Question
I was involved in a quadding accident rollover May 21/07  that left me with a broken neck. After the Doctors discussed my injuries they found the damage was more extensive than they initially presumed. My C-1 was fractured at the lower section, my C-2 was fractured in 3 places and I had a Level 2 hangmans fracture with the odontoid bone crushed also. They realized this and opted out surgery to place a screw as the bone was mush and this left there no place to apply an odontoid screw. I wore a Halo vest for 3 months to repair my injury. Now that I'm out of the vest I have made great strength gains in my neck but now have severe headaches i never encountered before. Is this normal? I have had ongoing physio therapy from the time I got out of the Halo til now.Will I ever become normal again? My doctor and physio therapist say I have to be patient... How long should it take for a possible Full recovery? Or should I just be thankful to be alive and live with the pain...

Thanx,  

Mr T

Answer
Yes, you are lucky to be alive, but you shouldn't have to live in pain for the rest of your life either. Keep in mind you had some serious trauma along with some major surgical procedures followed by long-term immobilization. During the time you were using the Halo brace, you can be certain the muscles in your neck atrophied from lack of use. The headaches may be related to the new demands you are placing on all the muscles and joints that have been inactive during the three months of immobilization. I wish I could give you a definitive time line for recovery, but it really varies from one individual to another and depends on any complicating factors that may or may not be limiting your recovery (i.e. other existing medical conditions, posturally challenging occupation, etc). My best advice is to keep sticking with the physical therapy and follow up with your surgeon, but make sure the treatment you are receiving is changing. You physical therapy regimen should be different from what you started two months ago, four months ago, six months ago, etc. If you are doing the same things over and over, then you may want to explore other options or perhaps seek another physical therapist that may provide a fresh look at you present functional status.