Pain in the neck!!

mops
mops Member Posts: 17
edited 7. Apr 2012, 11:49 in Living with Arthritis archive
[Been in constant pain for nearly 3 months, with Neck pain. Diagnosed - Arthritis in C5 And C6 vertabrae. Given Codeine and Parcetmol. they dont help much and my quallity of life is nil. Please help

Comments

  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    You are right, mops. A pain in the neck is, indeed, a pain in the neck. Unfortunately, if it’s caused by osteo arthritis, pain dullers are the prescribed treatment. Other things that might help though are heat (wheat bag) or ice (frozen peas?) packs. Many of us, myself included, wouldn’t be without our memory foam pillows for support. In fact, a good bed is one of the first requirements for any form of arthritis. A neck support can help for short periods but they shouldn’t be left on for a long time as the muscles then decide they’re not needed so stuff gets worse. It would need a referral to an orthotist. There are stronger pain dullers than those you are taking but nothing will completely take it away.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • suzygirl
    suzygirl Member Posts: 2,005
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi, a physio can help as well. They can give you range of motion and strengthening exercises. I find a hot water bottle and a good pillow essential. Lots of other pain options available have you tried nsaids??
  • mops
    mops Member Posts: 17
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Because of other medical probs I cant take nsaids. Heat does help, my main problem at the moment- lack of sleep, cos every time i turn in my sleep the pain in my neck wakens me, and it also takes me all morning to get going. basically i am fed up!
  • valval
    valval Member Posts: 14,911
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    you would be it not nice ask doc for something to help you sleep it easyer to cope when not exhausted and physio a good idea do exercises layed down whith head suported val
    val
  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 29,791
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Oh Mops

    l do get this one l have the same in the same vertebrae too.

    I am surprised you haven't been at least sent for physio it's gone on so long with no respite :???:

    Try heat if you can and a memory foam shaped pillow....or a rolled up hand towel in your neck no pillow. Might help :sad:

    Love

    Toni xx
  • mops
    mops Member Posts: 17
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thanks to all. will try the towel tonight and I intend to make appt with my Doc. Will need to wait a week to get a appt. : Keep well!
  • suzygirl
    suzygirl Member Posts: 2,005
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Mops, a few of us take amitryptyline to help with sleep problems caused by pain. I find it helps to ease the stiffened muscles as well. I take it early eveing so as not to be too groggy in the morning. You could ask your doc to give you something to help you sleep.
  • mouseymousey
    mouseymousey Member Posts: 283
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    As others have said may be worth asking to see an osteo?
    Your head can over time start to fall forwards (better explained with a miror). Your physio can give you exercises to help (they are very gentle exercises). May help to start imagine a string on top of your head pulling you upwards so that you straighten up. Its not easy! I check my posture all day as it is soooooo easy to slump forwards.
    A hot water bottle is lovely too.
    Best wishes
  • skezier
    skezier Member Posts: 11,333
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    hi Mops,

    the not being able to sleep and keep waking is horrible but though you can't take the anti inflammatories there are a lot of things you could possibly try. patches being on and some of those are anti inflammatory.

    i have advanced spondy and a ton of bone growth as well as discs in various states of decay and its no fun i know.

    mine is held down with the pregabalin and the tramadols as well as a lot of pain clinic intervention. recently they have added in the oxynorm and it all helps but still i don;t sleep well and it and the back repeatedly wake me up just now.

    i have got a collar or three but all of them can be uncomfortable as it deteriorates further and i kinda hoping the ot might be able to come up with something a well as some wrists splints :wink:

    i really do know in my case without the pain clinic's help i would have been climbing the walls more than i am and maybe thats something you could find of benefit for you as well. hang in there. Cris x
  • mops
    mops Member Posts: 17
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Sorry I havent been posting much have had lots of stress - family illness which doesnt help the Arthritis. Have posted (Need Help) a few days ago. As I said I can just about handle the neck pain but the nerve pain and the llightheadedness is driving me mad. I definitely think the Gapantin is causing the dizziness. Got a appointment with my doc on Tuesday just hope she can do something for me. Just want to thank everyone who has given me advice and will keep you posted xx
  • mops
    mops Member Posts: 17
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Sorry I havent been posting much have had lots of stress - family illness which doesnt help the Arthritis. Have posted (Need Help) a few days ago. As I said I can just about handle the neck pain but the nerve pain and the llightheadedness is driving me mad. I definitely think the Gapantin is causing the dizziness. Got a appointment with my doc on Tuesday just hope she can do something for me. Just want to thank everyone who has given me advice and will keep you posted xx
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Good luck for Tuesday, mops. Need pocket duties?
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • mops
    mops Member Posts: 17
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thanks Stickywicket. Will keep you posted. Hope you are well xx
  • mops
    mops Member Posts: 17
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Well. saw the Doc. this morning. Did my bloods, She admitted she just doesnt know what is causing the dizziness etc. so is referring me for tests at hospital. So that is something I suppose. The blood tests results should be back for Friday and she will phone me if there is any problems. In the meantime I just have to live with my problems, and wait, on the good old NHS sending me a hospital appointment. The doc also stopped the Gapatetin. She offered me another pill but I said no thanks.
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Well, I guess that sounds marginally better. I do hope so anyway. Please keep us informed about how the hospital visit goes, mops.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • mates
    mates Member Posts: 24
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Mops,

    I sympathise totally with you as I have much the same diagnosis. I was at my wits end and had stopped doing most things as the pain was intense. My GP then prescribed Pregabalin - what a transformation and they have almost completely eliminated the nerve pain which was disabling and making me feel very sick and dizzy. I had tried Gabapendin in the past and these were horrible. Yes I do get some side affects from the Pregabalin but these outweigh the benefits. I tried to cut down on them last week and was in terrible pain again so they are definitely working well.
    Have you tried these? I hope that you can find something that works. I can't take Nsaids either and so I know how limiting this is. My GP is also difficult to talk to which doesn't help. I am seeing a registrar in two weeks so will know more about my neck.
    Keep us posted.
    xx
  • barbara12
    barbara12 Member Posts: 21,281
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Mops
    I have had quite a few side effects from Gabapentin, but they did settle down, but now it has been increased because the sciatic pain had got worse..and the side effects are back..so thanks to your post I am going to ask my GP about pregablin....see what he says ..wish me luck..
    Mops I hope you get that appointment very soon x
    Love
    Barbara
  • Shooter
    Shooter Member Posts: 32
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    suzygirl wrote:
    Hi, a physio can help as well. They can give you range of motion and strengthening exercises. I find a hot water bottle and a good pillow essential. Lots of other pain options available have you tried nsaids??
    i have to agree with suzygirl had physio through consultant so had it for months and it really did help my neck (fourth through seventh vert worn and first vert stiff)more than pain killers
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