C2 region neck pain since small skiing crash

Have had a sore neck since 5th February when had a small tumble skiing, was wearing a helmet but didn't realise chin strap was loose resulting in the helmet moving around.  Noticed immediately after getting straight up again I had this strong headache type pain. I continued skiing the next final day of my vacation and upon return home to the UK saw a General Practitioner (GP) who prescribed painkillers however like over the counter remedies the pain dissapears on the painkillers but even 4 weeks post injury I still have the same constant pain although slightly less intense, its localised to the rear neck area nowhere else.

Initially I recall the motion of lifting and resting my head be it sitting or laying down was painful for the first week or so.

I'm hoping to see another doctor on Tuesday if I manage to get an appointment in my area.

Any ideas of what I may have done would be helpful as I'm starting to get a little concerned.

[SLadylani]

Well after an accident with any kind of blow to the head, a neck xray or MRI is usually recommended to ensure there's no damage, as your neck is a delecate spot containing delecate nerves and the spinal cord. If you are moving all limbs, that's a good sign just to ease your worries right there. There is a chance you could have an injury to y our neck, but there's also a chance you don't. The only way to know for certain at this point is by getting the scans/tests. An Xray, a much simpler test, will only show damage to the vertebrae, or bones in your neck. If you can't get into a doctor and are concerned, or don't have insurance, just an FYI chiropracters often perform these out of their office at a much cheaper cost. If you do have insurance and can get into see a doctor, recommended, a MRI is most likely what will be ordered, a much more complicated test which will basically show any tissue damage in this are. In this scan you lie partway down in a large tube for about 20-30 minutes and are given headphones with music as there are a lot of loud noises. The entire room is basically a is magnet so no metal is allowed. This would be ordered at a place outside your doctor's office. The MRI is always the suggested and more thorough way to go, especially with back/neck injuries. In the mean time I suggest you do what's been working for the pain, avoid any major physical activity, and do try to get in to see a doctor as soon as possible. Keep in mind here there's a chance that you did cause an injury, but it is healing right now, and will take time to heal. But ruling out any serious injury is definitely suggested, especially when it comes to the neck. I also recommend not fretting to much over the situation at this time as you can't change the situation, and worrying will not help a bit but perhaps cause more stress which may even increase pain. So as best you can, try to give yourself a break until your appointment as there's nothing more that you can do. I hope you keep us poste us know if you have any other questid and letons or concerns, as this website can be a great resource and support network. I'm sending you good thougts as far as your doctor's visit goes, and sending painfree wishes your way. Take care :),

Sara RN