My Neck.

[mommysboy]

Thinking about it I've always been a bit hunched and suffered from a stiff neck. At various times one side in particular has been stiff, sometimes cricked, and I do get wound up for hours on end.

But following a gym workout and some neck exercises, I experienced a stiffening of the neck later that evening and 2 weeks later some mobility has returned but I'm still left 10 - 20% down. My muscles ache like hel_l both sides.

Interestingly, after a few beers I feel much better, so stress may be a major player- business has been hel_l lately.

My guess is I may have torn ligaments, but I'm worried that I may have a slightly slipped disc or similar.

I've not really consulted a doctor about this sort of problem. Where do I start? What should I expect?

[Shotime]

Are you sure you didn't swallow a viagra and accidentally get it caught in your throat?

Seriously, sorry to hear about your problem. I can only suggest you see a doctor.

[mommysboy]

Are you sure you didn't swallow a viagra and accidentally get it caught in your throat?

Seriously, sorry to hear about your problem. I can only suggest you see a doctor.

'See a doctor' no you don't say !! Is that the sum total of your advice?

You're a pain in the neck

[RakJungTorlae]

Yes alcohol relaxes people, like if the fell down they have less chance of getting hurt.

Where are you? Has the tempter dropped? It is know to course stiffness in necks, I don’t think there are disks in necks as well.

Stress ofcoz is not going to help anything.

Seems a visit to a Chinese specialist may be your best bet or/and Take a hot shower and keep getting drunk.

[mommysboy]

Yes alcohol relaxes people, like if the fell down they have less chance of getting hurt.

Where are you? Has the tempter dropped? It is know to course stiffness in necks, I don't think there are disks in necks as well.

Stress ofcoz is not going to help anything.

Seems a visit to a Chinese specialist may be your best bet or/and Take a hot shower and keep getting drunk.

I'm in Bangkok.

It happened at the turn of the weather hot to cold. but It was after the gym workout I really felt a stiffening - I had tried some rotational head exercises and maybe stretched too much. I went on holiday to Surat the next day. First night was difficult as train made my neck even stiffer, and slept on a bad bed for a week.

I sit at a computer screen a lot and am very stressed and have been for a few months as business is very tough.

Yes alcohol and hot showers help.

I'd be happier using conventional medicine I think.

[phaethon]

Sounds like you may have trapped a nerve and the muscles in the neck are 'guarding' (working overtime) to prevent further damage/pain.

Get ye unto a doctor, preferably a head and neck specialist for a scan/x-ray and probably some anti-inflamatories to address the immediate problems Then some physio to improve mobility and, from the sound of it, posture.

There are disks in the neck and they can prolapse, but it's not so common. Hot showers may ease discomfort but won't address the real problem.

I woke up one morning to find I was completely unable to move. It gradually eased to the point where I could ride my m/c to the quacks surgery, but could barely move my head. I had to go around one roundabout three times before I could confidently take my exit without a left-hand 'lifesaver'

Edited November 24, 2008 by phaethon

[mommysboy]

Sounds like you may have trapped a nerve and the muscles in the neck are 'guarding' (working overtime) to prevent further damage/pain.

Get ye unto a doctor, preferably a head and neck specialist for a scan/x-ray and probably some anti-inflamatories to address the immediate problems Then some physio to improve mobility and, from the sound of it, posture.

There are disks in the neck and they can prolapse, but it's not so common. Hot showers may ease discomfort but won't address the real problem.

I woke up one morning to find I was completely unable to move. It gradually eased to the point where I could ride my m/c to the quacks surgery, but could barely move my head. I had to go around one roundabout three times before I could confidently take my exit without a left-hand 'lifesaver'

How did you get better?

What's the treatment?

[phaethon]

An X-ray confirmed no serious mis-algnment of the vertebrae or disks so a fistful of non-steroidal anti-inflammatories to take pressure off the trapped nerve (local damage to muscle and ligaments cause swelling, pinching a nerve where it emerges from the spinal column). I did have some build-up of fibrous tissue which probably narrowed the gaps through which nerves pass, increasing the chances that they will become 'pinched, so a regimen of exercises to gently loosen things up and deter such build-ups and all has been well these last ten or twelve years, apart from minors tweaks and twinges.

Not in itself a big deal, but you should check first that there is no serious damage/mis-alignment as no amount of drugs will solve that.

I suspect the origin of my specific problem was the heavy BMW flip front helmet I was wearing combined with maybe a draught getting in there while riding in the UK winter. Always taken care since to keep my neck warm and eliminate draughts.

Edited November 24, 2008 by phaethon

[mommysboy]

An X-ray confirmed no serious mis-algnment of the vertebrae or disks so a fistful of non-steroidal anti-inflammatories to take pressure off the trapped nerve (local damage to muscle and ligaments cause swelling, pinching a nerve where it emerges from the spinal column). I did have some build-up of fibrous tissue which probably narrowed the gaps through which nerves pass, increasing the chances that they will become 'pinched, so a regimen of exercises to gently loosen things up and deter such build-ups and all has been well these last ten or twelve years, apart from minors tweaks and twinges.

Not in itself a big deal, but you should check first that there is no serious damage/mis-alignment as no amount of drugs will solve that.

I suspect the origin of my specific problem was the heavy BMW flip front helmet I was wearing combined with maybe a draught getting in there while riding in the UK winter. Always taken care since to keep my neck warm and eliminate draughts.

[mommysboy]

OOPS hit the wrong button.

Thanks for your excellent posting.

I can only think my problem is similar. But only a doctor and an xray is going to confirm that. I've had this problem in a minor way on and off right since my teenage years when I used to sleep with wet hair, but it's never lasted more than 3 days. So maybe there is some permanent degenerative damage, but I don't think so. Come to think of it I did see a doctor maybe 25 years ago, and he said it was a bulge in my neck and that it was a weak point.

It's actually much better today, as I've layed off the gym and rested up completely.

I'm using hot showers, planning on an ice pack 3 times a day, and have some basic minor stretching exercises.

I may use ibruprofen or Ponistan or similar. I'll see what my pharmacist (he's pretty good).

But the writing is on the wall, and from now on I'm taking special care.

[RakJungTorlae]

Still bit of Chinese medicine wont hurt as well.!!! There is a products Tiger bam made Neck&sholders And yeah see a doctor for some x-rays and maybe some medications I guess..

Good luck

[donna]

if youre still in pain, that indicates that SOMETHING is wrong. you should get yourself off to a chiropractor or physio as soon as you can. two weeks is a long time to be in pain, and the longer you leave these things the harder they are to fix.

[mommysboy]

if youre still in pain, that indicates that SOMETHING is wrong. you should get yourself off to a chiropractor or physio as soon as you can. two weeks is a long time to be in pain, and the longer you leave these things the harder they are to fix.

Yes and in fact it was a quite short lived recovery. yes something is wrong.

It looks like hospital for me.

[mrtoad]

if youre still in pain, that indicates that SOMETHING is wrong. you should get yourself off to a chiropractor or physio as soon as you can. two weeks is a long time to be in pain, and the longer you leave these things the harder they are to fix.

Yes and in fact it was a quite short lived recovery. yes something is wrong.

It looks like hospital for me.

I suggest that you get an x-ray, which should give an indication if there are any problems, for a better check you could hav an MRI. I would seriously advise you against seeking Chiropractor treatment without first getting a proper diagnosis and a scan, you could end up doing more damage.

Good luck.

[mommysboy]

if youre still in pain, that indicates that SOMETHING is wrong. you should get yourself off to a chiropractor or physio as soon as you can. two weeks is a long time to be in pain, and the longer you leave these things the harder they are to fix.

Yes and in fact it was a quite short lived recovery. yes something is wrong.

It looks like hospital for me.

I suggest that you get an x-ray, which should give an indication if there are any problems, for a better check you could hav an MRI. I would seriously advise you against seeking Chiropractor treatment without first getting a proper diagnosis and a scan, you could end up doing more damage.

Good luck.

Yes thank you Mr Toad. I think this is a very sensible strategy. I don't want anyone tweeking anything until we know the score.

My situation. I've been hit by the credit crunch and don't want any expensive outpatient's bills - don't get out the violins, we just bought a new house in Surat. I have good basic inpatient healthcare cover with Thai Life. If necessary I can hot foot back to Blighty and will do so if it is serious.

I'm quite shocked at the moment, it's the first time I've been weighed down for so long, it's knackering and it's one bad thing after another at the moment.

I thought I'd get xrays done at Chula or St Louis. Guess an xray is an xray!

[chrissimone]

mommysboy,

I posted about a similar problem a couple months ago. Was told to get a x-ray, never even occurred to me. Got a x-ray in bangkok,

Dr. read my x-rays and said disks are wore out. Think I will have it x-rayed here in the states too.

strangely enough, it hasn't bothered me since.

Good luck. c

[mommysboy]

mommysboy,

I posted about a similar problem a couple months ago. Was told to get a x-ray, never even occurred to me. Got a x-ray in bangkok,

Dr. read my x-rays and said disks are wore out. Think I will have it x-rayed here in the states too.

strangely enough, it hasn't bothered me since.

Good luck. c

Thank you. I imagine it's quite common and I might get the same diagnosis. I think it's about getting whatever is out of place back in again and keeping it there. I'm now using ice packs and ibruprofen.

[mommysboy]

mommysboy,

I posted about a similar problem a couple months ago. Was told to get a x-ray, never even occurred to me. Got a x-ray in bangkok,

Dr. read my x-rays and said disks are wore out. Think I will have it x-rayed here in the states too.

strangely enough, it hasn't bothered me since.

Good luck. c

Thank you. I imagine it's quite common and I might get the same diagnosis. I think it's about getting whatever is out of place back in again and keeping it there. I'm now using ice packs and ibruprofen.

That's odd (but nice). The problem has lessened considerably today. Wait and see, but I think it's getting better. Should I still seek medical advice?

[billp]

I've been having "neck and shoulder syndrome" for many years, off and on. The important thing is, get an MRI first to see if nothing serious is wrong. If not, then exercise, anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxants help a lot. Traditional Thai massage - full strength - is great! Voltaren gel, heat and cold compresses, and that strong green Thai ointment usually does it for me.

[mommysboy]

I've been having "neck and shoulder syndrome" for many years, off and on. The important thing is, get an MRI first to see if nothing serious is wrong. If not, then exercise, anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxants help a lot. Traditional Thai massage - full strength - is great! Voltaren gel, heat and cold compresses, and that strong green Thai ointment usually does it for me.

MRI must be expensive even in Thailand ?

I guess something must be wrong for sure, as I have had stiffness for years on and off but only in a minor way.

I'm inclined to see a doctor though.

Just basking in a pain free evening. What a relief?

[billp]

MRI Center Bangkok (probably one of the most expensive): 8000 baht for an organ or part of an organ. Not really that much, to get a clean bill of health. Maybe just a normal x-ray would be sufficient. After they've decided there's no serious issue, then get a good Thai massage from an experienced practioner. That's what (literally) knocked me out of my last neck-shoulder problem. That, and a few Voltaren anti-inflammatories and a few applications of that strong green cream they sell in pharmacies.

[mommysboy]

MRI Center Bangkok (probably one of the most expensive): 8000 baht for an organ or part of an organ. Not really that much, to get a clean bill of health. Maybe just a normal x-ray would be sufficient. After they've decided there's no serious issue, then get a good Thai massage from an experienced practioner. That's what (literally) knocked me out of my last neck-shoulder problem. That, and a few Voltaren anti-inflammatories and a few applications of that strong green cream they sell in pharmacies.

thanks for you advice billp and the PM. Is Voltaren a prescriptionn drug do you know? My neck has loosened up a lot. I think I've got/had torn muscles but I'm aware I do suffer from a log term neck problem.

[mrtoad]

MRI Center Bangkok (probably one of the most expensive): 8000 baht for an organ or part of an organ. Not really that much, to get a clean bill of health. Maybe just a normal x-ray would be sufficient. After they've decided there's no serious issue, then get a good Thai massage from an experienced practioner. That's what (literally) knocked me out of my last neck-shoulder problem. That, and a few Voltaren anti-inflammatories and a few applications of that strong green cream they sell in pharmacies.

8,000 bhat for an MRI is reasonable.

I had an X-ray done on my back initally, the consultant Radiologist could see what the problem was, but still suggested the MRI as it would give a better indication of the damage, that an x-ray couldn't show.

[billp]

Is Voltaren a prescriptionn drug do you know?

It is in Farangland, but maybe not in Thailand. Anyway, it's no problem paying a visit to a doctor to get a prescription, if it's something you need. I know for a fact that Voltaren (generic: diclofenac) Gel for rubbing into sore places is sold over the counter, but it's less effective than the pills in my experience. Voltaren/diclofenac in pill form has been a wonder drug for me, usually stopping pain and swelling within 24 hours.

Another thing that really works: ice it at first, then put on hot compresses later. The cold takes away pain and swelling right away and reduces inflammation. The heat gets rid of stiffness and feels really good. You can buy gel packs in Boots or Watsons (for example) which you can put in the freezer or zap in the microwave for heat or cold.

[mommysboy]

Is Voltaren a prescriptionn drug do you know?

It is in Farangland, but maybe not in Thailand. Anyway, it's no problem paying a visit to a doctor to get a prescription, if it's something you need. I know for a fact that Voltaren (generic: diclofenac) Gel for rubbing into sore places is sold over the counter, but it's less effective than the pills in my experience. Voltaren/diclofenac in pill form has been a wonder drug for me, usually stopping pain and swelling within 24 hours.

Another thing that really works: ice it at first, then put on hot compresses later. The cold takes away pain and swelling right away and reduces inflammation. The heat gets rid of stiffness and feels really good. You can buy gel packs in Boots or Watsons (for example) which you can put in the freezer or zap in the microwave for heat or cold.

Thanks to you and Mr T, great info.

Yes I've been on the ice packs, they really work.

I also had a sore frontal sinus and used some ice too. Seemed to help, maybe even cleared the congestion, but I don't understand why.

[billp]

I also had a sore frontal sinus and used some ice too. Seemed to help, maybe even cleared the congestion, but I don't understand why.

Easy. It reduced the swelling in your mucous membrane.

[mommysboy]

This past week my neck problem has lessened to the point of cure.

Can anyone tell me: is it normal to feel some stiffness, some clicks, and have some minor cricks now and then ? I mean what is normal? Does everybody feel a bit of pain sitting at a computer for a couple of hours non stop?

At what point can I say I have a problem?