Fractured C6 followed by sudden onset of tingling in arms and legs

Hi there,

I would really appreciate your opinion, I broke my c6 vertebrae in a horse riding accident aggravating the nerve in my spine but "without damage to the spine". After 6 weeks of wearing a soft collar a physiotherapist recommended I do some simple streatches- nodding slowly, head side to side and looking left right, to regain movement.

However the last week I have notice when I look down it brings on a suddent tingling in my arms and legs, similar to buzzy feeling I had experienced when I was going to faint but not so severe.

I initially thought it was low blood sugar or tiredness then realised it is linked with looking downwards.. is this something to be worried
about or is it normal part of healing?

Hello,
I'm afraid it is something to worry about, especially as you are also getting the tingling in the legs.

There's been some misunderstanding too. C6 belongs to the spine, so it's erroneus to say "without damage to the spine". You have certainly injured your spine and there may well be pressure on the spinal cord when you flex your head and neck. I wouldn't do that.

I think it's important to get back to the specialist who has been treating you. Soon.

Consider a home traction unit - one used lying down, not sitting.

In time chiropractic care would be beneficial for your neck, but not at present. Perhaps in a few months.

Can you send a copy of the lateral cervical X-ray or scan? If you haven't had an MRI, I would insist.

Dr B