C2 issues and exercises

momem3

Regular Member

Joined : Dec 2017

Posts : 22

Posted 12/12/2017 2:54 PM (GMT -5)

Hi! I'm new to join but have been looking at the wisdom on here for months. I'm hopeful that you guys can help me or at least let me know that I'm not alone. ;)

I figured out that I had Lyme earlier this year when I was going through another diagnosis and a friend suggested Lyme Disease. I looked into it, and it fit the bill. I'm actually one of those people that prefers the LD diagnosis to what they were diagnosing me with...a rare genetic condition that has no treatment and no hope. Pain killers for life sort of thing.

One of my biggest issues and fears is my neck. I was rear ended last November, had a fall in February and a snow sledding incident a week later. I have a lot of pain and symptoms from my neck. I'm seeing a chiropractor and was getting a bit better...until I saw the TMJ dentist yesterday that recommends these neck exercises to get C2 back in alignment. I feel like every time I do them I feel worse. Neck starts to hurt, feel a little off kilter, feel the start of a headache, etc. These exercises are very mild. You look up as high as you can, turn your head slightly to one side, tilt the head and then apply very light pressure to each side to help the vertebrae "slide" back into place. I'm thinking it could just be my body reacting to being in alignment, if even for a moment. Or that all the work yesterday caused a herx and my body is still reacting. I don't know. I just worry about my neck every time something comes up. Chiropractor basically told me that these exercises are futile since I have forward head posture and my C2 will keep going out of alignment until we completely correct that.

Just in a state of worry right now...thank you Lyme anxiety!

Sherrine

Forum Moderator

Joined : Apr 2005

Posts : 18470

Posted 12/13/2017 5:24 PM (GMT -5)

Hi, Momem3, and welcome! I'm so sorry I'm late in responding. I had a Christmas luncheon today so I was busy yesterday as well as today. But I really want to respond to this.

I personally wouldn't have a chiropractor messing with my neck. One wrong move could put you in a world of hurt. It could be dangerous. I used to see a chiropractor...the most highly rated one in my area. I was going for extreme back pain. I have struggled with back pain for years so I tried the chiropractor. At first things were going alright and he was convincing me that I was totally out of alignment. After an adjustment, I would hurt but then start feeling a tiny bit better but it was time for my next appointment! One day I walked in and shuffled out! 😳 I could not lift my feet at all. It took me a half an hour to get my slacks back on! I was in terrible pain and he said he couldn't adjust me anymore that day and he would see me at my next appointment. No way!

I got home and it was close to Christmas. I tried looking at Christmas cards to get my mind off of my pain but tears were streaming down my cheeks. The chiropractor told me to lie down when I got home and put ice on my back. I did and I felt better but then I had to use the bathroom. I could not get up! Every time I tried to sit up it felt like a lightening bolt was running through my back! I tried several times and couldn't do it. I finally told my husband I would try one more time and if I couldn't get up he needed to call an ambulance for me. I'm stubborn so I gave it my very best shot and almost didn't make it. I finally made it to a sitting position but my lower back was going nuts with spasms and pain. Bottom line...I ended up having to sleep sitting up on the living room sofa for 1 1/2 YEARS!

I have since found out that my back pain is caused by scoliosis as well as a disease of my spine called ankylosing spondylitis along with fibro. No amount of adjustments would have helped and that's why I was injured so badly.

I would suggest that you see a good massage therapist who does GENTLE massage and knows about Trigger point Therapy. At my luncheon today was my massage therapist. She said a knowledgeable massage therapist who does gentle massages could help your problem. She is proficient in many things...including myofacial pain syndrome and Fibromyalgia. I will look up a link for you to help you find a quality massage therapist in your area. She said do NOT get a neuromassage therapist.

I do Trigger Point Therapy on myself. I bought a book on Amazon called The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook. You can find it elsewhere too. I fixed a frozen shoulder using Trigger Point massage. Many times we develop muscle knots that tend to "lock up" our muscles. Trigger Point Therapy gets rid of the knots and the muscles go back where they belong. This is a pretty simplified explanation. 😊 So this is something to consider. I would also do the neck exercises but don't push it until it hurts. Movement generally helps muscle pain so that's why your MD is telling you to try these.

I hope this helps you. Do let us know what you do. We really do care about you. Here is the link to help find a good massage therapist in your area. In the upper left hand corner you will see "Find a massage therapist".

/www.amtamassage.org/index.html?gclid=CjwKCAiAvMPRBRBIEiwABuO6qaLel1dkxoBSkXVIEAUSgfFAaJjKsIAlaPF2cjFDu6Duf8fgccepMxoCm4cQAvD_BwE

Sherrine

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