I get really bad neck ache. many years now. doc no help. pain relief?

Question

for a good few years now i have been suffering from quite bad neck ache. my mother has the same problem too. now, i have been to the docs many times, but each time i have been told something different, from being overweight (i weigh 14 stone and 5ft 7), to stress. basically, they don't know and i'am still no closer to the reason. i have never been refered to any specialist for further investigation. so, the only painkiller that now works is codiene which i usually take as co codamol on an almost daily basis, sometimes upto 4/6 500mg in one day (2 at a time). i do also find that a heated wheat bag helps, especially at night when trying to get comfy in bed. my poor poor boyfriend of 6 years now, massages my neck, head and shoulders almost everyday.

but this just can't go on like this, has anyone any advise?? pls??

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

You certainly need further investigation if you have had pain for this length of time. X-ray would rule out any bony problem and an MRI scan would diagnose any problem with the discs in the neck. Physiotherapy may be helpful and your doctor can refer you for this (on the NHS if you are in the UK).
You might find anti-inflammatory painkillers more helpful, i.e. ibuprofen (provided you are not asthmatic and have no stomach problems).
It is your right to ask for a second opinion and I would suggest that you go back to your GP and ask him for either further investigation, or a referral to a specialist as the symptoms are obviously not settling.
Good Luck

Source(s):

RGN

Answer 2

What are the structures of the neck?

There are seven vertebrae that are the bony building blocks of the spine in the neck (the cervical vertebrae) that surround the spinal cord and canal. Between these vertebrae are discs, and nearby pass the nerves of the neck. Within the neck, structures include the neck muscles, arteries, veins, lymph glands, thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, esophagus, larynx, and trachea.

How is neck pain diagnosed?

In diagnosing the cause of neck pain, it is important to review the history of the symptoms. In reviewing the history, the doctor will note the location, intensity, duration, and radiation of the pain. Any past injury to the neck is noted. Aggravating and/or relieving positions or motions are also recorded. The neck is examined at rest and in motion. Tenderness is detected. An examination of the nervous system is performed.

Further testing of undiagnosed neck pain can include x-ray evaluation, CAT scan, bone scan, MRI scan , myelogram, and electrical tests such as electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction velocity test (NCV).

How is neck pain treated?

The treatment of neck pain depends on its precise cause. Treatment options include rest, heat/ice applications, traction, soft collar, traction, physical therapy (ultrasound, massage, manipulation), local injections of cortisone or anesthetics, topical anesthetic creams, topical pain patches, muscle relaxants, analgesics, and surgical procedures.

If you are not satisfied with your physicians diagnosis, I could recommend a professional highly recommended chiropractor.

Answer 3

Insist that your Doctor refers you to X-ray. At least then you may rule out bony injuries or misalignment and hopefully then concentrate on getting some muscle and soft tissue treatment. Sports injuries clinics are relatively cheap and excellent.

Answer 4

Try these exercises: Stand next to wall with noise touching wall walk hands up wall like spider and extend arms as far as possible. Walk hand down wall repeat few times. Lie belly on the floor push arms above head repeat few times rest: while on floor clasp hands behind back and raise while raising head. Never do any of these pass the point of discomfort. Get piece of rope put it over shower curtain rod grab ends of rope and pull back and forth.

Answer 5

HI,
FOR ANY TYPE OF PAIN ANY DOCTOR HAVE NO TREATMENT. THEY CAN JUST GIVE U PAIN KILLERES AND THOSE ONLY WORK FOR A PERIOD AND THEN AFTER THAT THE SAME PROBLEM AGAIN COME. WITH THE DOCTORS ONLY U CAN BE ADDICT WITH THEIR MEDICINE BUT CANT CURE THIS PROBLEM PERMANENTLY.
THE BEST WAY TO CURE IS A PHYSICAL EXERCISE LIKE ''YOGA'' OR ANY OTHER . YOGA CAN MAKE UR MUSCLES MORE FLEXIBLE AND MORE RELAXED. WITH THE HELP OF YOGA U CAN ADJUST THE GAP BETWEEN UR BONES IN THE NECK. CERVICAL REGION IS SO SENSITIVE IN UR BODY.
SOMETHING TO REMEMBER THAT DONT BEND UR NECK FROWARD, DONT DO SO MUCH SITTING WORK, MOVE UR NECK RIGHT AND LEFT AND UPSIDE TIME BY TIME IS BETTER FOR PAIN.

Answer 6

if it's muscular pain your getting then try looking up THE BOWEN TECHNIQUE, my partner suffered for years with a bad back and payed a small fortune to chiropractors and physiotherapists, both did give releaf for a period of time but it was only a short period.
Then she got advised to see a bowen therapist who said she would have her back put right in no more than 3 sessions, of course she was very sceptical, but sure enough it worked, so much so that she ended up studying the technique, so if you would like to give that a go , you never know, a few weeks down the line you'll be singing my praises, good look.