So my neurologist called me to inform me about the outcome of my neck MRI today. Told me I have mild degenerative disc disease (which happens to everybody apparently). Doesn't think it needs any more management than PT, massage or chiro. I was really hoping they'd tell me my neck is what's causing my headaches. Now here I am, back to square one with a constant headache I've had for 6 months with no clear cause behind it. So frustrating..

Not surprised at the report. Generic radiologists will not give the best reads. They do not believe the things that chiros and especially upper cervical chiros see as treatable conditions.

Have you had any PT that involved trigger point or myofacial release techniques to see if that helps ? Or just some gentle traction and mobilization by a PT who can help spasming neck muscles release ?

Hi Mark,

I haven't done any PT yet, which my neurologist was sort of upset about. He asked why I wasn't following his advice although he recommended it twice. I just feel like it won't be of much help but I guess I have nothing to lose at this point. I will have to research for the best physical therapists around my area.

Try it , but try to find a highly skilled PT...

As Jo*mar says, You want to find a expert PT but specifically one who has extensive expertise with the upper neck area. There can be a night and day difference between PT's skills with the neck. Check for a PT who does myofacial release. Getting neck muscles to release can be helpful.

Be careful with the adjustment Sam. For me, I've had three done and each one led to 3 week recovery period that was hell. If you have one, hopefully you have better results!

I'll be seeing a highly skilled (based on reviews and background) atlas orthogonal chiro on Monday. I have been waiting for over 2 weeks to get in, they had a long waiting list. I really hope it makes a difference, I'll keep you guys updated.

Donniedarko,
Like you, my cervical spine MRI showed mild degeneration. My neuro sent me to physical therapy and it completely got rid of the pain I was having in my fingers, outer ear, and the back of my head. But it did nothing for the top of my head or my facial pain. My doctors seem to think that I spontaneously developed neck problems and trigeminal neuralgia at the same time. I think there must be some connection.

I'm curious to hear how your chiro visit goes. It sounds like something I might want to look into. I hope you'll let us know. I understand your frustration with having pain and not knowing why. It's been three years for me and I'm just starting to accept it.

Good luck, Cheryl

I'll update how it goes. On Monday she's doing the imaging and the adjustments on Tuesday. I also scheduled my first PT appointment for Wednesday. Fingers crossed..

So I had my atlas orthogonal appointment today, and as skeptical as I was about it I think it definitely helped.

I don't wanna jinx it or anything, but literally in 2 hours, this lady fixed my terrible posture. The actual treatment was like 10 seconds on the machine, and bam, soon as I got up, I was naturally in perfect posture. I don't even understand how this is possible, I still can't believe it. It's like she put an invisible neck brace on me that keeps my neck in optimal position. Before I would have to put effort to straighten my back and neck, now it sits in its optimal position without any effort; it just feels natural. So even if what she did didn't help any of my symptoms at all in the long run, she definitely fixed my posture. Also, she evaluated my neck by pressing on certain points and gauging for pain right before the treatment, and then did it right after. I kid you not, I could not believe that the neck pain was immediately relieved. I'm still in sort of a shock that such a short treatment could have such a profound effect, so maybe it's all placebo or something at this point but it definitely felt good. As for my headache, I'm not sure yet if it helped or not. While I do feel like it helped to some extent it's too early to know for sure. Time will show. I'll update you guys again.