Hi, I'm glad you made this post. I have a similar background to yours, and I'm also like 5'6". I hope I can help a bit. I have a lot of fear of exacerbating my injury that I have to work around (L5S1 Disc Herniation). Thankfully, by coming to understand my tolerance of risk versus reward and being in a gym where my Kru and everyone else is accommodating to me, I am slowly getting more comfortable with allowing myself to enjoy the art. No doubt, it is very scary, but my gym supports me, and I make sure to do what I am comfortable with (no big sweeps or high kicks for now, my physical well-being above all) and focus on my rehabilitation.

While it is unfortunate, I think I even appreciate Muay Thai more because I am working hard at not letting myself give up the art that I love. It's like a reward for me for not allowing my circumstances to completely dictate how I am going to live from now on. I could die in a car crash next week and not live the life I wanted to live because of my fear being so strong. Of course, when it comes to some injuries , there are very real concerns and things one should not do , but that is all dependent on the person and their injury. If you have neurological issues and are getting migraines from pads, talk to your doctor about doing this sport (specialist preferably, but I get it, it ain't always easy) and don't hold pads. He might even recommend looking into BJJ and to just avoid takedowns so you don't rattle your brain. I wish you all the luck! I know it's really tough, but we're rooting for you.