Ok, say I go to my doctor and get a referral for a orthopedist...
and they say I have a neck injury.

What would change as far as my treatment plan?

Can they fix anything?

Would I get an xray or just an assessment?

Could I just have my GP get an Xray?

PLease explain, than you very much.

Do you have any other symptoms aside from the headaches?

Was there any x ray or MRI at time or soon after the injury?
Xray might show if something is easily seen , but MRI will show more layers and cross sections.

What is your treatment plan now?

Have you had any physical therapy? Some will do a comprehensive eval/assessment for the Dr and then discuss the findings.
They usually do some neck traction/compression as well as various tilting to test for symptoms.

It's just good to rule out any other injury that might be needing specific care or treatment.

Soft tissue problems & trigger points can cause a lot of misc pain and even headaches , so if nothing shows as a cause then those should be explored. Or you can read about them and explore that your self easily.

Some TrP info- a tennis ball, dog ball, golf ball etc, or a friends thumb will work great, against a wall or even laying on the floor to help with the pressure on the TrP.
http://www.pressurepointer.com/pain_reference_chart.htm
http://www.pressurepointer.com/Users1.htm

Thank you for replying.

I had an ct scan of the brain and mri, but never of the neck area. No xray of the neck either.

Yes, I have had physical therapy. I have had traction done, and it would hurt so much. The therapy sessions have ended.

They did help though.

I am still unable to turn my neck quickly or stretch it without pain.


I do stretches, heat,rest, etc. and go gentle on my neck.
Do you think that this is normal after so long?

I can't speak to the PCS time frame part of it my concussion was as a teenager and I recovered without too much trouble at the time.
Although I think it did play a part in my now middle age repetitive work injuries (chronic) and minor back problems.

How did you hit your head or get your injury?
sideways impact, top of head, front or back impact?
Maybe others would have some better idea on the neck possibles.

I went flying off my horse and hit my head on the ground. I have no clue how I hit the ground or what angle I landed. I was out for however long it took my grandpa to run across the plowed field from his tractor.
All I know is as I woke up he was telling me to let go of the reins, I still was holding my horse's reins. I wanted to ride my horse home and he was jigging the whole time and I kept blacking in & out. But we were only a mile from home so we made it.

postconcussion,

Your admission that you cannot turn your head quickly or stretch it without pain is good evidence of an ongoing neck injury. I suggest you search for a Physical Therapist who has a good reputation for working with upper neck injuries. A physiatrist or rehab specialist is also an option. An orthopedic neuro-surgeon is a bold move be may have the diagnostic skills you need. Avoid any discussion of surgery until you have exhausted all other options. Some neuro-surgeons like to cut. There are also some who are well experienced with a wide variety of treatments.

A multi-discipline spine clinic might be helpful. They may have PT's, neuro-surgeons, chiros, pain specialists, acupuncture, etc.

Getting help with a neck injury or even just a diagnosis helps to direct you to also focus on neck position and related issues. It is amazing how a injured neck can magnify PCS symptoms.

My best to you.