Whiplash?

[Chrisp1981]

Hi,

I have had bad neck pain on ond off for around 4 years.   I think this may have been caused when i had an accident which forced my chin downwards onto my chest.   At the time it was very painfull and stiff for a couple of days, butt seemed to get better.   I never bothered to get it looked at at the time.   Since then i keep getting periods of pain similar to what i experienced directly after the accident.

I have very reduced movement in my neck,   certain movments and quick movements cause pain in my neck and down inbetween my shoulder blades.    These periods seem to not come on for any particular reason.

When this pain settles i am sometimes left with a clicking/grinding feeling.   There is also what i can only describe as a step in my neck about 10 cm below the base of my skull.     I dont remember not having this 'step' but it does seem to be where the pain eminates from.

I waited over three years to see the doctor about this.   The first one said its just a sprain and prescribed me naproxen, which did work.   Since then its been getting worse and more frequent.  The second doc i saw said its whiplash or ligament damage, and gave me more naproxen.    

Hopefully this will work, but im guessing its not going to treat the cause, only stop it hurting?  

Is there any benifit in going to physio or something similar?

Many thanks,   Chris

[Adam Tanase, D.C.]

You may still be able to receive satisfactory results with regular chiropractic care.

[Chrisp1981]

Thanks for the info.

Sadly it seems that the only specialist listed is in London,  quite a distance from me.

Any other ideas?

Thanks again

[Adam Tanase, D.C.]

The description of your pain points to an injury of the upper cervical spine - the top 2 bones of our neck. The "step" you feel is likely the spinous process of C2, which everyone has and can usually feel. However, it may be fixated now that it's causing you pain.

The pain killing medication you're taking will likely mask the pain, but it will not correct the underlying structural problem. I would not advise physio for this particular problem. Instead, take a look at this website, www.UpCspine.com, and find a specialist within reasonable distance.

Warm wishes,
AT