Pain in the Neck

I'm grateful for pain in the neck. As I look at this screen sideways - my head tilted in a spasm to the right - I'm reminded to take better care of myself. The searing tension fires suddenly at times when I most need my neck - like just before I need to change lanes or go on stage. If I were the hunchback in charge of ringing bells I guess it wouldn't matter so much but I'm not; I'm a neck and back doctor. My spine must move like a dancers. Nobody wants to see a spine doctor who is bent in torticolis. I'm grateful I can run, ride, swim and play all kids of games that keep my spine and body healthy.

I'm grateful the other Vance had neck pain too. Hold on, don't jump to conclusions - I'll explain. Vance Jr. hurt his neck while rough-housing with his bigger and smaller sisters. He was left with a fixed bend to the right, torticolis and pain. I examined him with an objective eye - ya right! My training took over - "Don't treat family. Get outside objective expert care." I called my friend Jeff (Spine Surgeon) who gave me a favor. Two X-rays and a CT scan later, Jeff said what I wanted to hear, "He's all clear. No facet dislocation. Everything looks fine."

I'm grateful for the pain because Vance and Vance are both taking better care of their necks.

Ouch! I think I'll stop typing now.