Cervical restrictions

[Bummer Knees]

I am feeling a bit overwhelmed and a little down.

Everytime I go to the doctor I receive additional diagnosis or restrictions. I think I will quit going to the doctor.

Earlier this week the EMG/NCT confirmed moderate carpal tunnel with muscle loss of the left hand, the doctor says the dominant hand is now moderate/severe with muscle loss.

And today I received cervical restrictions from the doctor. The is from the auto accident of 12/07.

The restrictions read:
1) Avoid extensive flexion and extension of the cervical spine
2) Avoid any overhead work
3) Avoid any work involving constant positioning of the cervical spine

I understand #2 but am a little confused on the meaning of #1 and #3.

I have a phone call in to my attorney to share the restrictions with home. We are talking settlement of the accident at this time, don't know if the restrictions will make a difference with the settlement.

[jayne]

in other words dont stretch to reach things on a constant basis....I can turn my head just so and a massive headache will happen.....turn it fast and pain will get me so more or less what he is saying is take life slower when it comes to your neck....I have just about given up driving because I cant do the back and forth and turning my neck to see it all...there is also one position of my neck that will bring extreem vertigo so I just dont drive much...looking up in cabnets and reaching is a no no and washing my hair is a guarnteed headache for the day.....everyone is different you will find your triggers and avoid them....we can live with this it just is a pain in the neck lol

[Bummer Knees]

Thanks Jayne

The doctor mailed the restrictions and didn't go over them with me in the office, so I've been a little puzzled what they are saying.

I do the half body turn when driving because I do have limited movement in the neck and I have some days that when I turn my neck to the left I have the lightening bolt.

I am trying not to let this get me down, but adding this to my other injuries.......

I was only 48 when I was injured.

[Lilly]

Jayne & BK,
Get one of those seats that goes in the shower or tub...sit on it, and wash and rinse your hair while sitting in an upright position, with a very big cup....this is how I had to do it after heart surgery...as I absolutely could not bend my neck forward...even just a couple degrees. It might save you a headache Jayne.....and it will keep you from straining you neck BK. If someone can help you.....even better...but it is possible to do yourself.
Good Luck, Lilly

[jayne]

before my surgery I cut my waist length hair and about a year after that I cut it again my hair is very thick and heavy....it is now down to my bra strap again and my church sisters help me with it.....so I dont have to cut it again thank God it grows very fast

[Cervical_Fusion]

Bummer I went to the Ortho the other day and found that the plate from my c5-c6 cervical fusion, has slipped and not sitting down on the c7 disc. I had a NCT done and have a lot of nerve and muscle damage caused by it. He now wants to go in take out the hardware and now do a 3 level fusion because of that. Could you have some issues like that?

[Bummer Knees]

Hi CF

According to the doctor I have 3 cervical disc that are involved with the injury.

Yours sounds much more involved then mine.

Jayne
I do understanding the joy of wasing your hair without bending foreward or backwards.

After the tumor was removed in January I was under strict restrictions of no bending.
I used the kitchen sink sprayer to wash my hair, made a huge mess!

[red1030]

Bummer...I know that this must be very worrisome for you. Follow your restrictions and take your medications and all will be well. thinking of you also...love Red

[vickinat]

Bummer,
You'll get used to all of your restrictions over time. The important thing is to remember to listen to your body, and when there is pain, there is NO gain. I have had to readjust basically everything that I do and it takes time to remember everything, but your body will tell you if you move incorrectly or lift something that you should'nt.

Please also realize that the meds. are to help you with the pain, inflammation and spasms that occur, and they can't help if you don't take them. I know it is hard to get used to taking meds. on a regular basis, but you must so they can work. I hope that you won't need a fusion surgery like I had, but if that happens it does help with the headaches and ROM. Hopefully I will find out soon if I am fused yet, since it has been a year since the surgery.

Love
Vickie