cervical problems/anxiety link? - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

stolie · 06-05-2003, 08:50 PM

Just wondering if anyone else has developed anxiety problems along with their neck problems. When my neck first started showing severe symptoms 10 years ago, I had my first panic attack around the same time. To this day, whenever it acts up, my anxiety is through the roof. Sometimes I feel like I'm not getting enough blood flow to the head!

PsychLea · 06-06-2003, 12:06 AM

Anxiety and depression go hand in hand with chronic health problems. Like I tell my patients, "you can't cut your head off of your body, what affects your body also affects your mind."

If you are prone to anxiety, the extra stress of health problems can really make it worse. Are you taking anything for your panic attacks?

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God bless,

Lea

C4-5 noncompressive disc displacement
C5-6 compressive disc displacement
C6-7 broad based disc protrusion encroaching on the anterioposterior aspect of the spinal canal.
DDD
ACDF C6-7 5/13/03 with titanium plate,4 screws, and no collar postop.

Memer · 06-06-2003, 07:13 AM

Hi Stolie,

I don't have panic attacks, but I do have a short fuse when I'm in a lot of pain. With very intense pain, I just clam up. I also fear future surgeries. I guess that comes with the territory.

Walking is good for anxiety. It gets rid of all that nervous energy and calms you down. For postop, it helps with healing/fusion.

The next time you get a panic attack, see if you can take a walk and let us know if it helps. I know, though, that time to go for a walk and anxiety don't usually happen at the same time.

[This message has been edited by Memer (edited 08-05-2003).]

stolie · 06-07-2003, 11:21 AM

Yes, Lea, I'm taking Celexa for anxiety. And Memer, the walking is helping, thanks! But I do notice still that times at which my neck is stiffest (I have degenerative changes at C5-6 and C6-7, though I'm told there's no need for surgery yet), my breathing patterns change and I start to get lightheaded. When I'm at work or out with friends and it starts to happen, it's the worst. I guess it's probably the pain and stiffness just aggravating what already is a predisposition to anxiety.

Thanks for the feedback and advice!
Dave

janie francine · 06-07-2003, 12:49 PM

Hi Dave,
My issues are also in the same area as yours. I, too, feel very light-headed and dizzy when my neck is acting up. If I turn my body too quickly I often have to catch my balance. Sometimes when I'm sitting I also have this vertigo-like feeling. I haven't noticed a breathing change, but am wondering if that can be attributed to the pain. I believe we breathe more shallowly (is that a word?) when we're in pain.

Take care and keep us posted.
Jeanine