Osteo arthritis in the neck

Brevis
Brevis Member Posts: 5
edited 11. Mar 2014, 07:57 in Say Hello Archive
Hello everyone. I've just been diagnosed with osteo arthritis in my neck after having suffered for a year with a bulging disc and terrible nerve pain down my left arm. I haven't driven for a year and wondered if anyone could recommend a car which I might be able to drive. I can't turn my head very far and the slightest jolt triggers the nerve pain. I really need something high up with a "smooth" ride. At the moment, I can't even sit on a bus because the jolting is too painful. I'm feeling pretty miserable because I can't watch a film, go to the theatre or even sit at a computer. (I'm kneeling as I type this!). Perhaps someone out there can cheer me up!

Comments

  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,697
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello Brevis and welcome to the forum. You sound to be going through a torrid time right now and I'd love to think we can cheer you up a little :D We do manage a few laughs on here, usually on Chit Chat but it's gone a bit quiet recently.

    Mine is RA but that's led to OA in, among other places, my neck. I have very little movement in it but no nerve problems for which I'm grateful. I do daily exercises to keep it as 'strong' as I can. Exercises might help you too but I think you should ask to see a physio to ensure you'll be doing more good than harm.

    As for driving – in my driving days I was totally reliant on my mirrors. One of our members, Dreamdaisy, has just got a new car and finds it much easier to drive because of the higher driving position and 'roominess'. I'm sorry, I can't remember what it is (typical woman :roll: ) but, if you copy this post to the Living With Arthritis forum, she's sure to see it. So will others who might have suggestions. Not many look on this forum.

    Your arthritis seems to be having a big impact on your life right now. Has your GP suggested a specialist or physio or Pain Clinic?
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello, I am the person Sticky referred to, I had a Micra but (thanks to an inheritance) was able to upgrade to a Citroen C3 Picasso. This has a higher driving position (I have PsA and OA in many useful leg and foot joints plus elsewhere too) and I am practising reversing with mirrors as we now have a very long drive. I haven't been able to drive for the past six weeks thanks to breaking my left arm but I do find the Picasso so much easier to drive. Currently my husband is driving me everywhere (using my car) and he is causing me a fair amount of discomfort because he's a rubbish driver. :roll: DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • Brevis
    Brevis Member Posts: 5
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thanks so much to both of you for replying. It's so good to chat to people in the same boat! It has impacted massively on my life and I'm hanging on for dear life to my job. I've seen a pain consultant who has recommended physio with a very experienced lady at my local hospital,but who knows how long it will take for an appointment to come through! I was going to try swimming, but as you say, perhaps I should just wait so that I don't make matters worse by doing the wrong movements.

    My husband has to drive me everywhere and swings the car around which makes matters much worse! I daren't say anything as he is doing me a favour! We have a Mondeo which is the most uncomfortable car I have ever been in!
    I did read that Citroens absorbed bumps very well, and one day I might be brave enough to go for a test drive - not just yet. I'm just so uncomfortable so much of the time.

    THank you for all your support!
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,697
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I have an orthopaedic neck support which I rarely use but which is invaluable on rare occasions. It's never a good idea to leave such things on for long periods as they encourage the supporting muscles to weaken but for eg a car journey? Maybe one might help. They can be bought at any disability aids shop. Swimming is usually good as the water supports the body but you'd need to go very gently at first, especially if you've not done it for a while.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • Boomer13
    Boomer13 Member Posts: 1,931
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello,

    I have PsA / spondyltis and one of the worst spots for me is my neck. It has affected the highest joint connecting my head. Wow, is it painful; I dread a flare in this area. I do some stretching and I swim (but not lately :oops: ) but I struggle with pain in the neck. I used to have neck massage but I found it started making the pain worse. I tried a new mattress as of last year and a contoured memory foam pillow, both of which have helped a little.

    I don't drive much so I can't recommend a car but wanted to welcome you to the forum and chime in on how painfully necks can be :cry: My neck is also thrown out of kilter because my upper spine is curving too much (due to spondylitis). I have a great yoga teacher who has taught me alignment/posture exercises which have really helped. Heat works the best for me, and I admit I take a fair amount of drugs for pain.

    Sorry you have so much pain.
  • Brevis
    Brevis Member Posts: 5
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thank you for your advice. I'm going back to a pilates teacher and will try very gentle exercises. I've been told to avoid swimming just yet. Travelling is really difficult since the bus jolts around and seems to exacerbate the pain. I can't sit upright in a car because the vibrations seem to set off the nerve pain again. Maybe Yoga is a good idea.
    Most of the drugs I've taken seem to upset my tummy and make me dizzy. Are there any you take which do offer relief without the side effects?
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Drugs and side-effects are very individual: one man's poison is another's blesséd relief. I think it fair to say that most meds have knock-on effects and it's up to us to determine whether the help they offer is worth the troubles they might bring. We all have differing levels of tolerance too - I prefer to keep my pain relief to a minimum so that I have an escape route for the severe times. I am going away for a few days so wont' be around - back next week! Take care and I wish you well. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • Boomer13
    Boomer13 Member Posts: 1,931
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I agree with DD. I am lucky that I can take quite a few drugs without too many side-effects. I think with most of them I did go through an initial period of unpleasantness which lessened with time. I know the pain you mean from vibration when traveling and I haven't found anything which relieves that.

    There are a few drugs that can really help with nerve pain. Maybe ask your GP about some different drugs to help?

    I hope it gets a little better soon.
    Anna
  • Brevis
    Brevis Member Posts: 5
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thank you for your replies. It's hard being stuck at home unable to get into work at the moment and worried about my job. I've tried Pregabalin, Gabapentin, Naproxen, Diclofenac... you name it. All with dreadful side effects.
    I wonder if anyone has had any relief from natural products? I take Glucosamine and Chondritin. Someone said they would get me some good quality fish oil tablets.
    I do appreciate your support!
  • barbara12
    barbara12 Member Posts: 21,280
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello Brevis
    Sorry I'm late seeing this but welcome to the forum, has you have seen the people on here are very helpful, sorry I cant add to what the others have said..I do hope to see you around the forum...
    Love
    Barbara