neck pain & m.e/ c.f.s?

Question

i am 30 years old, i had a spinal fusion & instrumentation in 1999, ( for scoliosis, had to have 2 metal rods put into my back) in 2001 i was dianosed with having m.e/c.f.s, for which i have had lots of support, but for the last 3 months i have had the most terrible neck pain, ( was prescribed co codamol & seractil for) along with numbness in my fingers,it started of like a terrible ache but over last few days i keep getting shooting pain when i move my head in a certain way. i have physiotherapy with a specialised c.f.s. physio once a week along with acupuncture. i also have pain in my shoulder, inside elbows, lower back, my G.P has referred me to a rheumatologist. some nights i have to sleep with a neck collar on for support. does anyone have any recommendations on pain relief which doesnt involve medication?
many thanks.

Answer 1

I'm in aggreement with the other poster who mentioned Fibromyalgia,
the Rheumatologist could well change your diagnosis to FMS, they are pretty similar illnesses, some pain specialists & Rheumatologist think thery are the same illness, just at varying levels...my pain doc does, & I know a couple of people who have had the diagnosis changed, from ME to FMS.

I had the required "tender points" on the day I saw the Rheumy who diagnosed me, but they often come & go, & sometimes I have none at all, & other times I even have some that aren't even listed.

If this happens, ask about a drug normally used for Parkinsons disease...MIRAPEX, I've just been prescribed this, & have read & heard some pretty good stuff about it.

Also I swear by Clary Sage, its an aromatherapy oil, but does help with pain & mood too, I can also recomend a "paingone pen" & epsom salt baths

Answer 2

Your situation is upsetting to read about and you have my very best wishes in your search for relief. I have no easy answer for you, I'm sorry, except to say that if you turn to acupuncture again make sure it's done by a Chinese expert who describes the treatment fully, tells you how/what/how long and the aims of the work. It can work wonders.
My neck collar is too warm overnight, cocodamol etc are useless. Exercise impossible. Scoliosis and whiplash injury combine to give me a lot of trouble a bit like yours. Try a loose "support collar" overnight, made from the material used by Vertibax (a new firm, google their website) for lower back support. Works very well on my lower back scoliosis! All the best.

Answer 3

Do you have a diagnosis of exclusion? (i.e. other conditions have been ruled out) If so, CFS and Fibromyalgia are very closely linked.

I had both for 5 years and found Mickel Therapy incredibly effective. Don't worry it's not a form of psychotherapy but looks at symptoms as helpful communication from the body that once understood and acted on allows the body to stop sending the symptom.
Wish you well.

Answer 4

Lower back pain can cause your body to react in strange ways. Your neck pain could also be due to this. I have just been given an urgent appointment to see someone about my neck pain, it affects the shoulders,arms and fingers as you describe.
For the time being I am using my TENS on my neck; set on B (blast) for the same effect as acupuncture.
I'm finding this very helpful.
I sincerely hope you can get some help and relief soon.
My best wishes to you.

Answer 5

Since you have already been diagnosed with cfs you may ask your doctor to check for fibromyalgia. The areas of pain you seem to be having are definately symptoms of fibro. When I was first diagnosed I did have to be on a muscle relaxer and an anti-inflammatory for about a year. I've been able to control my symptoms with rest and mild exercise and was able to go off the meds but there are still days when the weather is lousy that I'm in agony