Expert: Dr. Paul Newhart - 1/29/2008

Question
Hello, I was seriously injured by a night club bouncer two and a half years ago.  I was dragged up some stairs and basically "hung" by the neck.  I have gone to every type of person possible to try to relieve my problem.  But basically I have had a horrible time holding my head up, and sitting without extreme discomfort.  It feels as if my body is lodged and "stuck" in an improper position making it impossible to stand, sit, or walk properly.  I have tried chiropractic probably 100 times since the accident with 0 results.  No one I have talked to seems to know anything about my problem.  I have tried physical therapy, glucosamine, acupuncture, my own exercises, I have perfect posture, nothing helps.  This thing in my upper back seems to keep my vertebra above it from moving where they need to, thus causing lots of pressure on the lower left and right sides of my neck.  The upper vertebra was noticably stuck and pushed outwards significantly after the injury, I can see it in pictures but it has gone in mostly now.  However, what I am wondering is, is there anything that can be done to loosen this area up?  I have a feeling if it was losened I would lose all the tension I feel.  I am constantly tense, 24/7.  My upper body is extremely uncomfortable although not that painful.  One more thing, every time I exercise or do any physical activity at all, the area that is stuck gets severely inflamed.  I have tried millions of exercises to try and loosen the area up such as laying over a ball and stretch my arms back, but nothing works, it actually makes it worse.  I have a grinding/sandpaper/popping sound 24/7 when I rotate my head.  Thanks in advance, I appreciate it very much.

Answer
The feeling you describe, being stuck in an improper position, is probably 100%accurate.  We deal with a condition called fascial distortion; the fascia gets "stuck" in an odd position, and changes the biomechanics.  This may be your case, and I would suggest having that approached.