Um...I have a neck fracture....maybe....

[snapdragen]

I've been undergoing treatment through workers comp for arm and wrist problems, possible carpal tunnel syndrom and tendonitis. Things took an interesting turn today. :eek:

I went in for a followup today at the workers comp clinic. In their usual fashion, I had to go over my entire history again, and push for them to do something. Finally the doctor decided xrays were in order. After the films were developed, I was left waiting in an exam room. The doc sticks his head in "Have you ever been in a car accident or something that would have caused a neck injury?" No, I haven't. "Hmmm. I'll be right back"

He comes back a little later and has me look at my xrays. "You have some sort of fracture :eek: and compression of the vertebrae in your neck. It's been there for awhile, and he's really stunned/confused/perplexed. So, I'm discharged from workers comp, and told to go to my PCP.

I decide this is a little spooky, and go straight to my doctor. They squeeze me in, and I explain everything. The nurse practitioner I saw was a bit stunned. "Um, until we figure out what is going on, don't do anything too athletic - no sports etc. Nothing that might jar your neck" And I'm sent off for more xrays and will be getting an MRI. She says the injury to my neck is usually caused by some kind of diving accident. So far the only thing we can come up with, is when I was 18 months old, I went over the back of a rocking chair, and landed on my forehead. That's about as close to diving as I've ever been.

I have been in various doctor offices since 9:00 this morning; just got home about 2:00.

ARE WE HAVING FUN YET?

[Wahine]

Well, good thing they started looking at your neck a little more closely is all I can say.

Take care Snap and keep us posted.

[DirtDiva]

ARE WE HAVING FUN YET?
Wait! Wait! I know the answer to this one: not so much? :rolleyes:

Whatever is going on, I hope they manage to figure it out and fix it up quickly.

[maillotpois]

OMG! That's just crazy. Scary, too. Wow. Definitely keep us posted.

[Running Mommy]

OY! Gives a whole new meaning to your screen name there now doesn't it??!! :eek:
Hmmm... Kinda scary. Neck fractures are nothing to mess with!

[Trekhawk]

That is scary stuff Snap!!

I hope they get it sorted out for you soon.

[teigyr]

OY! Gives a whole new meaning to your screen name there now doesn't it??!! :eek:
Hmmm... Kinda scary. Neck fractures are nothing to mess with!

Hah! Clever!!!

Very scary - I hope they figure out what it is. Maybe it's the cause of your ongoing problems? Regardless, it needs to be fixed. What a shock though!

[FlyingScot]

I broke my neck....WASHING MY HAIR!!!!!!!!!! Didn't know it, thought it was muscular and carpal tunnel. 3 months later the diagnosis made. Had surgery (C5-C6 anterior discectomy and fusion) Healed up fine. Only minor issues since. Found out after surgery that if I had been in even a minor car accident probably would have been a quad. Almost threw up when I heard that. If they didn't put you in a collar and a squad straight to the ER you have what is called a "stable" vertebral fracture. Those are the kind that don't mess with the spinal cord. Can't tell you not to worry but my thoughts re with you.
FS

[Tuckervill]

Are they sure that was your xray? Mistakes do get made.

Hoping for the best.

Karen

[Dogmama]

I hope they put you in a cervical collar? If not, you need to insist on one. I had a cervical fusion 1.5 years ago too. Other than some transient numbness & soreness when riding over three hours, all is OK. I'm probably a tad older than you too...;)

[DrBadger]

Yikes Snap! I guess it was a good thing this new Dr wanted to x-ray further up your arm/neck!

I hope that you can get a definative diagnosis and get on the path to feeling better. Good luck, and keep us all informed!
E.

[Veronica]

Oh Gawd! That's seriously scary! Imagine you're getting a hug.

V.

[silver]

Oh Dear! Be very careful! Are the new x-rays/MRI scheduled soon?

[LBTC]

Awwwwwwwww, darn it , Snap, that's not what you wanted to hear!! I mean, if this is true and not a mistake, I'm very glad someone has finally found it, but oh it would be nice if it were not true!

I'm sending you lots and lots and lots of calm, healing, helpful, relaxing, gentle butterflies (they can't possibly hurt you, even by accident)

and the gentlest of hugs,
~T~

[snapdragen]

I really believe this is something I've been living with for a very long time. (Like close to 49 years!) If it's true, then maybe I have an explanation for always feeling like I have a "crick" in my neck.

The damage is the C1 vertebrae, with the rest being compressed. Like this (not my x-rays):

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h181/snapdragen/neck-ouch.jpg

I figure I've survived this long, with thousands of roller coaster rides, bike riding, and yes, even a type of bungee jumping :eek: , I will survive the next couple of weeks while we find out what is going on.

That's not to say I'm not going to be extra careful now, because I am! So, I'll go dust my bike off, put her cover back on, and plan on hitting the roads once I'm all fixed up.

[KnottedYet]

Oooh, glad they found it!

Necks are scarey. Be careful. No bungee jumping for now, Ok? :o

[snapdragen]

Oooh, glad they found it!

Necks are scarey. Be careful. No bungee jumping for now, Ok? :o

I can never have any fun......

//scuffs foot along the ground and shuffles off:p

[Zen]

I can never have any fun......

We could still play scrabble!

[Wahine]

Snap could you post your x-rays again without the writing on them or PM them to me? Not that I see anything too exciting but I'd like a better look at the lower part of your neck.

There's some definite osteoarthritis that is likely related to your ongoing symptoms but the fracture is likely stable and unrelated to your arm symptoms.

[snapdragen]

Oh! Sorry Wahine - that's not my x-ray, I snagged it off google images! I'm going to see if I can get digital copies from my doc next week.

[Velobambina]

Holy smokes. Take care of yourself! Sending you lots of good thoughts.

[lph]

erk, scary stuff :eek:

I don't know anything about fractures, but I once did jury duty on a case where a woman turned out to have a fracture in a vertebra that was in part due to a birth "defect". Could this be something you were partially born with?

Take care!

[snapdragen]

erk, scary stuff :eek:

I don't know anything about fractures, but I once did jury duty on a case where a woman turned out to have a fracture in a vertebra that was in part due to a birth "defect". Could this be something you were partially born with?

Take care!

That's possible, since the first doctor said it looked like something that had been there for awhile.

I'm hoping it's something very simple, easily fixed, and will end this constant tingling and semi numbness I have in my arms.

[Ninabike]

Gee Snap, I'm so sorry to hear this. If it is something that has been there for a while, maybe it is just creating symptoms now because bone growth at the fx site is forming a spur, or normal arthritic changes are making the fx symptomatic and pressure is being created on the cervical nerves which go to your arm. At least you can now get a diagnosis and treatment.

Wishing you all the best.

[CycleTherapy]

I knew that AV order was too much for one mere mortal !:D

Seriously, I'm glad they found it and can now focus on the solution. Hang in there, and take care of yourself. I'm sure in no time you'll be back on the bike. (Keeping you in my prayers.) :)

[Wahine]

Oh! Sorry Wahine - that's not my x-ray, I snagged it off google images! I'm going to see if I can get digital copies from my doc next week.

Well thank goodness, because that person is really screwed-up.:eek: :eek:

Just kidding. I was actually wondering because that x-ray didn't look anything like what I expect your x-ray looks like. It would be cool if you could get a copy. I'm no radiologist but I can pick up on the more obvious stuff.

[Triskeliongirl]

FYI if they can't give you a digital copy, you have a legal right to a film. I usually request the films (even if only to borrow) and then scan them into my computer myself, so you could also ask them about that if its easier. Scary stuff, but the good news is that they found it before something really bad happened, and you are getting it dealt with. Good luck and keep us updated!

[snapdragen]

Tri - do you use a regular scanner? I can see me walking into Kinko's and asking them to scan them. :D

[Triskeliongirl]

Yeh, I use a normal scanner, just set it for high resolution and be sure to shut the lid.

[mtkitchn]

Oh my gosh! What a crazy thing to find out! Hope they can get you fixed up right.

[DebW]

If a normal scanner doesn't work on the x-ray, try taping it to a window or blank computer screen and take a snapshot with a digital camera.

[Kitsune06]

so is it c1 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atlas_(anatomy)) or c2 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Axis_%28anatomy%29)?

Given your xrays, it *sounds* like you have a type II fracture (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Odontoid_process)- through the base of the dens... if, in fact, it's c2... which is more likely because odontoid fractures make up ~1/3 of the fractures of the C-spine... Freaky, huh? So you're not alone...
A decent CT example (http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://learningradiology.com/caseofweek/caseoftheweekpix2007-1/cow248arr.jpg&imgrefurl=http://learningradiology.com/archives2007/COW%2520248-Dens%2520Fracture/densfxcorrect.html&h=332&w=604&sz=38&hl=en&start=6&um=1&tbnid=hnU_4ril5kPkcM:&tbnh=74&tbnw=135&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dtype%2BII%2Bfracture%2Bof%2Bthe%2Bodontoid%2Bprocess%26svnum%3D10%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26sa%3DN) of a positive... with xrays here (http://www.wheelessonline.com/ortho/type_2_dens_frx).
Ok. Gotta stop being a dork. :D ;) Makes me wonder if I sustained a similar injury as a kid, either faceplanting over my dad's shoulder (squirmy kid) or attempting a backflip on my bed (and failing...)
Take care of yourself, Snap. :)

I'll have an orange drop for you tonight. I've... rather lost my taste for lemon drops since the party in CA. ;)

[snapdragen]

The note I have from the first doc says C1, with compression of the others below. I'm hoping to hear from my doc on Monday.

**this is not how I planned on spending my vacation days** ;)

[Wahine]

C2 is a very common fracture and is often related to diving accidents. C1 fractures are more rare but are most often related to a traumatic comprssion type force which explains the compression of the vertebra or discs below. It's all very intriguing. Keep us posted.

[DirtDiva]

What are you saying there? That someone dropped snap on her head when she was a baby? :eek: ;) :p :D :eek:

[LBTC]

DD - sure, I can see that. My brothers used to drop me head first on the concrete floor when I was a kid. I'll never forget that sound...a very deep echo-y thud.

We're pretty sure that this contributed to my current health problems, too. Well, and a neck that a chiropractor told me was full of osteoarthritis when I was 18 years old.

Neck pain sux. Hopefully the fact that they an see something on the x-ray will mean that they can do something to make you feel better!

Hugs and butterflies,
~T~

[DirtDiva]

Ain't brothers wonderful? I have a friend whose brothers used to get her to jump out of the upstairs window and convinced her she'd be fine as long as she landed on the target they'd painted on a sheet! :eek: She never did break any bones that way, but she did take up skydiving as an adult. :D

[luv'nAustin]

Hey snap,

Sorry to hear that you have the fracture, but certainly glad that they finally found it for you.

I also wanted to add that I'm very impressed with your computer skills! I can't even figure out how to add a picture to my posts and not only do you add your x-ray, but you draw diagrams! Way cool!

[snapdragen]

My brothers always treated me like the princess I am :rolleyes:

Any damage done was self inflicted, going headfirst over the back of a rocking chair, flying down the basement stairs in my baby walker...you get the idea. :D

[Duck on Wheels]

Ouch, Snap! And double-ouch if this means they've taken you off worker's comp. But hey, if this is something you've had since infancy, then how can they be so sure it wasn't work that made it start giving you symptoms? Or maybe the symptoms aren't from the old fracture at all? I mean ... work is supposed to be safe for everybody, because there's barely anybody who hasn't suffered a whack here or a crack there as a kid. So if you have to be superhealthy at the outset to get workers' comp, then what good is it to most of us ordinary folks? Anyway, whatever they find, I've got some fingers crossed that they also have a cure for it and that your insurance has you covered.

[snapdragen]

Doc's office called, the radiologist says there is definately something there, but it's possible it is congenital. They want me to go in for a CT scan instead of the MRI. I know nothing of either, so it's still a big adventure for me!:o

In the meantime, I'm having great fun explaining all this to people at work. "Be nice to me, my neck is broken you know.....":rolleyes:

[silver]

I *think* that the CT scan is more dimensional than the MRI. Will give them more ability to look all around it. But I'm sure the experts will weigh in.

*worried* ....I dropped SilverDaughter on her head when she was a baby....:( :( :( :eek:

But she's had a CT scan of the head so surely if there was a problem they would have noticed it.

[Bad JuJu]

In the meantime, I'm having great fun explaining all this to people at work. "Be nice to me, my neck is broken you know.....":rolleyes:
I'm just picking up on this thread--ouch, poor you! (If I were a real southerner, I'd say "Well, bless your heart!" ;) )

You've got the right idea at work though--milk that fracture for all it's worth!

[IFjane]

Oh Snap! I just saw this thread, too. Keep us posted on the CT scan (can you show us pictures of that, too??:) )

[maillotpois]

Oooh! Have fun in the CT scan machine!! I think it is probably faster and certainly less claustrophobic than MRI. I've never had MRI, though.

Seriously, keep us informed.

Do they really think any of this has anything to do with your wrists/hands??

[Wahine]

Snap - they changed their minds about the MRI because a CT scan images bone and neural tissue better than an MRI. MRI is better for diagnosing soft tissue lesions including disc and cartilage problems. My guess, and please keep in mind that it is a guess, is that they are looking for a Type 1 Chiari malformation or something similar. These are congenital and are not usually found until later on in life when people are undergoing treatment for something else. If that's what it is it could definitely have a lot to do with the arm problems.

[Running Mommy]

Wahine! You are the WOMAN! Very interesting stuff!
Keep us posted snap. Bummer that it's no longer W/C though.... Not that W/C pays all that well... (I'm a work comp administrator)

[snapdragen]

Everyone has said it is possible that what ever is going on with my neck could be affecting my wrists/arms.

I think the tingling/numbness down both arms is definitely related. I hope everything else is too, so it can get taken care of without me returning to the tenth level of hell known as workers comp.:rolleyes:

[mtbdarby]

Good luck with it Snap. I can attest that they are related - after a bike crash last year, 1 PT, 2 ortho surgeons and 1 cortizone injection later I was still hurting. I went to my chiro and he figured it out in about 10 minutes:D

Guess who I'll start with next time???

[Wahine]

I understand you position Dar. But you just got stuck with a sub-par PT. A decent PT would've figured it out.

As for you Snap - don't even think about going to a chiro!!!:eek: :eek: A cervical manipulation could cause serious damage in your case.

[snapdragen]

No worries! I do see a chiro regularly, she is also an awesome massage therapist. I'll let her know what's going on, we'll avoid any cervical manipulation. Probably will avoid any manipulation for now, just stick with massage. Although she does wonders for my wrists when they feel all jammed up.

Are there different types of chiropractors? Mine doesn't use one of those strange tables that move, she either uses a regular massage table, or a lower table that is long and flat. She's also not a "bone cracker", she's super gentle, I've never felt hurt after seeing her. (I saw a bone cracker once, never went back :eek: ) Besides....she's a fellow LemonDrop aficionado! :D

[emily_in_nc]

Everyone has said it is possible that what ever is going on with my neck could be affecting my wrists/arms. I think the tingling/numbness down both arms is definitely related.

I definitely agree. My father-in-law had the same type of wrist/arm symptoms and was diagnosed with cervical stenosis. He had surgery last year and is much, much better.

Good luck to you, snap, and keep us posted!

Emily

[Wahine]

No worries! I do see a chiro regularly, she is also an awesome massage therapist. I'll let her know what's going on, we'll avoid any cervical manipulation. Probably will avoid any manipulation for now, just stick with massage. Although she does wonders for my wrists when they feel all jammed up.

Are there different types of chiropractors? Mine doesn't use one of those strange tables that move, she either uses a regular massage table, or a lower table that is long and flat. She's also not a "bone cracker", she's super gentle, I've never felt hurt after seeing her. (I saw a bone cracker once, never went back :eek: ) Besides....she's a fellow LemonDrop aficionado! :D

Well OK then. As long as there is no bone cracking going...... (wahine taps her foot like a overbearing mother). Just don't let me catch you doing any of that snap, crackle and pop stuff.

[HeatherErin]

They do the COOLEST 3-D imaging with the CT scan. At least they did with my elbow scan. Maybe you have that to look forward to? ;)

My fingers are crossed that they figure out what's up.

[ClockworkOrange]

Hi ya Snap

I have not been on here a while, so when I read your recent thread I was really shocked and upset.

All the best with the scans etc that you will have to endure.

I guess you will have to just become a little bit more sedate for a while, just relaxing with a nice large glass of wine more often. :rolleyes:

Take it easy.

Sally

[GLC1968]

Holy cow, snap!

I'm just now seeing this, but speedy healing vibes coming your way. I hope that whatever they find and fix also helps your arms/wrists! :)

[Wahine]

So I know you won't have any new info yet but keep us posted OK. Have fun at your CT scan this AM.:rolleyes:

[maillotpois]

Yeah, have fun! It'll be great! They better be nice to you....

[mary9761]

I hope your CT scan went well today. After what I've been through with the lumbar this year, I wouldn't wish any spinal problems on even my worse enemy. (not that I would have before either but I think you understand) Good luck.

[snapdragen]

I survived just fine ladies, thank you.

The only part that I found uncomfortable was laying flat on my back and keeping my arms at my sides! :)

Now I wait for the doctor's office to call, the tech at the CT center said it would be 3 to 4 days.

[snapdragen]

So I know you won't have any new info yet but keep us posted OK. Have fun at your CT scan this AM.:rolleyes:

Wahine - I got my x-rays. I'll need to see if I can either take pictures of them, or get the scanned. Here's what the report says:

Findings: Alignment and curvature are within normal limits. Vertebral body heights are maintained without definite compression deformity. Nonvisualization of the lamina at C1 with a "floating spinous process". Disc space narrowing is present at C5-6 and C6-7 with associated anterior osteophytes. There is mild neural foramina encroachment at these levels on the left. Prevertebral soft tissues are unremarkable.

Impression:
1. Mild to moderate degenerative changes of the lower cervical spine.

2. Absence of the C1 lamina. If there has been no history of trauma, this most likely represents a normal congenital variant of the C1 vertebra. Please correlate clinically and consider CT for further evaluation.

[Wahine]

Findings: Alignment and curvature are within normal limits.

Good


Vertebral body heights are maintained without definite compression deformity.

Also good.



Nonvisualization of the lamina at C1 with a "floating spinous process".

Ah ha!! This is likely congenital and is not an unusual abnormality. This abnormality in and of itself is not a big deal. But there is a higher probability of other abnormalities of the spine or spinal cord when this is present. Very interesting.



Disc space narrowing is present at C5-6 and C6-7 with associated anterior osteophytes. There is mild neural foramina encroachment at these levels on the left.

This is actually the most likely cause of your arm pain. But they'll worry about that later after they have confirmed that your head is not going to fall off.

[KnottedYet]

Dang, Snap, after I get my new insurance up and running, I could be playing the same game you are!

(another C1 problem child)

I'll be contacting you for info after I get the ball rolling. (don't want my head falling off, either!)

[snapdragen]

Saw my chiro today - got a lovely massage, she worked on my wrists a bit too.

She was so excited to see my x-rays and the report! "I've never seen a floating spinous process except in text books!" Then we looked at the x-rays together, she pointed out everything the report was talking about.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Sounds like pretty good news. :o

So does this mean that you *don't* have a broken neck?

[KnottedYet]

I think it means the part of the vertebra that would normally protect the spinal cord isn't there, and the spinous process is just a floating hunk of bone behind the spinal cord with nothing keeping it in place.

Not quite sure what the ligaments that would attach the skull to the C1 are attached to in this case.

Yup, don't be doing any bungee-jumping, Snap!;)

[snapdragen]

Pretty much right Knot. Mara thinks there might be some kind of tissue holding the spinous process in place, just not bone. Maybe the CT scan will show what.

[SadieKate]

I've decided you're my favorite Bobble Head, even though you won't fit on my dashboard. :p

[sgtiger]

I've decided you're my favorite Bobble Head, even though you won't fit on my dashboard. :p

:eek:

ROFL! :D :D :D

Sorry, Snap, I don't mean to laugh at your pain.:o I do hope that your caregivers will be able to find a fix for you soon with the info that they gain from you CT.

[maillotpois]

I've decided you're my favorite Bobble Head, even though you won't fit on my dashboard. :p

SNORT!! Good one! Can you imagine (a mini version of) her riding on your dashboard?? Oy! I might crash from distraction like the time I rode my bike into the pole on the Truckee bike path because I was so captivated by what my riding buddy was saying. :rolleyes: