Question
Long story short, I fractured my C1 vertebrae in a car accident back in July.  I was in a Miami J for 13 weeks.  I did not require surgery and I have been in physical therapy for about 2 weeks now, slowly regaining my flexibility/strength.  Everything seems to have healed fine and all the tendons/ligaments held up fine with no severe damage which would require surgery and the vertebrae stayed completely stable during healing.  My doctor says I should not participate in contact sports anymore, I dont play football or wrestle but I do snowboard, mountain bike, and ride motorcycle, my doctor considers those "contact" sports.  I have met others who have had the same or similar neck injuries who have been cleared by their doctor to go back to normal life.  I have heard from everyone that when a bone heals it is as strong or stronger than before.  Any opinions or insight into this would be most appreciated.  The sports I participate in arent really contact sports but there is that chance that one could hit there head so is my neck more susceptible to being reinjured?  I am so thankful that I did not suffer anything worse from this accident but I am not ready to give up on my goals when I have been givin a second chance in my eyes.  My family feels differently but they are just concerned.  Thank you in advance for any and all information you can provide me with.
I have been told to get a second opinion but I know I need a referral to do so, what is the best way to ask a doctor for a referral without sounding insulting?  I am very thankful for what my doctor has done but I cant let one person decide my fate.  Anyways I appreciate any advice more than I can express.

Answer
While I'm not a physician or neurosurgeon, I can tell you that any damaged part of the body is not as strong as it was before the damage.  I don't know who "everyone' is that has told you that but I must disagree with all of them.

Your doctor is correct in advising you to avoid contact sports since you are at a higher risk for additional damage if you were to strike your head with any strong force.  This doesn't mean giving up on life but it does mean that you need to be a little more cautious living it.  After all, do you want to use the second chance to better yourself and the world that you connect with or do you want to risk blowing this second chance by following the thrill-driven life?  You could end up paralyzed and on a ventilator next time or worse.  It is all a matter of your own choices.  

Having said that, you can ask your family doctor for the referral to a second neurosurgeon.  That way, you don't need to worry about his feelings.  I understand the gratitude that you feel for what he's done for you.  I also understand not letting one person decide your fate.  

In the true scheme of things, your own choices determine your fate as I said earlier.  So enjoy your life and look closely at the possible consequences of your decisions as you move forward.

Thank you for your question, Brandon.  I hope that my answer was helpful.