Horrible Neck Pain

As we age, (Not that you are old!) there seems to be no end to the various ways in which the human body can fall apart.

A muscle relaxer would probably do the trick.

But , you know..., this sounds like something you need to bring up with your Dr.

Diana, yep, I hate to say welcome to the club, but ... I've had this for years and have learned to manage it. I once had a home business, then I'd go work on weekend in an office, so I was constantly at the computer. That's what started it. Once it took hold, there was little relief. I did see one physical therapist whose advice worked the best, however. I was given exercise bands to build up my shoulder muscles (very carefully!), and that really helped. The best advice of all, though, was to pretend you are suspended from a string above your head, so your posture is always perfectly straight, even sitting at the computer.

Before I retired, I was lucky enough to work for a generous firm who outfitted us all with Herman Miller ergonomic office chairs. Huge difference!

I also have to start each day with two Motrin, although when I am in a hot, dry climate I don't need them! Move to Arizona? Hmmmm.... Yep, I know the dangers of too much Ibuprofen, but I am hoping two a day isn't going to do too much damage. I can't stay vertical for very long. I always need to lie down several times a day. Just what it is, unfortunately.

Wishing you the best of luck!

Thank you all of you! I am feeling better, tonight, but I have been in excruciating pain for 4 days... had a muscle relaxer shot two days ago.... but I have a feeling it is not going to end if I keep sitting at my desk all day at work and then at home.... trying to figure out what I can do... Adjust my chair? Cause I know your shoulders and arms along the lateral curve of a desk is so important to be in proper alignment with the spine. Ugh.. Felt better all day, until tonight, while I am tying this I am getting pressure in the back of my head/neck... I am 61~ So yes, as we get even older... we are going to feel the pressure worse...

Thank you, I think I have to log off tonight, so as I can go back to work in the morning from having to call in sick on Friday!

I've had chronic neck pain for almost 30 years, I believe it started when I was working in a plastics warehouse and sometimes carried sheets of plastic on my head. The problem with neck muscles is they never fully relax so when they get damaged it's pretty much impossible for them to fully heal. Sometimes ibuprofen helps, mostly what works best for me is just to relax with something under my neck to support it. That's why I have a memory foam pillow, I actually use it backwards from normal to put the thick part under my neck. I knew a guy who had the same injury but worse. A box fell on his head while loading a truck, he spent months in physically therapy for it without much result.

I just purchased a memory foam pillow two days ago... so far, I am loving it, thank you David!

So sorry to hear you are in so much pain, Diana! I used to have recurring neck pain years ago, but it stopped and haven't had any problems since.
What about getting a standup desk? You can purchase online,. It may be worth it so at least at home you are standing at your computer.

try yoga

I've tried memory foam, but it doesn't help. I still can't remember anything.

Hope you feel better, Diana.

Back in the early 90's I had such bad neck pain that I visited a surgeon, pleading for relief. Apparently, I have issues with my cervical disc at C6-7. Fortunately, he was on the up and up, and since there were no neurological problems, he told me I was not a surgical candidate. I had 6 weeks of physical therapy, which helped. But I think it was the stretch exercises and proper posture that they taught me, and I continue to use, that has kept the pain at bay for all these years. Hope you get better soon.

Haha, Murray. It's not helping me, either, darn.

I totally agree with proper posture! I can't believe I spent so much time with physical therapy over the years, and that was the number one thing that helped the most. That and staying strong.

I'm glad to hear it's improved a bit, Diana. Hang in there.

I have carpal tunnel rather than neck pain. Ibuprofen does wonders for me. Have you tried it, Diana?

I noticed I had pain after I went upstairs, after being on the desk top downstairs. Not right away, but shortly after I got up there. I had to think about what I was doing differently. I tried 4 different chairs. I am short and chairs just don't fit me correctly. That helped somewhat. Then, I tried different cushions and heights. What helped the most, was when I moved the monitor and keyboard, so I am not at an angle. It didn't seem like I was at an angle, but it was enough to cause pain. Heat helps relax muscles. Magnesium helps muscles. Magnesium is required for the proper growth and maintenance of bones, also required for the proper function of nerves, muscles, and many other parts of the body. I started taking one magnesium tablet a day. That may or may not be your case, but you could look into it and see.

Diana, have you looked into a Varidesk (or something similar)? It's a height-adjustable desk that allows you to stand, sometimes. They're not cheap (about $400), but I hear that they really work well for pain and fatigue.

https://www.amazon.com/VARIDESK-Height-Adjustable-Standing-Desk-Black/dp/B00JI6NCCK/ref=sr_1_4?s=office-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1506317948&sr=1-4&keywords=varidesk

Yes, I actually ended up in therapy for this back when I worked at Easter Seals (which oddly enough, made therapy appointments extremely convenient).

Mine was caused because I tend to move my head forward on my spine and stick my chin out, so be sure to bring your chin back. Also, make sure your monitor is slightly below eye level so you are looking down at it a little bit. I can tell you some good neck stretches if you want, but I'm not gonna bore everyone unless you want 'em.

That being said, I feel your pain, and it's horrible :/

___________
Susan Maxwell Schmidt
So-so Board Moderator and
Artist Extraordinaire

Had this problem a few years ago. I bought a kneeling chair and it was like a miracle for me.

I think Marlene had the right idea. Yoga. After sitting all day, you need to stretch out, not sit more.

Swimming is a good too.

well, you could see a doctor... heh heh

stop working at the desk for so long. take breaks, stretch, see a chiropractor. stop it with the stress, that adds to it. check your chair height, screen height etc. or live with it like i do. if your a computer person, that's where its at.

usually its caused by jutting your head too far out. it should be over your shoulders, but many stick it way out to see the screen, and heads are heavy.

beyond that your mattress might be bad, pillow might be bad.


---Mike Savad
http://www.MikeSavad.com

When ever I have tightness and tension I like to stretch on a daily basis and focus on the trouble area, as well as the whole body.

I also find that 2 beers and a shot of whiskey in the evening help. I'm serious. It's a formula I adhere to. I also try to get a break from the activity or activities that are causing the issue.

Not to be a wise guy...because of your DR thread or anything....but if it persists, I see a DR.

Thanks everyone! Murray, you are too funny. And, Mike knows, I don't run to doctors for every little thing. I have the "wait and see" approach to health. Wrong or right, that is just me. I DO love swimming in my pool. Trying to grab the last warm days of September.

If you can swim.....swim. If not, stretching exercises will help. There are plenty on the internet.

Yoga, I even do eye yoga to lessen my need for reading glasses. It works. See YouTube for the lessons.

Yoga can be specific to a given area of the body.

Dave

Walking, bike and swim is the best.

I was tempted to do some ex wife jokes, but won't. I've had neck pain for years, and I find the most helpful remedy is suave made from marijuana, this is a topical suave and does not get you "high" It has done wonders for me, but does not work for everyone. Not sure if your state recognizes medical marijuana or not. I don't like taking pills to dull the pain, that also dulls my senses. I also have been doing some neck excersizes that seem to help as well and after 40 years sitting at a desk day in and day out, I also found using a desk that allows you to stand occasional also helped my next AND back,

I do wish you the best and hope your find a solution of some kind.

You are all right about the pool!!! Just moving and doing simple exercises in the water has helped my back so much..... But this time it is "the neck". Going on since Wednesday of last week. Today it is much better, but I still must take advil. I don't want to take advil for too many days straight cause I know it is not good...

Diana,
It has been an interesting juxtaposition of your two latest threads....not wanting to go to Drs and having an issue that should probably been seen by a Dr.
I certainly hope you are not using this forum for medical advice.

Yes, it could be your mattress. My wife and I both I had neck pain until we realized our pillows were flat and we got new ones. Sounds like you already tried that.

What about stress? It may even be stress about something you aren't always conscious of. I have really bad pain between my shoulder blades. I've had it for years. It can be massaged to provide some relief. And it usually feels better after a long bike ride. I realized a long time ago that it's stress related.

That said if you aren't getting any relief from some of the easy self treatment like massages, etc. maybe this is one that you do need to consult a doctor.

Hey Diana! Have you considered that it could be stress. Stress manifests itself in all different ways. With me, it's in my neck. Stressful situation presents itself and then two days later, like clockwork, my neck is killing me!!! I third Marlene's yoga advice. Yoga, grounds, centers and focuses you. It certainly couldn't hurt and, who knows, you may really like it.

Just my two cents.

When you swim (laps) you use every muscle in your body including your neck. Strengthening your core is vital.

I stretch every day before work and after after work (day job). I try to get up from my desk every hour and walk around. I think stretching makes a huge difference for me.

Thank you for the tips, my friends! Thank you!!!

Ditto on Marlene's post.

i've tried i think 6 memory foam pillows. all failed, because you melt into it and that messes your neck up.

i got a memory foam mattress that seems to have support, along with a buckwheat pillow. if you don't move around at night, it works great. if you roll around like me, it tends to shift. it took a while to get the balance right. it seems to work some of the time. i doubt i'll find the perfect pillow.

i refuse to buy more though, i've spent enough cash on that stuff

---Mike Savad
http://www.MikeSavad.com

Sometimes I have to work at my computer and/or sleep with a soft cervical collar on. It's the only thing that helps. My neck pain is from fibromyalgia and stress. Just don't put it on too tight so you don't accidentally kill yourself in your sleep by cutting off your airway. And definitely get clearance from your doc first...very important if you have a disc or other mechanical problem!

Has anyone here tried Purple yet?

Dave

Ok David, I'm curious, what's Purple?

Apparently a mattress. These mail order wonder mattresses have become quite the fad lately. I looked into one, can't remember the name but when I looked deep enough I came to the conclusion I'd most likely end up with a useless lump that's impossible to repackage for return.

Mario,

Purple is a dime's worth of foam mattress going for many hundreds of dollars. The ads on FB are very convincing. The ad program is ingenious really.

They also sell a Purple pillow.

Dave

DK,

I sleep really well and have barely even minor complaints about my back and neck. Really nothing. I am so lucky in that department I should not say barely minor.

I do not like hard mattresses with my weight, so I put a bed topping foam on for $100 to spread the weight.

Dave

Addition: the really "cute" thing about Purple's grid of cut outs of the foam is there is no difference to a solid foam, but truly nonsense in advertising

Diana, I wish you a speedy recovery.

I have had terrible neck pain from carrying badges and keys around my neck and I suffer from occasional migraine. I go to a doctor and they heal me.

onpurple has great commercials, but lousy shipping times and no coupons.

my first foam mattress was going to be the purple one, but due to complaints about people sleeping on their sides and bottoming out. or the grid squeaking, or the corn starch they used to stop the noise, coming through the sheets and making some people itch. that was a no go for me. plus it was like $800 with no coupons at all. i was able to get $350 off on mine.

their pillow would have taken 5 weeks to get to me, same with the base. and they never did send me that purple squishy.

memory foam is difficult, a $2500 temperpedic bed, will become brick like if they house is too cold. and in the summer, you'll roast like a turkey.

others have a smell so bad, you would have to let it sit outside for a few weeks.

i bought an Amerisleep Liberty... i find i do bottom out on that too, to a degree, but my back feels better. i think there are simply bones out of alignment in my neck, it makes the sounds of bubble wrap being popped if i tilt it from one side to another. that bed though came with a sheet that has Celiant on it, which supposedly releases IR light based off of your body heat, that promotes healing. and while it sounded like a bunch of nonsense, things do feel better the next morning. i would get some for my pillow, but its very expensive.


---Mike Savad
http://www.MikeSavad.com

I am sorry to hear you are going through this.

A few months ago I had bad neck pain as well and went and had MRI"s taken which showed a compressed spine and the disc levels at c5 c6 / c6 and c7.I was told by a spine surgeon who viewed my MRI's that i needed a fusion or disc replacements at these levels.

I opted for the disc replacements called Mobi-c which gives you total mobility as opposed to a fusion which limits your mobility. Before i went in for surgery laying their ready to be wheeled in to the operating room that if there was not enough space he would have to do a fusion on me and i gave him to go ahead on either of my two options. He was all smiles when he came in to see me in the recovery room and said he was able to do the disc replacements.

I had both disc replacements done about 3 weeks ago and feel so much better. The recovery time with disc replacments is 2-3 days as opposed to a fusion where the recovery time is 2-3 months and sometimes longer given your age. I'm 65 and would highly recommend disc replacements over having a fusion done.

If your in Los Angeles, California let me know and I will refer you to my spine surgeon who is amazing.

We discovered that it wasn't the mattress so much as the base. We dumped the boxed springs and got adjustable bases.....put it in 'zero gravity' which puts the least amount of pressure in strategic places. We topped it with an inexpensive mattress and voila!
When I want my legs up above my heart, I just press a button. When I want to sit up in bed to read, I press a button.
I can even vibrate if I want to, though I don't know anyone who enjoys that feature! Reminds me of the motel bed that you put a quarter into....

Diana:
Try this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50gQPx3Ro5s

Ram,

That was excellent. Thanks. It is the one thing that was creeping up on my neck from time to time. Much appreciated.

Dave

Ram,
I learned about trigger points over 30 years ago when my painting arm would go numb. I was told about them from a professional pitcher who was a client. Best advice!