Another Neck Pain Post

[phutoie2]

Just read another post on neck pains and not too sure if my symptoms are similar. It does sound like it though as I have tingling, & pins and needles sensations in both hands suggesting trapped nerve problems.

A few weeks ago I felt a large lump in the back of my neck so off I went and visited the local Polyclinic doctor. She (the doc) very quickly diagnosed it as 'lymph nodes' possibly due to an infection.

I was given a course of anti-biotics, the firsts regime of tablets did not appear to have an effect and she prescribed another course of tablets.

So far this has had little effect, the lump is still there all but a little smaller and I have still a stiff neck and numbness of hands and some fingers. I also hear a creaking when I move my head from side to side.

The doctor suggested that the lump in the neck and my neck problems were unlikely connected. I have not been back to the local clinic and I am planning a long journey to the major hospital in Saraburi for further consultation. They always have specialist physicians come up from Bangkok for weekend appointments.

In the meantime any comments on my condition most welcome.

PT 2

[FBN]

Difficult to advise on the lump; lymph nodes are in specific anatomical locations in the neck. Usually on the side around the major neck muscle. Rarely at the back of the neck.

Lymph nodes enlarge in a specific location if there is an infection in the area drained by those glands. If general enlargement, it is usually due to a viral infection.

Once a lymphnode is enlarged, it may take time before is disappears again and is not necessarily a sign of an ongoing infection. Viral infections are also associated with other systemic signs and symptoms such as fever etc. (In which case an antibiotic will be of no value).

You did not indicate any of these or any localised infection on the scalp or head and neck area.

The "pins and needles" feelings down both arms as well as the "clicking" may indicate some degenerative changes in the vertebrae with narrowing of disc spaces and/or bone outgrowths (spurs) which may cause nerve irritation.

I would suggest to have the lump investigated thoroughly. At least a full blood count to see if there are raised white cell counts or other indications of an infection. This is quite important to get sorted.

An X-ray of the neck would be enough as a stating point to diagnose any bony problems.

It is unlikely that the lump and the nerve root problems are related.

[mommysboy]

Just read another post on neck pains and not too sure if my symptoms are similar. It does sound like it though as I have tingling, & pins and needles sensations in both hands suggesting trapped nerve problems.

A few weeks ago I felt a large lump in the back of my neck so off I went and visited the local Polyclinic doctor. She (the doc) very quickly diagnosed it as 'lymph nodes' possibly due to an infection.

I was given a course of anti-biotics, the firsts regime of tablets did not appear to have an effect and she prescribed another course of tablets.

So far this has had little effect, the lump is still there all but a little smaller and I have still a stiff neck and numbness of hands and some fingers. I also hear a creaking when I move my head from side to side.

The doctor suggested that the lump in the neck and my neck problems were unlikely connected. I have not been back to the local clinic and I am planning a long journey to the major hospital in Saraburi for further consultation. They always have specialist physicians come up from Bangkok for weekend appointments.

In the meantime any comments on my condition most welcome.

PT 2

Another post!! Why not, it's plain painful and a little worrying.

FBN's post sounds a bit over the top to me, and presents a worst case scenario.

I'm hopefully at the tail end of a neck problem. The advice I got was to have an xray, and possibly an MR scan. Consider applying ice 3 times a day, and taking volteren if the doctor will prescribe it. An over the counter formula like Ponstan might help in the meantime. Also plenty of rest.

It does sound like you've cricked your neck and trapped a nerve. Is there something you do daily that is preventing recovery, eg, use computers.

If you have an injury, I think one or more lymph glands might swell and this could be an explanation.

[beechguy]

Had similar symptoms, did an x-ray and then an MRI to get a more detailed assesment. Was diagnosed as vertebrea problems that will eventually require surgery. Did some physical therapy and it seemed to help a bit with the symptoms.

[mommysboy]

Had similar symptoms, did an x-ray and then an MRI to get a more detailed assesment. Was diagnosed as vertebrea problems that will eventually require surgery. Did some physical therapy and it seemed to help a bit with the symptoms.

Can you be more specific, ie,

bone spikes?

wear and tear degeneration caused by bulging disk?.

[phutoie2]

Thanks all for the replies. The lump in my neck is behind and just below my right ear. My theory on the hand numbness/possible trapped nerves is due to possibly a few too many Leo's one night and sleeping in an awkward position . I do remember waking up next morning with very severe sore neck which lasted for a few weeks. The tingling is more in my left hand, also sometimes I feel it in my two big toes. It is not what I call painful, just annoying. People live with much worse problems.

Since living in Thailand I have had the BUPA medical cover, paid every year but not used it so far, so will call them.

[mommysboy]

Thanks all for the replies. The lump in my neck is behind and just below my right ear. My theory on the hand numbness/possible trapped nerves is due to possibly a few too many Leo's one night and sleeping in an awkward position . I do remember waking up next morning with very severe sore neck which lasted for a few weeks. The tingling is more in my left hand, also sometimes I feel it in my two big toes. It is not what I call painful, just annoying. People live with much worse problems.

Since living in Thailand I have had the BUPA medical cover, paid every year but not used it so far, so will call them.

Still about OP?

Use the ice.

Don't force your neck with exercise by the way, or let anybody talk you in to corrective manipulation of any sort.

Mine has now taken 1 month to get better. Possibly I damaged some ligaments.

[beechguy]

Had similar symptoms, did an x-ray and then an MRI to get a more detailed assesment. Was diagnosed as vertebrea problems that will eventually require surgery. Did some physical therapy and it seemed to help a bit with the symptoms.

Can you be more specific, ie,

bone spikes?

wear and tear degeneration caused by bulging disk?.

Degeneration of the vertebrea, causing disc problems. Also, stenosis, the area where the spinal cord passes through the vertebrea narrows and makes contact. That causes the symptoms, tingling, pain, etc.

[zzdocxx]

OK but where exactly in your hands is the numbness?

Yes best to get it worked up by a competent professional IMHO.