[donniedarko]

Hi,

I've been regularly seeing a neurologist for the past 6 months and he ordered a neck MRI upon my request. Neck MRI came clean besides mild degenerative disc disease. However, I'm still pretty convinced that my headaches are closely related to my neck issues. I always have neck discomfort which turns into pain at times.

I've seen two different chiropractors; one the traditional kind the other an atlas orthogonal. Atlas orthogonal fixed my posture after a few adjustments (this is still going on, I'm supposed to get my post x-rays on Wednesday to see how well it held up).

I'm still having neck pain and certain movements cause a jarring like feeling in my head, it's almost like an electrical pulse that shoots through my head which also manifests some momentary pain. After seeing my neck MRI my neuro told me that there was no pinched nerves.

I want to get a second opinion but am not sure what sort of doctor would be able to evaluate my neck. I tried to make an appointment with a neurosurgeon but they're only accepting patients that need surgery. Any advice would be appreciated.

[Mark in Idaho]

The atlas orthogonal chiro should be able to help but not all chiros are top caliber. Some are just good at following the process but are unable to think outside the box (process). But, just because he said your posture was better, you can quickly mess it all up with a night of sleeping with bad posture.

Some degenerative disk disease can make things difficult.

Most of PCS recover is what we do for ourselves, not what a doctor does or tells us. Regular neuro visits are not much value in my experience. Maybe once ever 6 months or more if the neuro really understands. Most do not.

[donniedarko]

Yea I don't think my neuro understands/cares. He probably thinks my case is not too severe, which he is probably right about since I can function the same as I could pre-injury. It's just that I'm sick and tired of constant headaches and a heavy/sensitive head. So there is no one who could evaluate my neck besides a chiro?

[DejaVu]

Hi Donnie and Mark,

Might it be helpful, if Donnie wants another opinion, to see and orthopedic spine specialist?
I honestly don't know the answer.

Some Spine clinics utilize Orthopedic M.D.s.

http://www.houstonmethodist.org/spine/
Also see "our services" link on this page.
Also see; latest News at the bottom of the link.

Donnie, didn't you try Seton Brain and Spine in Austin?
No appointments available soon?

DejaVu

[Jomar]

Have you ever had PT assessment or treatment , to check if soft tissue/muscles or trigger points are a factor?

Doctors rarely do the hands on type of checks for this sort of thing..or they do a very quick only looking for the obvious...
Good PTs can take the time to thoroughly check & evaluate..

[DejaVu]

Originally Posted by Jo*mar

Have you ever had PT assessment or treatment , to check if soft tissue/muscles or trigger points are a factor?

Doctors rarely do the hands on type of checks for this sort of thing..or they do a very quick only looking for the obvious...
Good PTs can take the time to thoroughly check & evaluate..

Hi Jo*Mar,

Great option!
I have many trigger points in shoulders/neck.
My chiropractor specializes in myofascial trigger point release.
She uses trigger point release and massage with me.
Some PTs also offer this therapy.
Yes, competent PTs and chiropractors are very thorough.

My experience with orthopedic doctors is: They will fully assess; yet, refer to PTs for specialized care. The PTs often write reports, updating the M.D. as to additional findings, progress, etc.

Thanks Jo*Mar!

DejaVu

[Mark in Idaho]

I agree with the idea of finding a PT who can do an assessment. There are great PT's who can manipulate your neck and find the issues and gently help you resolve them. Not just any PT. You need to do some research. Trigger point or myofacial release are some key terms to use in your search for a PT.

[Holly26]

Definitely give PT a try! I wish I had started sooner.. I wish my Neuro would have suggested it to begin with :/ ( I'm 6 mo PC). She also shot down a neck MRI saying almost anyone off the street would show some sort of bulging disc, and I clearly don't have a spinal injury. You may not get results after 1 or 2 so don't stop. My "head pain", sensitivity ,whatever it is, started to finally diminish after my 3rd visit.i started 2 times a week, now 1. She finds so many 'ropes' or tight knotted spots from the top and sides of my neck down to my shoulder blades. My jaw too, which I had already been told about by an ENT dr. My symptoms still come and go, feeling better for 4-5 days then they start to come on again. I have to go back to work in 2 weeks, so hopefully this resolves soon. Hope something helps you soon!

[Mark in Idaho]

Holly,

Unless you are supporting the PT work with good head and neck posture during sleep and rest, you will likely continue to struggle. Most of neck issues is self-care with PT or chiro support.

DejaVu,

You have had a rare experience with chiros and PT's. Very few are thorough in my experience. Competency has no connection to thoroughness.

We need to be our own best advocates.

[donniedarko]

Thank you all for your input. My neuro actually prescribed me PT months ago but I still haven't given it a try. Now that I am off work for a few weeks, this might be the right time to finally give in and give it a try.