Tension in neck muscles - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

Ramsfan · 12-09-2004, 06:49 PM

It's been a while since I've posted.
I had my 3rd surgey almost a year ago (12/19/03) on C5,6 and 7. I had a very good recovery for the most part. All together I am fused from C2 through C7. Over the last few months I have had the hardest time getting comfortable when I sleep. Whether starting on my back or side I'm uncomfortable. I've tried all kinds of pillows and even tried making my own. Another problem is that I've always been a stomach sleeper but it isn't good on my neck. No matter what I try I always end up on my stomach. I go to bed with a body pillow but it always ends up on the floor. The muscles in the back of my neck are tight and tense most of the time throughout the day.

Has anyone else had this problem?

solardust · 12-10-2004, 09:49 AM

Gee's it sounds like you have walked the mile and then some.Do you have any movement neck wise?I only have c6-7 fused, but c5-6 is blown and spurs are throughout,NS says I will end up fused through out, so he was conservitive,with the 1st surgery,the only help I can give is in terms of "Bracing"thats holding the shoulders in a up and hunched position, kinda guarding the neck,ya gotta really work on keeping them down and relaxed,and I can see where belly sleeping would be bad, it hurts me to even think of it,I know there is the trick of, sewing a pocket in the back of PJs to slip a tennis ball in, to keep one off there back, wonder if it would work in front, to keep ya off your belly,Hope I was of some help.Keep on posting,sounds like you have alot to offer us as well,

Diana

Ramsfan · 12-10-2004, 05:02 PM

Thanks for the tennis ball idea. I've never heard of that one. I''m game to try anything at this point. Actually I'm surprised at how much movement I still have in my neck considering that it's practically a "broom stick". Side to side movement isn't too bad. When I notice it the most is when I try to look down. Looking up isn't too bad except if I look up too long the scar tissue from the incision on my neck sometimes causes coughing spells.

Frank

mamadeamo · 12-16-2004, 02:02 AM

I have a C5-7 fusion, done 2/7/02, and still have neck tension

. The thing I have found that has helped the most is something called IMS. It stands for Intramuscular Stimulation. They basically take acupunture needles, and put them into the trigger point in the muscle. It sounds bad, but really isn't a big deal. But somehow, it releases the charge in the muscle and helps them to relax. Some physiatrists do this, and some Chiros. I definitely suggest trying it, and whatever you do, don't let the muscles get locked into a tight state. My herniation went undiagnosed for a year and a half, and I made that mistake. It is much, much harder to get things relaxed, once they get 'comfy' in that tight position! good luck!

Calboy · 12-19-2004, 08:42 AM

I have found accupuncture to really help for my deep neck muscles that are tight like a knot! They hook up the wires to the needles and I sleep like a babe in the woods! Good luck.