[cyclist569]

Hello everyone,

I just finished reading about the Buffalo Concussion Clinic and Dr. Leddy's success with treating PCS sufferers through exercise. However, I also read that 90% of the patients he sees have neck injuries that are responsible for the bulk of their symptoms.

It seems like every person on here is experiencing, or has experienced muscle spasms at one point or another. My last concussion was caused by crashing on my BMX bike while riding at a skate park. My fall simulated a whip lash effect with my neck (and head) and I've been experiencing muscle spasms and general PCS symptoms ever since. I received two concussions before my last and experienced absolutely no problems with muscle control.

This summer I received an MRI and it was revealed I have an abnormal curvature in my cervical spine. So my question is: is all this my neck?

Could the vast majority of our said pcs symptoms be caused by neck injuries? I went through two concussions prior to my last and experienced practically no relapsing symptoms until my third which effected my neck.

I'm hoping someone could offer me some insight and hope, because this may just be the answer that many of us so desperately need to escape the vast unknowns associated with post concussion syndrome.


Keep on
-Will

[Mark in Idaho]

Will,

There is a correlation between neck injuries and concussion but you can not label either as the only or primary cause. In your case, I suggest you have two problems. First, your concussion history makes this last concussion more problematic. Second, your neck causes its own symptoms and it exacerbates your concussion symptoms.

Both need to be treated simultaneously. The neck requires strict postural discipline, especially when sleeping. Reduce the inflammation when awake. Sleep in a way that does not cause neck inflammation. Get treatment for the neck, i.e. gentle manipulation/mobilization with gentle traction, avoid Range of Motion exercises that push for increased ROM,

Take all of the stress reducing steps to allow the brain to rest and heal. Deal with your anxiety issues. Proper nutrition, etc.

Now, plan on doing this consistently for the long term. Slowly, you should see improvements. Reduce the risk of relapse. A few weeks of 2 steps forward with the occasional 1 step backward can quickly be undone with 1 'pushing it' step forward then 4 steps backward.

You need to manage or moderate your recover, not try to force it.

Regarding the neck, very few professionals will ever be able to diagnose a neck injury. Concussion neck injuries are very subtle. Treat the neck like it has been injured even though you can not pinpoint the injury. Just a bit of soft tissue trauma can cause inflammation that can exacerbate head aches and other symptoms.

I diligently work to avoid bad neck posture. It is now a life habit.

You should try to do the same.

My best to you.

[jinga]

I received a concussion in an auto accident along with orthopedic injuries. I have chronic headaches. I have had headaches that I believe were generated from the neck as they would start in the back occipital area and move into forehead; however i also have ice cream like migraine. I have had neck surgery and the constant headache I attributed to the neck has significantly reduced but i still get frequent\episodic migraine which are soley frontal and only respond to migraine meds so I believe Mark is correct that there is a correlation but also both concussion and neck injuries lead to this and are involved in the headache syndrome. You should have a C-spine MRi if you havent already.

A work of caution - Neurologist are know for being quite dismissive when your issues linger so be prepared. Find a good ortho doc and NP.

[rob_d87]

I have a feeling that my own symptoms are mostly due to neck issues. Sometime ago i was diagnosed with cervical kyphosis which means i have a very straight neck with almost no curvature.

I wish there was a way to know for sure and a way to correct my neck issues.