Question
Hi Ron

I have seem to have constant neck strain/pain.
I got injured in a football game 3 years ago when I landed head first into the ground with the weight of my body behind it, it's like my joints and discs all got squeezed into one and other.  I got loads of physiotherapy which has helped some what, I had an x-ray which didn't show up any problems and after all this time I still have strain and pain in the muscles at the back of my neck.

I stretch as often as I can and try to keep my neck mobile but it doesn't take long for it to stiffen up again.  I have been told that after neck trauma like this the joints and discs form an extra layer (similar to when a bone breaks) that is leaving my neck feeling stiff and strained at times.

What is the story with this, what can I do to cure this?

Sean

Answer
Spinal Decompression Toronto Patients have asked me similar questions at Back Clinics of Canada. Thanks for yours Sean. Wow, your injury sounds like you really suffered quite a blow when you fell.  I am truly sorry to hear that after 3 years you are still suffering.  It's great that you took an x-ray. So, here's my suggestions for now. If you had an x-ray within 1 week from the date of the accident I might suggest that you re-take another x-ray.  This is because sometimes fractures don't always show up close to the date of the injury. Also, because you have been suffering for 3 years and have also had lots of physical therapy but still not back to normal I strongly recommend that you obtain an MRI to clarify if you have suffered a disc bulge or herniation. So to give you specific advice on how to cure the pain is entirely dependant on the true nature of your problem which at this time, with the information you have given does not allow me to know for sure. I can tell  you that if you are suffering from a bulging or degenerating disc in your neck as the cause of your current pain then you should definitely consider to be screened by a doctor  who offers non-surgical spinal decompression to see if you will benefit from it.  My office has over 90% clinical success with patients we treat with these problems.  

Sean, I urge you to go  and find a doctor who will work with you to get these tests performed, and encourage you to write back to me with the results of these tests and any other relevant information you  may have so I can help you better.

In the mean time you can always apply 5-10 minutes of heat in the form of a heat pack followed by 5-10 minutes of an ice pack to your neck to help control the pain. You can do this 3-4 times per day until you get more information regarding the cause of your problem.

Also Sean, I suggest that you refrain from any contact sports until you get clarity on the true cause of your neck pain.

Thanks for writing to me so far. Would you please take a moment to rate this answer and consider to nominate me as volunteer of the month.
I wish you a speedy and complete return to health!

Dr. Ron Nusbaum  
www.backclinicsofcanada.ca