Hello,

I have read that weak neck muscles contribute to Concussion risk. I have had PCS for over 9 months. Does anyone have any resources regarding exercises to strengthen your neck muscles or to help prevent PCS setbacks.

I do feel minor pcs sensations when riding in a car going through speed bumps. So hopefully beneficial exercises can help prevent this.

Thanks.

bobbyR

Personally, I believe the "weak neck muscles contribute to Concussion risk" is bogus. It is based on faulty science. The laws of physics prove it to be wrong. But, weak neck muscles can increase the risk of the upper neck injuries that can magnify or mirror concussion symptoms.

A few years ago, someone posted a link to some neck exercises that were targeted at concussions.

But, regarding speed bumps, It helps to lean forward a bit and take your shoulders off the seat back as you go over the speed bump. Much of the vertical force is transmitted through the back of your shoulders. By keeping your shoulders off the seat back, you can minimize this force. Plus, if you roll your shoulders and head and neck forward a bit, the curve in your upper back is better able to absorb these forces.

Mark, have you been able to figure out what this sensation means when we feel every small bump in our brains ? What happens in our brain during these events ? I believe much of it is anxiety as we tend to focus too much on our heads and necks while travelling in a vehicle and passing over bumps and these bumps or potholes aren't a big deal. thoughts ?

I had that suspicion before for sure. For example I have seen bodybuilder types with apparently strong looking necks get knocked out fairly easy. You would think with such big muscular neck they could take a punch better but this puts this all in question.

And it's funny that you should mention how to absorb or prepare for a bump in the road while driving. I was in the passenger seat recently and the driver completely didn't see a huge speed bump. I gave the heads up about it but we went through the bump at about 25 mph or so. I instinctively did what you described I moved my upper body forward away from the backrest and this did take from the impact.

I had trouble with bumpy roads, and driving the lawnmower and tractor. My pt gave me exercises that helped with that. I had to be careful when and how much I did because if I overdid it I would get a migraine. He had me put my hand on the side of my head and push against it left and right through the full range of motion, there were others for my upper back and the back of my neck and at the same time I did tons of gentle stretching and work on my posture. It helped a lot, but I was very diligent. After a few weeks I could mow the lawn without getting sick. I still do the exercises after 3 years because I find it helps keep the migraines away.

Galaxy,

Into believe much of the battle is anxiety.

I recently observed while walking thru a parking lot. A moving van hit a speed bump. I could see this happening in advance as he was obviously going to fast approaching the bump and I got a head ache from it. Pure and simple anxiety. I was on my boat Tuesday when a compartment door fell on closed on my head and left me really fearful for a couple
Of hours anticipating mysery. I would not have given such a thing a second thought a year ago...now to much thought!

Bud

Well said Bud. While it may have been some physical cause in early stages of our recovery i believe anxiety takes that feeling forward even after a long time. When I see a bump coming in my car, and if I concentrate on it, I feel in travelling through my neck and jolting my brain! And if I am busy taking to someone while travelling, the impact is usually much much lower. This has led me to believe that anxiety is a big factor contributing to the symptoms in the later stages of recovery