Neck muscles fatigued

[Just_Gina_Fair_Banks]

Hey everyone!  I need some direction regarding my neck.

My surgery was almost 3 years ago.  My biggest problem is my neck.  I had some PT way back then, but I've never really pulled ahead.  I get this terrible fatigue--think holding your arms out straight with gallon jugs in each hand.  That burn and then failure due to fatigue is the issue.  The feeling really aggravates me...hard to describe, but I can't tolerate it and need a pain pill for relief.  A muscle relaxer doesn't do it.  I feel like I can no longer hold my head.  I have good neck rotation without issue since surgery.  We moved, and as we were house hunting, just turning my head back and forth as we drove through neighborhoods totally wore out my neck.  I do carry my stress in my neck,and shoulders, and life has been very stressful since surgery. I still get headaches, more like tension migraines--still better than Chiari headaches--but I'm at a loss.  Exercising my neck exacerbates the issue obviously, but I've been unable to get past this.  I've had some trigger point injections on top of my trap muscles and that helps, but even with that, once it has worn off, I'm back to the same.  I kind of feel like I'd make some huge advancements if I could manage to conquer this, but I'm at a loss. I'll have to get a referral for any type of assistance with this issue, so I'd like to hear from anyone who could tell me where I should push to get help.  If anyone knows any self-help options, I'd love to hear it!  I had low back surgery in June with a 2 level fusion, and I'm doing great with that.  My PT at home is going great but the neck stuff throws a wrench in EVERYTHING!  Thank you in advance!

[adventurer53]

If it persists after checking for these other conditions, maybe try a pt facility with a different approach. I switched over a year ago- the other one was fine for a lot of people but this one treats my whole body and does myofacial release, works my neck plus we are working on balance. I was using a cane with bad foot drop and now I walk mostly without one and have about 80 percent control of that foot. Pays to ask around. It's hard to keep being your own advocate but don't give up!!!

[selmaS]

  Hi...did you have the flexion and extension Xrays to look for CCI?

  It is possible that the surgery triggered the symptoms of the CCI to be exacerbated....one Dr described it like being a bobble head....or a pumpkin on a tooth pick....

Have some xrays done to look at that area to see if you have this issue.....

EDS is one of the main reasons for having this.

I was told I had CCI and would need a fusion at some point, but I was lucky in that the exercises I was told to do post op helped strengthen my neck and I no longer have the issues/symptoms like you are dealing with.

Thoracic outlet syndrome is something else to look into.

Keep us posted.