Spinal cord injury at C6/C7 hitting legs?

Question

I was hit from behind at 70KPH and apart from whiplash, have a disc protrusion at C6/C7. When the pain is severe in the shoulder region, I have pains in my toes similar to my right hand, as well as very tight hamstrings. This is obly when the pain in the nerve is severe.

Is this normal for the Cerivcal area of the spine to cause the leg problems? I've only had a cervical MRI and nothing lower than that.

Is it caused by cervical disc/nerve root, or do I have something that has been 'diturbed' beneath this line?

Any answers other than telling me I'm an idiot will be welcomed.

Thank you....

Answer 1

THIS LINK MAY BE OF HELP

Answer 2

It depends on the nature of the injury. It is possible that there is some scar tissue attached to the injured nerves. When the body gets into certain positions, the mechanical stimulus to the nerve causes muscle contraction. Also, within the spinal cord the reflex loops often get "miswired" after injury, and the nervous system produces inappropriate responses to stimuli. If its the first, then stretching may eventually help. If it's the second, only time will tell. Try to make note of what specific things trigger the cramp. I know you said the step bridge exercise, but at what point in the movement? What are the positions of your joints? That kind of information can help identify the trigger. Then you might be able to modify certain movements to avoid the trigger stimulus.