What say thee, fellow TBI sufferers?
 

Ok so as I've mentioned previously I've had a recent resurgence of my headaches. Coupled with that is severe neck stiffness/soreness that is a brutal and debilitating at times. Feels like my trachea, spine, whatever is pushing from the back of my neck to the front; almost like everything is swelling. I can't make it through the day without a 3-4 hour nap and if I don't get one I'm a mess the next day. I have to be able to function at work and that's proving difficult. My GP suggested that if it keeps up I consultant my neurologist. I don't know if this is concussion related or not. I have a history of migraines. My pain management regime seems not to be working anymore.

I don't know what to do. My doctor seems to think I should be beyond the system of the concussions. The neurologist was pleased with my progress. I honestly don't know what would have caused any of this. Suggestions?

I used to have bad neck pain/stiffness and headaches that seem to propagate from the neck up in the back of my head after my concussion for about a year.
Had very good results from seeing an experienced Atlas Orthogonal chiro. He also fixed my back pain and hip pain while walking.

It sure sounds like you need to seek treatment for your neck. You may even need help with your shoulders and upper back. You would be surprised how a shoulder/upper back injury can cause a myriad of problems. My whiplash/head injury cause me to have esophageal spasms.

You said "My doctor seems to think I should be beyond the system of the concussions" This tells me your doctor is not very knowledgeable about concussions. Yes, the vast majority would be resolved by now but definitely not all. Up to 15% have delayed recoveries.

A physiatrist (Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation MD specialist) may be helpful.

inflammation in your neck may just now be reducing and that is what is causing all the issues... the inflammation will help with some stabilization... once that is reduced the pain onset can be pretty bad!

This is what I was told about my own neck from my soft tissue person and my chiro...

Thanks for the responses everyone. I'm not sure where to start I guess. It's frustrating because I feel like I was finally getting clear of at least some of the more obnoxious parts of this, doctors and bills and whatnot, and now it seems like I'm almost back at square one. I've always trusted my GP to have all the answers. Now that she might not I feel lost. I suppose I'll have to research someone else who specializes in this stuff. Or talk to my neurologist.

Sarah,

You chiro and soft tissue therapist have some strange concepts. Or, are they just trying to explain away the pain from their treatments. I have been treated by many chiros, massage therapists and physical therapists. They have never said reduced inflammation can cause pain. In fact, some have recommended icing to reduce pain and inflammation.

Stiffness is usually caused by inflammation. Having a stiff neck suggest increasing inflammation.

inflammation can have a stability factor... your inflammation reduces and the stability gets worse causing pain... yes it is possible.. your surrounding muscles are weak and this will increase instability and increase pain...

That's exactly what I experienced as my swelling subsided. An easy way to test your neck, is to out on a soft brace and see if your symptoms abate.

Socks,

I hear you on the headaches/migraines and neck stuff.

The muscles in my neck are weak and sore a lot. The pain if very frustrating. I did have an epidural that helped but not enough I have a chronic condition now but don't remember the name. Myo facial something...I go to physical therapy for it and do exercises at home.

Sometimes the work she does can stir up a headache or migraine. She has to be very careful around the occipital areas. I also have some arthritis in my neck but I didn't have pain from it before the injury.

The right and left ablations I had done for the occipital neuralgia worked 70% on left and 100% on right. I was finally able to get out of bed after 14-15 months of continuous pain.

Starting to be concerned that the nerves are regenerating already. It's been 6 months on the left and only 3 months on the right. I'll do it again but sedated. It's worth the relief for migraines.

I don't know if any of this helps. I hope so.

Jace