Neck and Upper Back just awful - Fibromyalgia Message Board

OhioGolfer · 05-23-2005, 08:41 PM

Last three weeks have been just awful. If I try to move my neck in any direction, there is sharp burning pain around the base of the neck. When I bend it left or right, the muscles on top of the shoulder flare up, sometimes the pecs as well. Bend forward or back, the trapezius and the muscles right along the spine pull severely. I have bulging discs at C3-C4, C4-C5 and C5-C6, but while these may be irritating, I think my primary problems is spasming of these muscles. They are rock hard, and I have symmetrical knots in the middle of the trapezius on right and left.

Muscle relaxants and anti-inflammatories have done zip. Anybody else experience similar? Any ideas for relief?

Thanks!

Jeff

dazedandconfused10 · 05-23-2005, 08:49 PM

I don't have bulging disks but I have similiar pain, not quite as bad, what do they say about the bulging disks, certainly that could be making things worse. Antiinflammatories did squat for me until I developed some arthritis. the only muscle relaxant that worked was flexeril and one time the spasm was so bad they put me on predinisone to stop it.

seaturtle · 05-23-2005, 08:51 PM

Hello, Jeff,

I have had great relief from the sort of muscular pain in the same areas of my body with a kind of very deep massage called Ischemic Compression. It hurts like heck when it's being done, but the relief is amazing.
Unfortunately, my massage therapist is no longer working, and I can't find anyone else who can/will deliver that kind of intense pressure.
You might try it, if you can find someone who does it.

Peace, I hope this helps,

Seaturtle

goldenwings · 05-24-2005, 05:52 AM

Hello There,

I have lots of spinal twists and inflammation which have been caused - in the main - by having a nerve and muscle wasting illness.

Having said this, the burning at the top part of my neck, back and shoulders is definitely a fibro issue. The things I find relieve it for me personally are warming a towel and placing it on the site but th best thing is some gentle stretching exercises that I do. I have passed these on to various people with differing illnesses, but always get good feedback. I have recently been given - by a reputable UK essential oil specialist - a combination of warming oils to gently apply onto the area. Do you want the names?

I wonder too though if you are a bit like me? Even when it is hurting like billyho, I just do need to finish whatever it is I am doing, which obviously doesn't help the agony. As now, typing this he he.

goldenwings

MomwithMS · 05-24-2005, 08:21 AM

Yeah, I know that kind of pain. There was a time when I begged my doctor to remove the trapezius muscle b/c it always stayed in spasm. Now, 8 years later, the left side of my neck and upper back is StILL in spasm. It never went away. In pictures of myself, you can see that the left shoulder is about four inches higher than the right. It's terrible.

I take soma and baclofen for muscle relaxer. Zanaflex was the most effective muscle relaxer I had tried, but it made me hallucinate. (not fun)

I have gotten some relief from myofacial release but it's only worked temporarily. I have also gotten some relief from acupuncture.

That is such a horrid pain to have.