Question
I was at a child's playbarn on thursday when I fell backwards from a low height landing on my neck which pushed my head towards my chest.  I heard a terrible crunch and was in a lot of pain for a moment but I did manage to get up and the pain subsided for awhile.  Ever since though I have had what I think is muscular pain across the top part of my shoulders.  Last night I was physically sick and I had trouble getting to sleep because of teh pain in my shoulders.  Today I have been experiencing headaches whenever I bend down and slight tingling sensations in my arms.  How would I know if I had broken any bones in my neck? or am I just being a hypochondriac and just experiencing muscular pain.

Answer
Anna,

I can't be sure, from your description.  Tingling down the arms could be from muscular contractions causing nerve impingements.

It's probably muscular, but I would get checked.

If no damage is found, it's probably muscular.  You may need to retrain the control you have of the involved muscles to relax them.

with regard,
Lawrence Gold