Neck Pain? Looking For Help

[Calm]

Tacenda can't start threads so posting this post from another thread for her as she is very concerned with her husband's condition and could use some help in figuring it out:

 

Kenngo, my husband had sudden neck stiffness & pain and severe headaches, we weren't able to go to his mom's b-day because of it. Therefore didn't speak with bro in law about the American Fork area. Hopefully you're finding some things. 

I feel bad derailing, but has anyone ever had the symptoms I listed? We've been to urgent care, then ER, then chiropractor. At the urgent care he threw up, so they suggested ER for cat scan and to check if it was menengitis. At the ER they apparently didn't see the need to give him a spinal tap, but all the tests...blood work and CT scan look good. We have an appt on Friday to see an orthopedic doctor. If anyone has a suggestion would you PM me? He can't stand for very long because of the headache and neck pain. The only thing it might be is he was doing some yard work for his mom, like trimming a bunch of bushes trimming underneath and leaning over. But he did that several days before the sudden pain. 

 

 

Any ideas, anyone?

Edited April 7, 2015 by calmoriah

[diamondintherough]

I don't know how to do a pm here yet but anyway - I've heard people have had success with all sorts of things using The Emotion and/or Body Code. Go to healerslibrary.com for names of practitioners.  I'm sure they'll be able to help figure out what's going on.

[Calm]

I would be careful with chiropractors and the neck, especially if there is already an injury.  I get migraines after any neck adjustment…I find massages are much more helpful over all as well.  Adjustments can be nice, but I've had some that aggravated injuries and my mother has been in severe pain after her back being wrenched by a chiropractor who had been great for her for years…so there is always a risk imo.

[Tacenda]

I would be careful with chiropractors and the neck, especially if there is already an injury. I get migraines after any neck adjustment…I find massages are much more helpful over all as well. Adjustments can be nice, but I've had some that aggravated injuries and my mother has been in severe pain after her back being wrenched by a chiropractor who had been great for her for years…so there is always a risk imo.

Oh my goodness, he looked like a pretzel yesterday. I hope it wasn't damaging, the amount of adjustments that were done. He has an appt on Thursday with the same chiropractor. Before reading your reply we discussed whether to cancel or not. But decided to keep it and just request a good massage. Pretty interesting, it's almost like you read our minds. BTW, thank you for starting the OP for us! It's good to have feedback when you feel in the dark about a new ailment.

[Calm]

If it didn't hurt immediately or by nighttime, it probably was just fine.  

[jwhitlock]

I had something like that decades ago. I had to be very careful walking; if someone bumped me or I stumbled, it was very painful for my neck. I couldn't lean my head back at all.

 

Went to a therapist; the massages really helped. They tried lying me flat on the table and stretching my neck out by manipulating my head; it almost killed me, the pain was so bad. 

 

They didn't ever figure out what the problem was, but from the x-rays over time, they found that the natural curve of my neck had been replaced by straightness, which indicated that there was stress. It wasn't psychological.

 

I took quite a bit of aspirin every day to try to manage the pain. The doctor finally put me in the hospital for a myelogram to see if that would help figuring things out. As part of that procedure, I had to remain flat on my back for at least 24 hours afterwards. Not too long after that, the pain went away.

 

I don't know if it was a pinched nerve, or something else spinal. I suspect that lying flat on my back for a day helped quite a bit to heal whatever the problem was. Note that I wasn't allowed to get off my back for anything; the nurses had to take care of certain bodily functions as needed.

 

Anyway, don't know if any of that helps. Just anecdotal on my part, and just for what it's worth.

[hagoth7]

Tacenda can't start threads so posting this post from another thread for her as she is very concerned with her husband's condition and could use some help in figuring it out:

 

 

Any ideas, anyone?

After being hit by another car, chiropracters, doctors and other things didn't help. Almost a year later, still in pain, I found a deep tissue massage specialist in Salt Lake City who had been in charge of the Greek and SLC Olympics massage teams, and who taught at a local massage school. The guy knew more anatomy than most doctors and although the treatments were like torture, I left after three treatments feeling 90% better. Wish I had kept his business card.

[Tacenda]

Thank you good people! We're going to put your experiences to good use!!

[Tacenda]

Dbl post

Edited April 8, 2015 by Tacenda

[Calm]

You might try some magnesium oil gel (prefer it to the spray but spray is less messy). You can probably get it at most health stores, I get mine at good earth. Almost the same thing as Epsom salts and in fact you can make your own. It is not really oil, but just feels oily. It doesn't absorb quickly into the skin, needs to dry and may leave a residue. It also may itch for a bit. But I've found over time it does it less and mainly on areas that are exposed to the sun. I rub it up into my hairline into my scalp for neck pain and all over neck and shoulders and anywhere there is tenderness or pain and on my temples and forehead for headaches, jaw for when that aches with TMJ. Wipe the residue off 30 minutes or so...I am just guessing with that, the magnesium is absorbed through the skin and helps relax muscles etc without the side effect diarrhoea that can come with taking it internally. I just leave it on and it gets rubbed off during my sleep. Taking a cal mag supplement might help as well as both are natural relaxants while calcium constipates on its own so they balance each other's shortcoming. Take capsules rather than tablets for quicker digestion. I take up to 1000mg of each when I really need it but your husband might want to build up to that just in case his digestion is sensitive.

[Tacenda]

I read about taking magnesium, in my "neck pain" searches online. But nothing about the topical oil form. I'll pick some up and do as you explained. Also, I don't know if my husband is even taking calcium. I know he takes a Nature's Sunshine packet everyday. But it probably doesn't include that 1000 mg of calcium or magnesium! Beats the valium the doctors from ER have him on for muscle relaxation. Plus they prescribed ibuprophen for inflammation. Just those two things. But at the chiropractors I bought Doterra Blue Rub that is massaged in.

[Calm]

Husband loves that

[saemo]

FWIW, years of on/off migraines, and associated neck fun (not). Been to physical therapy, which helped with maintaining on long flights or sitting for hours. Tried yoga, which, was great for awareness of body alignment, particularly spine. But the best thing ever, was when I discovered a pillow that supports my neck. There is a $100+ version at Brookstone, or better priced at Costco. Second best magical remedy I learned about 18 months ago when I was down flat for three days on muscle relaxants. No, that is not magic, those I don't like. Aleve and Tylenol, together, per Drs. advice. (I don't mix medications unless given a Dr. or pharmacists Ok.)

Triggers are, bright light, chocolate, some wines, lack of sleep...I also get insomnia, which doesn't help.

So, switch out the pillow, discover the meds that work, working with your Dr., and get enough sleep, avoid triggers.

[Tacenda]

FWIW, years of on/off migraines, and associated neck fun (not). Been to physical therapy, which helped with maintaining on long flights or sitting for hours. Tried yoga, which, was great for awareness of body alignment, particularly spine. But the best thing ever, was when I discovered a pillow that supports my neck. There is a $100+ version at Brookstone, or better priced at Costco. Second best magical remedy I learned about 18 months ago when I was down flat for three days on muscle relaxants. No, that is not magic, those I don't like. Aleve and Tylenol, together, per Drs. advice. (I don't mix medications unless given a Dr. or pharmacists Ok.)

Triggers are, bright light, chocolate, some wines, lack of sleep...I also get insomnia, which doesn't help.

So, switch out the pillow, discover the meds that work, working with your Dr., and get enough sleep, avoid triggers.

That's funny you mention getting a pillow! I bought a pillow last Saturday at Costco, very inexpensive but looked so supportive, little foam pieces in it. He hated it and wanted his old very flat pillow. So what brand should I look for at Costco? I'm taking these back.

And another big issue is his meds! He hates the Valium so getting rid of that. And takes 1/2 a Percocet, which he has taken for his stomach issues, but I hate how it makes him act. He'll take it when the Ibuprofen doesn't help, which he gets so loaded up with. I will definitely call the doctor to see if that'd be ok to take Aleve and Tylenol together.

He's going to the Chiropractor regularly because he says it helped, plus constant neck messages at home. He use to go to a chiropractor when he was younger as a weight lifter, his mom is really into going to them vs. the doctor route usually. But I have no problem with it, we found a good one hopefully.

I'm laying here beside him as he snores quietly, not really a snorer luckily. So I'm the insomniac, but grateful he's been sleeping so well, it's a blessing for sure.

Thanks for these wonderful suggestions Saemo! I hope you have continued success treating your "pain in the neck" and migraines.

Edited April 13, 2015 by Tacenda

[diamondintherough]

Just fyi - pills are just a bandaid and chiro adjustments may not stick unless the underlying cause is addressed.  Again, I refer you to The Emotion and/or Body Code - developed by a chiropractor and member of the church.  There's nothing to lose in trying it - no negative side effects, etc.  

[saemo]

That's funny you mention getting a pillow! I bought a pillow last Saturday at Costco, very inexpensive but looked so supportive, little foam pieces in it. He hated it and wanted his old very flat pillow. So what brand should I look for at Costco? I'm taking these back.

And another big issue is his meds! He hates the Valium so getting rid of that. And takes 1/2 a Percocet, which he has taken for his stomach issues, but I hate how it makes him act. He'll take it when the Ibuprofen doesn't help, which he gets so loaded up with. I will definitely call the doctor to see if that'd be ok to take Aleve and Tylenol together.

He's going to the Chiropractor regularly because he says it helped, plus constant neck messages at home. He use to go to a chiropractor when he was younger as a weight lifter, his mom is really into going to them vs. the doctor route usually. But I have no problem with it, we found a good one hopefully.

I'm laying here beside him as he snores quietly, not really a snorer luckily. So I'm the insomniac, but grateful he's been sleeping so well, it's a blessing for sure.

Thanks for these wonderful suggestions Saemo! I hope you have continued success treating your "pain in the neck" and migraines.

Memory foam pillow. Brookstone advertises theirs as an anti-snoring pillow. LOL! The Costco version I buy is the NovaForm Contour. 

 

I've been to the dr. for migraines, neck pain, shoulder pain, tingling fingers, etc. They can never find anything. So, left to my own devices, I will experiment. My dad went to a chiropractor for years, and now his back/hips/legs are a mess. I don't want to go down that road.

 

I used to take A LOT of Ibuprofen, but apparently my body now hates it and I get a reaction to it. I avoid it. I can feel the pain coming, creeping out from my neck to head to arms, and I'm on it before it puts be down for the count, with the Tylenol/Aleve combo. I only take it when absolutely on the verge of a migraine, otherwise, I am concerned those will become like the Ibuprofen and then I can't use them. Also, Aleve has some serious side effects. So, I'm cautious.

 

Massage, is terrible for me. It puts my neck and shoulder muscles into a spasm that will take me week to calm down. There are hair salons where they want to massage the back of your neck during a shampoo. NO!! Please don't massage my neck, ever. 

 

The rest of the time, there is always a less-than debilitating pain, that I just ignore. I know some people can't ignore stuff, like a friend of mine, who has no tolerance for anything that is off with the old bod. I can ignore pain, been doing it for 25 years or more. (Migraines started in my 20s.) I have a threshold, that I well know, and will only take the over the counter meds when the point of no return is coming on.

[saemo]

Just fyi - pills are just a bandaid and chiro adjustments may not stick unless the underlying cause is addressed.  Again, I refer you to The Emotion and/or Body Code - developed by a chiropractor and member of the church.  There's nothing to lose in trying it - no negative side effects, etc.  

I'll check it out.

[Calm]

Just fyi - pills are just a bandaid and chiro adjustments may not stick unless the underlying cause is addressed. Again, I refer you to The Emotion and/or Body Code - developed by a chiropractor and member of the church. There's nothing to lose in trying it - no negative side effects, etc.

Except money.

I find their website way too money oriented.

Edited April 13, 2015 by calmoriah

[Tacenda]

Thanks for these awesome posts! 

 

Saemo, I looked up the pillow on Costco, and lo and behold, I already bought that one a few years ago for myself, it didn't work for me.  But my husband uses it to lay on his stomach and eat his meals.  He is getting better though and went to work today for the first time in a week!  I'm just leary now about him going to the chiropractor, dang.  I hope it doesn't do harm!

 

Now off the subject,  I need more help.  My old friend and former RS President has breast cancer, she's lost all of her hair.  She's struggling with wigs.  I just wondered if anyone knows of a store here in Utah that carries the head gear for cancer patients, such as bandanas, turbans etc.  I want to do something for her. 

 

Thanks for any help that I might receive and to Cal who started this thread for me! 

Edited April 13, 2015 by Tacenda

[saemo]

Thanks for these awesome posts! 

 

Saemo, I looked up the pillow on Costco, and lo and behold, I already bought that one a few years ago for myself, it didn't work for me.  But my husband uses it to lay on his stomach and eat his meals.  He is getting better though and went to work today for the first time in a week!  I'm just leary now about him going to the chiropractor, dang.  I hope it doesn't do harm!

 

Now off the subject,  I need more help.  My old friend and former RS President has breast cancer, she's lost all of her hair.  She's struggling with wigs.  I just wondered if anyone knows of a store here in Utah that carries the head gear for cancer patients, such as bandanas, turbans etc.  I want to do something for her. 

 

Thanks for any help that I might receive and to Cal who started this thread for me! 

Yeah, the pillow hunt. None work everyday for years. I switch them out often. I'm like Goldilocks, except with pillows instead of beds and chairs.

 

I didn't mean to discourage any kind of treatment path. It is a weighted decision. There are ALWAYS side effects, for everything, including doing nothing. You have to decide for yourselves if side effects, even those that may not appear until years down the road, are worth the relief today. Pretty much, my dad would not have been able to work had he not gone to a chiropractor once a week. I'm not in that position.

[diamondintherough]

Except money.

Yet people pay hundreds/thousands on bandaids all the time.  Atleast the money (sometimes as little as $25) would go to the solution instead.

I find their website way too money oriented.

Not sure where you were looking.  The only place like that that I saw were if you want to buy the program yourself which you don't need to do.  

Just fyi - I'm not affiliated with this company at all.  I've just heard about it and have a friend who has benefited (after going the western med route and been put through he**).  Everyone is free to choose/decide for themselves --- but there can only be choice if you know there are options.

[Tacenda]

Just fyi - I'm not affiliated with this company at all. I've just heard about it and have a friend who has benefited (after going the western med route and been put through he**). Everyone is free to choose/decide for themselves --- but there can only be choice if you know there are options.

I still need to check this out, thank you!

[The Nehor]

Get a head transplant.

http://www.iflscience.com/health-and-medicine/head-transplant-volunteer-might-face-fate-more-terrifying-death

[Tacenda]

Get a head transplant.

http://www.iflscience.com/health-and-medicine/head-transplant-volunteer-might-face-fate-more-terrifying-death

Lol, my husband did say he wanted to rip his head off! think he's doing better, so hopefully he won't need a head transplant! Maybe a hair transplant though.

[Calm]

I have three different pillows that I use depending on need.  Mostly use an Intelligel or whatever they are (blue gel about an inch thick, gives support but springs back instantly rather than leaving mold like memory foam so it allows me to move as needed and not get stuck), also have a memory foam on rare occasion when I just get tired of the gel one or when I have a bad migraine and just like the extra softness and then a 'cooling' pillow for when I get too hot.

 

He really needs to get a decent pillow, it will make a huge difference in reinjury even if it doesn't help right away because it doens't feel natural to him.  He could talk to the chiro about it for the right type.