All in my head (neck)?

[jcn10ec]

Good evening all.  I hope all is well with you and yours.  My question is "could all of my symptoms be because of my neck"?

Brief history.  I'm 39 now. When I was 20 I fell head first and struck my head on a concrete block.  Since then I've been able to 'crack' my neck by pulling my skull from right to left. It's gotten worse the last 5 years.  Now I can barely grasp small objects without severe thumb pain (both hands).  Also, when I work (eg painting or doing carpentry) my pinky and ring finger go numb while sleeping (both hands).  

During the work day I get severe lower back pain right on the top of my tailbone.  I have to lay on a flat surface to stretch my back in the opposite direction.  

Could this all be from that one injury in 1992?  

[mrsdjmw]

Hi! This is my first time using this web site, I'll do the best I can.
Yes, it is very possible that all the pain could be associated with both injuries from one fall. I was in a similar situation where I had a C6-C7 herniated disc simply due to my work as an OR surgery assistant where I stood 8 hours a day with my head tipped downward. Surgery was fantastic and I never had an issue again. UNTIL my daughter was driving and I was in the front seat and we were waiting at a red light. We were suddenly hit from behind because the other driver thought the light had turned green. My life has been in a downward spiral ever since. I had 2 cervical surgeries about 6 months to a year later and again went along fine until I lost full use of my left arm and hand and required more cervical surgery which has led to me being fused from C2-T1.I had to go on full disability eventually as the pain persisted. Suddenly I had severe lower back pain into my left groin. Finally they realized my scoliosis as a young child was never treated, but was known about and quite noticeable. I had 2 major back surgeries to correct the problem with fixation and plates. I just had my third lumbar surgery this April due to another level failing and to this day I am still in severe pain. Yesterday I had steroid injections and am praying for relief.
    The point I am getting to is that one minor car accident triggered the fact my neck herniated again. It is so true when they tell you that after a cervical fusion, the other levels around it take the brunt of the work. Which of course leads to more and more levels failing requiring yet another surgery. Had I not had scoliosis I don't know that it was a contributing factor but so many surgeries led to that failure and fusion from L1-S1. I married in 2006 and the chronic pain and surgeries followed, my husband has stood be me though we have never really even been able to go on a vacation or anything. I can't drive due to very limited movement, I take Morphine and Dilaudid daily as well as 3 antidepressants just to get out of bed. No working was also a hardship until my disability was approved.
     The moral of this story is that you really should consider any type of surgery as your VERY FINAL resort. You initially need an MRI to determine what is going on. I did NOT go to an orthopedic surgeon, I went to a neuro-surgeon for this reason....they are fooling around with your spinal cord!!! I want a Dr who handles nerves all the time. That is my first suggestion, and definitely get a second opinion as well.
    Exhaust all other suggested treatments they give you including p. therapy, injections, different medications, and I even had 2 spinal stimulators placed for over a year, unfortunately didn't help. It is true that once you have a surgery there will be more to follow. You never know when but the potential is there. I went from having a great life, great job, to being on disability, unable to drive, or work at all. I have had to go through 13 surgeries and yet I still have pain. My husband is truly a saint for putting up with it.
     I hope maybe something I have told you will help, I am so sorry for what you are going through. I became best friends with the girl in my room after surgery, she had the exact same surgery. It helps so much to be able to call her and vent since she knows exactly how it is. Keep active as much as you can, don't sit in the house and mope. Find a great Dr you trust (neurosurgeon) and weigh ALL your options. I'll keep yiu in my prayers, I too know exactly what you are going through and that's why this forum is great to talk to others who also understand. PLEASE keep me posted, and I wish you all the best life has to offer!!

[trixy71]

Actually yes, its quite possible. Its also possible that its been degenerating since your fall. I would make an appointment with your doctor and ask for x-rays of your cervical AND lumbar spine, it sounds like there is a pinched nerve which can cause pain and the numbness, so definitely get it checked out. Good luck and let us know how it goes.

[selmaS]

  Hi...it is very possible....u should see ur Dr and give him this info and I would hope he/she would RX a MRI of the cervical spine....that may help enlighten what is going on.

DO keep us posted as to how u r doing.