How do you cope with neck pain?

Question

I've suffered with neck pain since repotting smalltrees in June 2004. Most days I'm in severe to moderate pain and have been fobbed off with six week's physio and pain killers which don't work.
Are there alternative therapies that really work? I'm at my wit's end.

Answer 1

First, what kind of Dr. have you seen? If you haven't seen a pain management doctor, I suggest that you do so? There are steroid injections you can receive in your neck that can really help some people. Have you seen an Orthopedic Dr.? Have you had a MRI? You should have, You don't qualify for traction unless you have a herniated or bulging disc in your neck. You want to avoid surgery at all costs. A fusion of one level helps the pain for about 5 years, but stress is placed on the disc above and below the level worked on. You then develop protruding discs at these levels. A 3 level fusion would prevent you from turning your head and again cause the same problem in a few years.I have had problems with my neck for 30 years after a car wreck, a herniated disc and 2 protruding discs for at least 10 years, and another neck injury from another car wreck 2 years ago. To be honest, once you have neck or back problems, you feel your stress in these areas. You will probably have this for the rest of your life. Your best option is to try the steroid injections by a PAIN MANAGEMENT doctor only-one that specializes in it. He should use x-rays while he is doing it, and you should be made very sleepy or put to sleep. Don't let anyone touch you if they don't. But, you first need to know what your diagnosis is.

I am sorry to tell you this, but this is probably going to be a lifelong condition. Use a heating pad rolled up under your neck, your muscle relaxers and pain meds, and injections if they help. Good luck.

Answer 2

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
How do you cope with neck pain?
I've suffered with neck pain since repotting smalltrees in June 2004. Most days I'm in severe to moderate pain and have been fobbed off with six week's physio and pain killers which don't work.
Are there alternative therapies that really work? I'm at my wit's end.

Answer 3

Chiropractic works for me. If there is a misalignment in your spine, it can cause a variety of problems including neck pain. Most people begin to feel relief after just a few visits, but considering your problem has been going on for quite a while, your spine may need more time to be fully corrected. I go to my chiropractor regularly to maintain the health of my spine and to prevent degeneration and future episodes of pain.

Answer 4

Ask your Doc about a home traction device to relieve some of the pressure and at the same time start exercising your back and shoulders with weight/resistance training..... thats what I'm doing. When my neck/shoulders really hurt.... shrugs with 35-40 lb dumb-bells

Answer 5

Yes..Chiropractic works wonders, from neck pain to arthritis..It wont happen over night but soon you will be pain free..You will have to have an x-ray so they know just where it hurts-insist on it or they may be just charging you money and not getting anywhere. Good luck:)

Answer 6

My chiropractor says the best way to solve neck pain is to use it,stretch to the pain and a little more each day.

Answer 7

Try a different physiotherapist...they may have a different approach which may help you. Also, you can try to support your arms when you are sitting and that will decrease the amount of pull/tension the muscles will exert on the neck. It works...

Answer 8

My neck hurts when my back goes out I only has to be a little, but if it is pressing on spinal nerves, it can hurt somewhere else. I deal with this by going to a chiropractor.
good luck
Hope

Answer 9

did you try chiropractic? do you have a damaged disc?
what is causing the pain, you have to figure that out first.
something is pinched or damaged, you might even try acupuncture.
if you have already tried all of these I'm sorry.
Good Luck, that sounds really bad....

Answer 10

If you find out let me know. I had a car accident that left me with a lot of the same problems. I have also tried everything.