AeroDan,

Welcome to NeuroTalk.

I never had any neck pain. I get a bit of grinding when I move my head but no stiffness.

But, I know that my neck posture will impact my brain even without any other symptoms. That is why I call it a subtle neck injury.

A bit of postural strain put on an unstable or weak neck can cause inflammation that changes nerve function and/or blood flow.

The quality of sleep I got and still get sleeping in a recliner with my head and neck straight is strong evidence.

Some do not feel comfortable without a pillow elevating the head. A bed wedge can provide some lift to the head of the mattress so a thinner pillow can be used. In time, sleeping flat cam be learned. The goal is to reduce the strain on the C-1 to skull (C-0/occiput). It tends to be the joint that suffers the most during a concussion.

Got it, noted, and thanks!

Mike_in_Idaho: Did you have daily brain pain when waking?

Are you asking if I wake up with a headache?

I have in the past but rarely do now because I have been disciplined to not aggravate my neck.

Yesterday morning was a bad wake up. First in a long time. I had stressful dreams and woke up with foggy brain.

I have had periods when I had chronic headaches for 6 months or more.

Hi - Just following up on this. Did you go to CognitiveFX?? Am currently considering their 5-day program for my son (PCS since concussion in 1/15). Thank you.

I chose to go to UPMC in Pittsburgh, PA. I had my injury March 3, started at UPMC in June and I have been 100% pleased! My progress went from zero to substantial and I am very happy to report that I am able to return to working January 14, at a much less stressful job but I’m so happy to be able to get back to work! They have warned me that it will be very tough for me and I need to pace myself and take lots of breaks. But I’ll try and do my best! I’m sure working will be much better than doing all the therapy at home! Fingers crossed and lots of prayers! I very highly recommend UPMC Concussion Clinic. Look it up online and watch all the videos. Look up their CME- continuing medical education for physicians and watch the lectures. You can learn a lot!! It is backed by high quality medical research. Good luck to all. Get outside and get exposed to what makes you feel bad every day! It’s the best and only way to get better!!!

Thank you. I wondered if shanebox did go to CognitiveFX. Have read a lot about UPMC but thought they were for sports concussions only.

UPMC is definitely NOT just for sports concussions. They have many patients who come from long distances and they arrange all the appointments for you so you make the best use of your time. I very highly recommend them. We can exchange emails and phone numbers if you want to discuss it more. I wasn’t making any real progress until I started there and now I’m going back to work next week!!! It’s been 10 months for me. I’m at about 80% and still working on my therapy but making very good progress! I hope for the very best for your son!

Concussions 11 | ReThink Concussions

Great information here. Watch all the videos and read everything. You don’t have to go there to learn a lot about the best way to get better from a concussion even years later!

CME Courses | UPMC Physician Resources | UPMC Physician Resources

Clinical Trajectories of Concussion | ReThink Concussions

Concussions 11 | ReThink Concussions

Patient Stories | ReThink Concussions

ReThink Concussions | Pittsburgh, PA

When will Mickey Collins start writing down his comments and treatment guideline so we do not have to try to follow a video presentation? These appear to just be infomercials to seeking care at UPMC.
Yes, we know there are different trajectories.