Posts by Joshua Sanchez2

So, I was in a car wreck recently and ended up breaking a few things. Most notably my C1 vertebra. Since I'm just a regular guy, I showed up at the ER having no clue what that actually meant. Honestly, I was more stressed about my broken hip and my right hand than my neck because I couldn't even feel any pain in my spine. Turns out there wasn't a dislocation, but they still made me lay perfectly flat on my back for a month and a half wearing a Schantz collar. It wasn't until my physical therapist sat me down and explained the situation that I realized I could have ended up paralyzed. On day 43 in the hospital, I finally got the green light to take the Schantz off, though I had to keep it on while sleeping. After 50 days total, they sent me home with instructions to wear it while sleeping and whenever I'm using stairs. Told me to come back for a checkup in 4 weeks.
Just went in for that follow-up yesterday, and after checking the X-rays, the doctor told me I can finally ditch the collar for good...
Now I'm wondering, how long does it actually take for a vertebra—or bones in general—to start knitting back together? Anyone here dealt with something similar? I’m totally lost on what movements are safe now. To make matters worse, the doctor basically kicked me out of his office; he was in a terrible mood, but honestly, that's just how he is. Just my luck to get him as my doc...
Basically, is it possible that once the cervical vertebra heals, it'll be like nothing ever happened? Like, if you break an arm, it eventually feels normal again since it's just bone, right?
Thanks in advance!