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.

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 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?

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??!!
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.

[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

[teigyr]

OY! Gives a whole new meaning to your screen name there now doesn't it??!!
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!

[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):



I figure I've survived this long, with thousands of roller coaster rides, bike riding, and yes, even a type of bungee jumping , 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?

[snapdragen]

Oooh, glad they found it!

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

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

//scuffs foot along the ground and shuffles off

[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.

[Velobambina]

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

[lph]

erk, scary stuff

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!