JewelryJulie
04-09-2009, 12:39 PM
I have a neck that has no curvature to it, constant pain, and muscle spasms and headaches caused by it. (I have had whiplash injuries and also TMD)
Does anyone know about neck bone issues? Other than chiropractic and physical therapy--is there something that can be done for advanced/long term chronic neck pain and stiffness??
Thanks in advance!
Does anyone know about neck bone issues? Other than chiropractic and physical therapy--is there something that can be done for advanced/long term chronic neck pain and stiffness??
Thanks in advance!
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trychocolate
04-09-2009, 01:48 PM
You will get many replies here. Anyway, I've had neck problems all my life, arthritis in jaw, a reverse curvature, and my situation continues to worsen with DDD, arthritis, spinal cord compression etc. Have you had a recent MRI so that you know exactly what is causing your problems?
Surgery is not an option until critical stage here, so I try all kinds of therapies in the meantime for muscle spasms and knots. Deep tissue massages can be helpful. Last time I tried Cranial Sacral Deep Tissue Massage and noticed some relief for a few days. You just have to check different methods and what works for you; just make sure the therapy is actually theraputic as there are some fakes out there who are insults to actual effective, clinical therapies.
I strongly recommend caution when it comes to chiro as I did this for 41 years and finally had to stop because of the osteophyte danger. I am not slamming chiro's; just for neck issues because of the added wear and tear (inflammation too), it can cause.
I use a microwavable bag for relief, if you like heat. Have to rest more than I'd like to. There are neck exercises such as isometrics etc. you can check out if safe for you, to build strength and optimum mobility. Be careful.
NSAID not too effective, probably because of stomach issues, but maybe worth a try for you. Many people use ibuprofen.
Hope this helps and look forward to some very helpful info. here.
choc
Surgery is not an option until critical stage here, so I try all kinds of therapies in the meantime for muscle spasms and knots. Deep tissue massages can be helpful. Last time I tried Cranial Sacral Deep Tissue Massage and noticed some relief for a few days. You just have to check different methods and what works for you; just make sure the therapy is actually theraputic as there are some fakes out there who are insults to actual effective, clinical therapies.
I strongly recommend caution when it comes to chiro as I did this for 41 years and finally had to stop because of the osteophyte danger. I am not slamming chiro's; just for neck issues because of the added wear and tear (inflammation too), it can cause.
I use a microwavable bag for relief, if you like heat. Have to rest more than I'd like to. There are neck exercises such as isometrics etc. you can check out if safe for you, to build strength and optimum mobility. Be careful.
NSAID not too effective, probably because of stomach issues, but maybe worth a try for you. Many people use ibuprofen.
Hope this helps and look forward to some very helpful info. here.
choc
Nicole74
04-09-2009, 10:25 PM
I would strongly suggest getting a MRI from your doctor. Then you will be able to get a better look at what is going on in your neck and it will show where your pain is coming from.
JewelryJulie
04-10-2009, 01:27 PM
How do I ask for this and from which type of dr? I normally just have a primary care doc take care of me.
Thanks, Julie
Thanks, Julie
nochange
04-16-2009, 11:17 AM
hello jullie. whiplash can damage your neck(and your life)big time, huh?.
i've also had a whiplash 4 years ago and that's it, damage is done. they say it damages your muscles, tendons and ligaments. other than that if it's really a bad whiplash(like what happen to me)you can end up with bulging or herniated disks-Serious problem. the pain is constant. to be honest with you, i don't have one moment without pain. even if they find you have a bulging disk they won't operate on you till your disks are herniated!-not sure how many years that take.
an mri you get from any doctor you go to. you can also go to a neurologist. all the best.
i've also had a whiplash 4 years ago and that's it, damage is done. they say it damages your muscles, tendons and ligaments. other than that if it's really a bad whiplash(like what happen to me)you can end up with bulging or herniated disks-Serious problem. the pain is constant. to be honest with you, i don't have one moment without pain. even if they find you have a bulging disk they won't operate on you till your disks are herniated!-not sure how many years that take.
an mri you get from any doctor you go to. you can also go to a neurologist. all the best.
JewelryJulie
04-16-2009, 01:32 PM
Thanks for your reply. I have had about 3 whiplash accidents coupled with TM joint derangement. I only have relief thanks to being on fentanyl for other pain issues. (Some relief, but not complete.)
I will have to ask next time I am in the office. Thanks again and best wishes.
I will have to ask next time I am in the office. Thanks again and best wishes.
nochange
04-21-2009, 09:25 AM
hello again jewelryjulie. is fentanyl like percocet? and do you need to increase the dosage all the time? my doctor don't want me to increase the dosage. really need your reply on this one. thank you.
JewelryJulie
04-21-2009, 01:16 PM
Fentanyl is for serious pain. It is much stronger than percocet. It is for people who are opioid tolerant and need pain management 24/7. I wear a pain patch and it is delivered through my skin. If your dr. won't up your percocet dosage, he or she probably won't allow fentanyl.
All pain medications you will need to up dosages due to the body becoming tolerant of the current dosages.
Best,
Julie
All pain medications you will need to up dosages due to the body becoming tolerant of the current dosages.
Best,
Julie
jennybyc
04-21-2009, 11:19 PM
Hi Julie. Any doc can order an MRI of your cervical spine and with all the pain and whiplash problems, it's probably time to have at least a baseline MRI done. Here's the big problem with cervical spine pain.....the worse it gets the less pain you may feel. When you have disks or osteophytes(bone spurs from arthritis)pressing on the nerves leaving the spine, your nerves are screaming mad. But when the pressing goes on for too long or starts to press on your spinal cord, you don't feel pain. In fact, you slowly start to lose function and feeling. So feeling better can be a very bad sign.
I know, that's what I experienced. I thought my neck was getting better because I wasn't hurting anymore. Then I went numb from the neck down and an MRI showed spinal cord compression at multiple areas and in one area it was down to half normal thickness. My surgeon who normally has a 6 month wait for surgery had me in the OR in under 4 weeks. I'm fused from C3 to T1 and have feeling in all 4 limbs and use of both hands. I was very close to paralysis in both legs and my hands.
So get a baseline MRI so your neck can be watched and if you need a consult, see a neurologist(they don't have anything to gain financially by seeing you). They can direct you to a good neurosurgeon if you get to the point of needing one.
Good luck..............Jenny
I know, that's what I experienced. I thought my neck was getting better because I wasn't hurting anymore. Then I went numb from the neck down and an MRI showed spinal cord compression at multiple areas and in one area it was down to half normal thickness. My surgeon who normally has a 6 month wait for surgery had me in the OR in under 4 weeks. I'm fused from C3 to T1 and have feeling in all 4 limbs and use of both hands. I was very close to paralysis in both legs and my hands.
So get a baseline MRI so your neck can be watched and if you need a consult, see a neurologist(they don't have anything to gain financially by seeing you). They can direct you to a good neurosurgeon if you get to the point of needing one.
Good luck..............Jenny