http://www.mmtrphysiotherapy.ca/neur...ion-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.