I was injured in car accidents. In one accident I think I was knocked out, and began to vomit profusely. I had to be observed. I don’t even remember my head hitting the dash, as was evidenced by the red mark on my face. Now years later the injuries can be seen, so far they can only see 2 degenerated discs, I have found that osteo arthritis can take at least 10 years to develop, I have also been told I have arthritis, scar tissue, and at one time been told I can’t exercise because it could flare up my muscles; I suspect that the discs and scar tissues are flaring up the muscles, nerves, ligaments, tendons. The pain is up and down my spine, neck vertebrae, and causes headaches. I am being referred to physical therapy and pain management clinic and having a follow up with my doctor.
Those times when I exercise these days, it seems to make it worse, and so does the weather. But there were times I exercised in certain periods over the years and felt fairly good….
#1 by mistify on January 13, 2010 - 6:57 pm
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First, get it out of your head that the “degenerative disc” you have is the main source of your symptoms. You most certainly can have pain from advanced degeneration, but ALL people get a degnerative disc. About 30% of the symptom-free population has at least 1 degenerative disc by the age of 30. In otherwords, don’t pull all your eggs in one basket about the thought of the degenerative disc and that you need to “prevent it” or “make it better.” It is a normal part of aging. Not that a signficantly degenerative disc CAN’T cause pain, just that presense of a degenerative disc does not always correlate with pain.
That being said, you certainly had a signficant injury, comeplete with a head trauma. There are many structures that can be causing your pain including ligaments, tendons, muslces, ect…even your brain (after head trauma the brain can interfere with normal pain transmission…making it more “sensitive”).
You are doing the right steps by doing physical therapy and it typically the first thing to try. Approach it with a positive attitude and visualize yourself getting better. Don’t stress about the “degenerative” discs…because if you stress about it, I can guarantee it will remain painful.
There is no telling right now if you will be able to return to your prior activities, but this is the first step in doing do.
good luck
#2 by sheila_0 on January 13, 2010 - 10:37 pm
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Check out the sources below … perhaps one or more of them will enable you to gain understanding of your predicament and comfort therein. I strongly suggest that you speak with a Tort Attorney in regard to your condition and the happenstances preempting.