Question
Hi, I just recently came out of a halo that I wore for 3 months. Pre-halo I wore a Philadelphia collar for 3 weeks til they diagnosed me with a break to my C-1 & C-2 spine with a level 2 break to my Odontoid as well as my odontoid crushed. The Doctors thought they could do an odontoid screw repair but realized the bone was crushed and needed to repair itself prior to further work being performed. I was advised that when the halo was to come off I would need further work done. They advised me I would need my C-1 & C-2 fused post halo. Well my Odontoid repaired itself over the 3 months I wore the halo. It was removed as the x-rays showed bony fusion. I am now doing physio therapy to work on the strength part of my neck. However, I try not to wear the Philadelphia collar only for relief. I am in constant pain every day right down to the core of my C Spine 1 thru 7. Are there any exercises I can do or rest techniques that will alleviate my pain??? And approximately how long will it take to fully heal??? I am extra careful in things I do as I am not sure if it could easily break again. However, I am bodybuilding as much as I am able to handle. Overall my body is pretty srong, but I will always wonder how strong my neck can ever be again.


Answer
Hi Terrence,
First and foremost you should be taking 3000mg/day of glucosamine sulfate with MSM in liquid form to ward off osteo-arthritis. Then undergo therapeutic ultrasound treatments 3X/wk to minimize scar tissue. Do only the passive exercises your PT gives you and no more, this can create paralysis if done incorrectly. Go slow and you should make a complete recovery.

Good Luck!

Dr. Timothy Durnin