undiagnosed neck problems

[nikcfi]

8 months ago I had an "accident" and work where a resident pulled her knees up when a coworker and I were walking her to the bathroom.  She actually hung from us.  I imediately felt pain shooting up the back of my neck.  I had 2 mris.  Both showed 3 minor bulging cervical discs, and 1 minor pertruding disc.  The neurosergeon did not seem to think of it as major at all.  I went thru physical therapy, 3 sessions of tracking- chiropractic care, 3 speroid epidual shots (did absolutely nothing).  He said he tried all there is except for surgury.  But feels the mri does not show that it really should need surgury.  

Yesterday he sent me for a myelogram with ct.  O I also had a emg? (nerve test) showed nothing.  My symptoms are almost constant pain in my neck and head, my shoulders usually feel that I have been carring 20 pounds weights around.  I also occasionaly have tingling in my hands.  This has been 8 months and I dont know what to do- exept pray for a miracle!  Any advice would be great!

[Zak_Han]

Hi,I'm sorry to know it.
From the information given I would say that you have possibly suffered what is sometimes called a chronic soft tissue injuries to the cervical spine. The MRI shows mild degenerative disc disease which could have been present before the accident. The accident though could aggravate and bring about more symptoms from this pre-existing problem. The soft tissue inflammation is main cause of your pain,I guess.

I would agree that physical therapy,intensive acupuncture, and mobilization exercises can be helpful,I'm sorry I have to say that you should be patient,it will take time to heal.

Best wish!

[jilsaphine]

Welcome to the club.
It has been 3 1/2 years since my slow speed vehicle accident and I am still dealing with it every minute of the day. My last injection (June) was the best results (out of the 5) and I am praying this one works. At this moment my neck and arms feel so much better (unfortunately I had a side effect from either the steroid or the contrasting medication and although the nausea considerably less, I still have the effects of the vertigo).
Since your symtoms are similar to a few of mine I can only tell you what helps me.
I have to have weekly Physical Therapy. Find a therapist who specializes in spines!!!!!!!! Except nothing lessneck at every appointment and does what he has to the effected ones. Just because C5-6 is the one that is the main concern doesn't mean it doesn't effect the others.
There is no skipping out on the neck excersizes that your therapist gives you. It is a MUST and HAS TO BE DONE DAILY.
I also have a Neck Traction devise that hooks on the door. You use a chin stap and a bag weighs it down to stretch your neck, I love it and use it at least 2-3 times a day.
Ice and heat packs help.
Learn how to use self hypnosis, relaxation and music therapy. It can be difficult to do at first especially when your in constant pain but in time with repeation you will get it and it does help.
There is alot of contraversy about soft collars. I do use one on and off through out the day when necessary, driving in the car (bumps in road irritate me), while on computer or anytime my neck gets tired of holding up a 10 lb. head. I dare anyone to walk around with a gallon of milk on their head for just 30 minutes and tell me it doesn't hurt, then tell them they have 23 1/2 more hours to go that day. Use it (collar), don't abuse it.
I also do not do any one thing for more then 10 minutes, change up constantly and take breaks.
Unfortunately I am hyper sensitive to most meds and have no choice but to be very religious about my excersizes and non medicine therapy.
Each neck case is different depending on the severity so I will not tell you what I have and still am going through, but I truely wish you a better tomorrow.
Don't give up, keep your chin up and think positive.