Hi Kamden!

I saw my doctor today. I brought up the neck muscles, PT idea. He wasn't really sold on the idea. He is going to direct me to a PT, because he's willing to try anything at this point.

Did you have a problem with your doctor not getting really excited about the possibility of a neck-muscle problem? I'm a little bit discouraged by his lack of enthusiasm.

What do you think??

Thanks a ton!
nate

I was not referred to PT by my doctor, and spent 6 solid months being treated for a virus, inner ear problem etc. It was only by chance that I started realizing myself that it could be caused by my muscles in my upper back and neck. By that time, I was so discouraged and frustrated, that i just thought back to when it started and remembered how my symptoms were very similar to after my car accident. I was having no muscle problems at the time, I thought anyway, untill I checked my self, and found I had numerous horrible knots that brought on my symptoms just by pressure on my muscles. I happened to know where to check because of going to PT before. I actually have not seen any doctor who associates these symptoms with muscle problems, or pressure points, it was originally a chiropractor who explained the problem, and a therapist who helped me in the end. I believe a neuro. can find the trigger points that would bring on these symptoms, which would mean this is what is the cause of them. rgraf8 went to his neuro. and his neuro. found these trigger points and brought on the symptoms by pressure on them, then sent him to PT. You may want to read his story. He sufferred for years with these symptoms, and was diagnosed with menieres disease, then found out it is most likely these trigger points causing his symptoms, but only after searching himself on here for help. So, in answer to your question, I never expect a doctor to find the problem when it is in the muscles, I would be shocked if one did. You actually have to explain your symptoms to a neuro., and the neuro. would have to specifically check these areas, and not all of them even think of this, I guess you have to ask? I really hope you get some relief, I have not been on here for so long, I don't remember all your symptoms, but I would give the PT a try, but it needs to be soft tissue work, where they knead the knots out, not just all exercises. The PT will find spots right away if this is a problem for you. Good luck to you and let us know how PT goes, OK? Kamden

I can definately vouch for the physical therapy. My headache and dizziness problems have all been substantially reduced. I still suffer from tinnitus and some arm/upper back problems but they are also getting better and I'm scheduled for more needling next week which will hopefully resolve them. Lets face it, the thing that scared me the most was the constant balance and vertigo issues and I'm just happy as hell that they've gotten better. Kamden is right that a neurologist or good physical therapist is your best bet for diagnosis. General doctors seem to know a little about everything but if your problem doesn't show up on a standard test and respond to standard medicine, it must not be a problem.

By the way, make sure that your physical therapist deals with myofascial pain syndrome. The "buzz" words you want to look for are myotherapy, myofascial release or trigger point therapy.

[This message has been edited by rgraf8 (edited 01-03-2003).]

Thank you!!!

Thanks for your responses. You both have made me feel much better. This problem is such a vague and discouraging one. I've seen all of the doctors and taken all of the tests, with the exception of allergies, I am healthy. It's very interesting that no one has thought of the neck area, even the neurologists I've seen. But just like you Kamden, I have those knots and the tightness in my neck and jaw. That's where I carry all of my stress.

I'll keep you posted on what's happening.

Thank you
nate

Nate, the tightness in your neck and jaw are good indicators that this could very well be a muscle, trigger point problem. I forgot to tell you my jaw was very bad also, and I had a spot in the back of my head that had a knot in it too, a lump, just like a knot in a muscle. This caused me alot of symptoms such as light headedness, headaches, pressure, off balance etc. This was also worked on at PT. Please let us know how it goes for you.