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Cervical Pain after 2 surgerys on C5-6
I have had 2 neck surgerys & I am still in pain. I have had C5-6 fused 8yrs ago & last yr I had C6-7 & I am still in a great deal of pain in my shoulders & down both arms & in my neck. I am still under doctors care but he is telling me there is nothing more he can do for me that I have to live with this pain. I have no life because after I get off work the only thing I want to do is use the heating pad & lye down to rest my neck. I do data entry 40hr a week & it is killing me to do that, I am not sure if I am going to be able to continue. My doctor is telling me that the data entry will not make me any worse than I am & I am finding that hard to believe since my job is hurting me so bad so I would like to know your opinion on that, Please. I have a copy of my last MRI it says there is mild facet hypertrophy in C2-3 with no signifcant central canal or neural foraminal narrowing. Then C3-4 There is very small left paracentral posterior disc osteophyte complex, unchanged. Associated mild facet hypertrophy results in mild left neural foraminal narrowing. No signifcant central canal or right neural foraminal narrowing. In C4-5 a very small broad based disc bulge minimally flattens the anterior thecal sac without signifcant central canal narrowing. Mild facet hypertrophy contributes to mild bilateral neural foraminal narrowing. C5-6 There is mild left neural foraminal narrowing. No signifcant central canal or right neural foraminal narrowng. C6-7 post interval anterior discectomy & fusion w/mild left neural foraminal narrowing. I can fax the MRI report if needed t rest . Thank U
I feel your pain and my own way too often. I am 45 and after suffering with migraines the last couple years and upper back/neck/shoulder pain I finally went to a neurologist, physical therapist, and pain management specialists. The pain management specialist gave me nerve block injections and ultram, and the neurologist gave me Nadolol to help prevent the migraines. She also gave me Axert to rescue me during intense migraines. I will spare you the details of all the other drugs along the way that didn't help. I also take Robaxin two or three times a day, a muscle relaxant, that I am not sure if it helps or not. It is extremely frustrating to have a day or two of feeling good and then this back/neck/trapezius/scalenes pain comes back. I am in sales and do a lot of driving and computer work. The migraines are better but not gone. The back pain is much more frequent. I had heard about Dr. Barnes but not sure if he is worth it. Seems very expensive and all the way out in Pennsylvania, but when you are in the pain anything seems worth it. I have also tried chiropractic and massage with limited success. I haven't had any surgeries as all my MRI's, EMG's etc. have come back normal. Anyone had any success with accupuncture?
Yes, and as seen on Oprah w/Dr. Oz & Shu, it works. Back to Back sessions, with therapy and with the exerocises the therapist advise you on, they will help significantly. Have your doctor prescribe/w subscription you the equipment, neck, back brace, low back brace, heat pad and the same type of lotions an ointments therapist use for your home; and this should be covered by your insurance.
From head to toe (and I mean it) I have problems. And I will say, stress makes everything worse.
The one thing that keep surprising me, people are having more than one fusion surgery. I was told by Neurosurgeon, chiro, orthosurgeon, etc., that to repair every damage disc would cause more problems and I would not be able to turn my head. And my neck is bad, 6-7mm bad!
From head to toe (and I mean it) I have problems. And I will say, stress makes everything worse.
The one thing that keep surprising me, people are having more than one fusion surgery. I was told by Neurosurgeon, chiro, orthosurgeon, etc., that to repair every damage disc would cause more problems and I would not be able to turn my head. And my neck is bad, 6-7mm bad!
I was told the blockers will do that also. If the low back is treated, there is a large possibility the neck will require treatment also, for the balance. The woman sharing this info, required assistance to do everything and was only comfortable lying down.
I will not have the blockers, although this was certainly discussed with as an option. I have come to the conclusion that I will be in pain for the rest of my life, because the therapy and acupunture can't last forever. But for now it's great. Now my fear is scars!
I will not have the blockers, although this was certainly discussed with as an option. I have come to the conclusion that I will be in pain for the rest of my life, because the therapy and acupunture can't last forever. But for now it's great. Now my fear is scars!
I agree, I've had a two level fusion (C5-C7) and wish I had never had it. There is no way I would go thru another one. I am worse now than before the surgery. It's been almost 4 months since surgery and it's not getting any better. I can barely move my neck and I live on pain pills. I have heard that a multi level fusion puts stress on the vertibras above and below the fusion, sometimes causing problems with them, is that true?
First of all, keep in mind that I am unable to diagnose you because I am unable to examine you, this forum is for educational purposes.
I am sorry to hear that you are in so much pain. It is unclear to me why you would have so much pain given the MRI results that you have included. There are many things that can help the pain (and I am not sure what you have tried at this point). The is first is medications that control neuropathic pain such as neurontin (at does of at least 2700mg per day), lyrica, elavil, cymbalta, etc. If you have not had a trial of these medications, this is the first step. Physical therapy should also be employed to strengthen your neck muscles and improve your flexibility. Changing your work environment can also help with your neck pain. You should have your screen at eye level (not looking up or down) and centered (not looking right or left). Your posture should be relaxed, but well supported. In the proper positions, I do not think that data entry will be detrimental to your neck health. More aggressive measures to control your neck pain may be needed and can be obtained by seeing a pain specialist, who can evaluate you for epidural steroid injections, spinal cord stimulators, etc.
I hope this has been helpful.
I am sorry to hear that you are in so much pain. It is unclear to me why you would have so much pain given the MRI results that you have included. There are many things that can help the pain (and I am not sure what you have tried at this point). The is first is medications that control neuropathic pain such as neurontin (at does of at least 2700mg per day), lyrica, elavil, cymbalta, etc. If you have not had a trial of these medications, this is the first step. Physical therapy should also be employed to strengthen your neck muscles and improve your flexibility. Changing your work environment can also help with your neck pain. You should have your screen at eye level (not looking up or down) and centered (not looking right or left). Your posture should be relaxed, but well supported. In the proper positions, I do not think that data entry will be detrimental to your neck health. More aggressive measures to control your neck pain may be needed and can be obtained by seeing a pain specialist, who can evaluate you for epidural steroid injections, spinal cord stimulators, etc.
I hope this has been helpful.
HI BEV62 I had a posterior laminectomy,4 levels with titanium plates 2 years ago and recently began having problems similar to yours.numbness burning difficult sleeping etc.You know the deal My doctor pprescribed Topamax, seems to help you might try that.Beyond that I'm starting to serch for a solution that doesn't include drugs or surgery if you know of any please help thanks.
Thanks in advance to all who read and try to help..
I injured my neck and lower back in 1999 at work and they found a 5mm contained ( though now who knows ) bulge in my L5/S1 with radiculaphty ( through EMG ) 10-15% through both legs. I had injections in lower back, suffer to this day but accept it, though it gets harder and harder...
My neck they couldn't find a reason for pins/ numbness/slight and some weakness in left arm. They checked for MS, and Guillen Barre and decided after 6 mos it was just probably an injury to ligaments in neck/spine and I just let it go with pain every time I used it for a few years till I got to a point atwork were I could stop using it and flaring it up.
Then comes 12-29-06 ( D-DAY ).. I wind up fighting with somebody in an attic and have to hold him from falling through ceiling and lift him up ( at 250lbs ) and feel pain and tremendous burning in neck along sopine and pain. I aslo smashed head on 2x4 coming out standing up and felt something, but was more worried about neck at that point.
So now I get the MRI which says I have a bulge at c3/c4 c4/c5 c5/c6 with thecal sack impingment but "doesnt see spinal cord compression" though many of my symptoms say it's invovled ESP when I flex my neck backwards ( dizzy, headache, pain, shooting through entire body esp arms, pins neeedles, numbness in top of hand and ring and middle). MY ORTHO SURGEON says I had disc problems before MRI then the PA I see from the office says I dont and its normal for a 36 yr old to have 3 bulges in neck and I injured a nerve in my shoulder and all the other pains ( I dont know, he ignored) and he rescehd for 6 weeks...
Safe to say I have a new appt w/ a NEUROSURG who didnt need a refereal b/c of MRI ( sorry about type, my hands are clumsy now, but hey thats I guess in my head or shoulder nerve) ...
I want a flexion MRI which has shown bulges becoming acute herniations due to added pressure on spine... That sums me up to a T! MY PT says he knows I have some spinal cord issues after TRACTION by my symptoms and even said get a 2nd.
Sorry, anybody else have exp in this? Just frustrated, I'm yound w/ 3 kids and I need MY NECK. I also need my DR to be my advocate not poo-poo my symptoms..
I injured my neck and lower back in 1999 at work and they found a 5mm contained ( though now who knows ) bulge in my L5/S1 with radiculaphty ( through EMG ) 10-15% through both legs. I had injections in lower back, suffer to this day but accept it, though it gets harder and harder...
My neck they couldn't find a reason for pins/ numbness/slight and some weakness in left arm. They checked for MS, and Guillen Barre and decided after 6 mos it was just probably an injury to ligaments in neck/spine and I just let it go with pain every time I used it for a few years till I got to a point atwork were I could stop using it and flaring it up.
Then comes 12-29-06 ( D-DAY ).. I wind up fighting with somebody in an attic and have to hold him from falling through ceiling and lift him up ( at 250lbs ) and feel pain and tremendous burning in neck along sopine and pain. I aslo smashed head on 2x4 coming out standing up and felt something, but was more worried about neck at that point.
So now I get the MRI which says I have a bulge at c3/c4 c4/c5 c5/c6 with thecal sack impingment but "doesnt see spinal cord compression" though many of my symptoms say it's invovled ESP when I flex my neck backwards ( dizzy, headache, pain, shooting through entire body esp arms, pins neeedles, numbness in top of hand and ring and middle). MY ORTHO SURGEON says I had disc problems before MRI then the PA I see from the office says I dont and its normal for a 36 yr old to have 3 bulges in neck and I injured a nerve in my shoulder and all the other pains ( I dont know, he ignored) and he rescehd for 6 weeks...
Safe to say I have a new appt w/ a NEUROSURG who didnt need a refereal b/c of MRI ( sorry about type, my hands are clumsy now, but hey thats I guess in my head or shoulder nerve) ...
I want a flexion MRI which has shown bulges becoming acute herniations due to added pressure on spine... That sums me up to a T! MY PT says he knows I have some spinal cord issues after TRACTION by my symptoms and even said get a 2nd.
Sorry, anybody else have exp in this? Just frustrated, I'm yound w/ 3 kids and I need MY NECK. I also need my DR to be my advocate not poo-poo my symptoms..
Hi,
I just wanted to add that I had a C3/C4 fusion on 2004 and C5/C6 done in September. I was doing great for 3 months until I overdid it by doing some housework. So, the spasms, pain and burning started right in again in traps, shoulders, etc. My spinal PM explained that the level below the fusion (C6/C7) has to take up the "torque" and that I had probably aggravated the C7 nerve root based on how and where the pain was referring. He did give me a Selective Nerve Root injection at the C7 which stopped the nerve pain going down my arms and into my middle finger. However, the trapezius/rhomboid spasms continued. I didn't want to take a Valium even though I could have. So, I then went to massage therapy, used moist heat (as hot as I could get it)and did those stretches only easily. For the most part the spasms are down quite a bit. But I really believe the key is in the moist heat and stretches. The funny thing is and you all can laugh :). I stretched so much, even if easy, that I must have aggravated the level above the C3/C4. I had an occipital headache that wouldn't quit for two days! But again, I treated it with heat and ice and maybe a couple of Norco. The headache finally left. Geez, I have bone spurs everywhere and they just don't like me. I know now I have to be very cautious with stretching but still need to do them.
I just wanted to add that I had a C3/C4 fusion on 2004 and C5/C6 done in September. I was doing great for 3 months until I overdid it by doing some housework. So, the spasms, pain and burning started right in again in traps, shoulders, etc. My spinal PM explained that the level below the fusion (C6/C7) has to take up the "torque" and that I had probably aggravated the C7 nerve root based on how and where the pain was referring. He did give me a Selective Nerve Root injection at the C7 which stopped the nerve pain going down my arms and into my middle finger. However, the trapezius/rhomboid spasms continued. I didn't want to take a Valium even though I could have. So, I then went to massage therapy, used moist heat (as hot as I could get it)and did those stretches only easily. For the most part the spasms are down quite a bit. But I really believe the key is in the moist heat and stretches. The funny thing is and you all can laugh :). I stretched so much, even if easy, that I must have aggravated the level above the C3/C4. I had an occipital headache that wouldn't quit for two days! But again, I treated it with heat and ice and maybe a couple of Norco. The headache finally left. Geez, I have bone spurs everywhere and they just don't like me. I know now I have to be very cautious with stretching but still need to do them.
Thanks for the info, I will ask about that.
Hello, my name is Debbie and I've been trying to post a question to the docs who are here.....however, I am unable to do so.
I understand that this forum is generally not monitored by the staff - but in the event that someone here maybe can help - I'll post my issues for comment.
Three and 1/2 years ago I started having "episodes" of surges of pressure in my head, which in turn caused significant neurological problems.......spastic sort of shaking, extreme weakness, inability to focus, depth perception loss, extreme lack of co-ordination, a whooshing in my ears, momentary total loss of vision.......These episodes lasted from 4 to 6 minutes before they started to subside. At times, I am so "far away" that I'm suprised I actually remain concious.
I was blown off by the first neurologist I saw as being "stressed". I'm one of the "least stressed" people I know! After six more months, I visited my primary care doc and asked for a second opinion......I have undergone holter monitoring, EEG's, EKG's, cerebral angiogram, MRI's, Visual Field studies, VER testing,
blood work, lumbar punctures......with an elevated opening pressure from 27 - 32 each time. The diagnosis was pseudo tumor.....and a treatment of Diamox was begun. I did ok on it. It certainly lessened the episodes but never eliminated them. That med filled both my kidneys with stones. The neurologist ordered another MRI of my cervical and thorasic spine looking for a dural tear. She referred me to a neurosurgeon to consider a shunt. The neurosurgeon advised in the absence of papilloedema, debilitating headaches, and visual field loss he would not put in a shunt. He questions the diagnosis of pseudo tumor (intra cranial hypertension).
The cervical MRI showed two herniated disks - the C4-5 and C5-6 level. Both central herniations, compressing and dislocating the cord, with narrowing of the canal to about 6mm. I had evoked potentials testing and the tech told me she felt they were normal.......even though I have a general weakness in my arms and legs.....with pain in my right arm, wrist and hand (which I have attributed to a shatter fracture of the radial bone which required external fixation last year) (perhaps, I'm wrong in that assumption)......I do wake in the morning with a numb left hand - never the baby finger or outside of the third finger though.
My biggest question is could the narrowing of the spinal canal hinder the travel of the cerebral spinal fluid during times of movement and cause the surges of pressure in my head and the other neurological issues? Is seems reasonable to me that may in fact be the problem. However, the neurosurgeon says if that was the case, then I would have had "catastrophic lumbar punctures resulting in paralysis"........
Does anyone have any input, suggestions......anything?
Thanks for reading.....>deb
I understand that this forum is generally not monitored by the staff - but in the event that someone here maybe can help - I'll post my issues for comment.
Three and 1/2 years ago I started having "episodes" of surges of pressure in my head, which in turn caused significant neurological problems.......spastic sort of shaking, extreme weakness, inability to focus, depth perception loss, extreme lack of co-ordination, a whooshing in my ears, momentary total loss of vision.......These episodes lasted from 4 to 6 minutes before they started to subside. At times, I am so "far away" that I'm suprised I actually remain concious.
I was blown off by the first neurologist I saw as being "stressed". I'm one of the "least stressed" people I know! After six more months, I visited my primary care doc and asked for a second opinion......I have undergone holter monitoring, EEG's, EKG's, cerebral angiogram, MRI's, Visual Field studies, VER testing,
blood work, lumbar punctures......with an elevated opening pressure from 27 - 32 each time. The diagnosis was pseudo tumor.....and a treatment of Diamox was begun. I did ok on it. It certainly lessened the episodes but never eliminated them. That med filled both my kidneys with stones. The neurologist ordered another MRI of my cervical and thorasic spine looking for a dural tear. She referred me to a neurosurgeon to consider a shunt. The neurosurgeon advised in the absence of papilloedema, debilitating headaches, and visual field loss he would not put in a shunt. He questions the diagnosis of pseudo tumor (intra cranial hypertension).
The cervical MRI showed two herniated disks - the C4-5 and C5-6 level. Both central herniations, compressing and dislocating the cord, with narrowing of the canal to about 6mm. I had evoked potentials testing and the tech told me she felt they were normal.......even though I have a general weakness in my arms and legs.....with pain in my right arm, wrist and hand (which I have attributed to a shatter fracture of the radial bone which required external fixation last year) (perhaps, I'm wrong in that assumption)......I do wake in the morning with a numb left hand - never the baby finger or outside of the third finger though.
My biggest question is could the narrowing of the spinal canal hinder the travel of the cerebral spinal fluid during times of movement and cause the surges of pressure in my head and the other neurological issues? Is seems reasonable to me that may in fact be the problem. However, the neurosurgeon says if that was the case, then I would have had "catastrophic lumbar punctures resulting in paralysis"........
Does anyone have any input, suggestions......anything?
Thanks for reading.....>deb
Hello to all,
I have got with 16 years double sinusitis pains (maxillaris and ethmoidales).
I went years and years to different ORL doctors, and nobody from them has ever helped me. All the time had eyes, face and cheek bones pains, and my face was swollen. My face looked somehow strange.
With 25 years, I went to Neurologist. I didn't believe, what happened with me in only 15 minutes. He gave me one injection between neck and shoulder muscle (levator scapula). Diagnosis was: Trigeminal Neuralgia.
In this short time, all pressure into my eyes and face was away. One MIRACLE! I didn't believe, that I have no more pains, and also, that I had very nice look. My face was beautifull.
It was good for five years.
I came back to my country, and slowly this pains came back. I went again to ORL doctors (forgot Neurologist in Germany), and again I went for nothing. Their diagnosis was: Rhinitis vasomotoria. That is, when somebody doesn't know, what in fact is.
Then 1989, I had five diagnosis from ORL Hospital, I have sent all this to Zurich, Switzerland. They sent me answer, I have to find the cause.
1989, have started with searching. As I knew lots of Thyroid, the first was blood test for it. It was Hypotireosis. But no cause for my pains.
Then, went to all possible specialists.
1994, the first doctor, ORL wrote, that I have Trigeminal Neuralgia, 1 and 2 (I have terrible pains in the right eye, coming from backhead).
After that came diagnosis: N.Occipitalis, N.Suprascapularis, Enthesopatia levator scapula, Benign tumor on the right shoulder joint, where they made scintigraphy, to find out, why that and then operate. But it was not found. I have also 3 cm big areal sclerosis on right Occipitalis (Head CT).
Inbetween, I went regularly from 1996 to Russian Chiropractors, who are Neurologists and Orthopaedists. They didn't help me in 6 years, but have explained something. Neurologist told me, that there is pressure from the muscles to the nerve, coming from C5, which is going into Sinusitis, and from that I have Trigeminal Neuralgia. He told me also, my Sinusitis is not cured and he can help me with Bioenergy (I didn't believe in that). At the same time, he gave me injection on the same place, as Neurologist in Germany. He was here 1998 and 1999, and then went back to Russia. It was better twice a 6 months.
In last 6 years, it was worse and worse, I have left my job in tourism, altough I speak German and French.
Now, have terrible pains from right shoulder joint straigt on to the right eye. Nothing, except warmth helps. I don't know, what to do? I have lost all, live alone, want back to tourism, to UK. In last time, I was told that all is from the muscles, and from stomache.
It is strange, I look very young without pains, and different with pains. I could come to the Book of the Records, if I had something, to help me, just for one day.
Hope, that somebody gives me advice, what to do!
Ms.Bobbie, Slovenia
I have got with 16 years double sinusitis pains (maxillaris and ethmoidales).
I went years and years to different ORL doctors, and nobody from them has ever helped me. All the time had eyes, face and cheek bones pains, and my face was swollen. My face looked somehow strange.
With 25 years, I went to Neurologist. I didn't believe, what happened with me in only 15 minutes. He gave me one injection between neck and shoulder muscle (levator scapula). Diagnosis was: Trigeminal Neuralgia.
In this short time, all pressure into my eyes and face was away. One MIRACLE! I didn't believe, that I have no more pains, and also, that I had very nice look. My face was beautifull.
It was good for five years.
I came back to my country, and slowly this pains came back. I went again to ORL doctors (forgot Neurologist in Germany), and again I went for nothing. Their diagnosis was: Rhinitis vasomotoria. That is, when somebody doesn't know, what in fact is.
Then 1989, I had five diagnosis from ORL Hospital, I have sent all this to Zurich, Switzerland. They sent me answer, I have to find the cause.
1989, have started with searching. As I knew lots of Thyroid, the first was blood test for it. It was Hypotireosis. But no cause for my pains.
Then, went to all possible specialists.
1994, the first doctor, ORL wrote, that I have Trigeminal Neuralgia, 1 and 2 (I have terrible pains in the right eye, coming from backhead).
After that came diagnosis: N.Occipitalis, N.Suprascapularis, Enthesopatia levator scapula, Benign tumor on the right shoulder joint, where they made scintigraphy, to find out, why that and then operate. But it was not found. I have also 3 cm big areal sclerosis on right Occipitalis (Head CT).
Inbetween, I went regularly from 1996 to Russian Chiropractors, who are Neurologists and Orthopaedists. They didn't help me in 6 years, but have explained something. Neurologist told me, that there is pressure from the muscles to the nerve, coming from C5, which is going into Sinusitis, and from that I have Trigeminal Neuralgia. He told me also, my Sinusitis is not cured and he can help me with Bioenergy (I didn't believe in that). At the same time, he gave me injection on the same place, as Neurologist in Germany. He was here 1998 and 1999, and then went back to Russia. It was better twice a 6 months.
In last 6 years, it was worse and worse, I have left my job in tourism, altough I speak German and French.
Now, have terrible pains from right shoulder joint straigt on to the right eye. Nothing, except warmth helps. I don't know, what to do? I have lost all, live alone, want back to tourism, to UK. In last time, I was told that all is from the muscles, and from stomache.
It is strange, I look very young without pains, and different with pains. I could come to the Book of the Records, if I had something, to help me, just for one day.
Hope, that somebody gives me advice, what to do!
Ms.Bobbie, Slovenia
Mike & Bev62 Thank you both for your suggestion anything is worth a try. Bev62, I also have children my youngest is 10 yrs old & I do need help at times which gets aggravating so I do know what you mean. My daughter does feel she lost her mother to a heating pad & the recliner chair this has been going on too long I need my life back. I also get headaches daily. I have a lot of pain & burning in my shoulders & between my shoulder blades. My hands and up & down my arms cause me a lot of pain & burning. At night I do get awaken at times by my hands going to sleep, I thought this would go away after the surgery it did when I had my first neck surgery but, it doesn't seem like it will this time for some reason. My last surgery was exactly 1 yr ago & I still dont feel like I did after my first surgery I felt wonderful no pain at all . I was told this may be something I may have to live with so I am up for any suggestion & if I could help you with anything let me know. Thank you
Thank you jojo40, I meant to mention that I am having some numbness and tingling on the left side of my face. Could this be coming from my neck also? It has been almost 3 months since my surgery, do you think there is a chance any of this pain will get better? So far it seems to continue to get worse, having to take more pain meds to control it. I know it's hard on our kids to. I can't even tie their shoes or put my daughters hair up in a ponytail holder. But I have a wonderful husband that's always there for me and he has made a great Mr.Mom. I know it's been hard on him though. I can't show him the attention he needs either. But with Gods help we will get through this.
jojo--- like i said i've been where you are--- hands falling asleep, pain in my neck, shoulders, ams-- numbness.....no obvious answers on my MRI-- your report actually sounds BETTER than mine. So, the question remains, if doctors say there's nothing THEY can do, what are you going to do? It is highly unlikely a doctor will a appear out of no where and offer you hope. you need to try to fix this yourself. I did. You can. You've at least got to try. stretches, trigger point release, exercise. 3 x per day, 45 minutes each time. It took me 4-6 months but I am better now. No pain. Zero.
I know, cause I've been there, that venting feels good for a day or two. Misery loves company. Have you checked the websites I directed you to? They saved my life, and I have helped 3 others through this forum get rid of their pain this way.
You said it's worth a try. Well, will you try?
I know, cause I've been there, that venting feels good for a day or two. Misery loves company. Have you checked the websites I directed you to? They saved my life, and I have helped 3 others through this forum get rid of their pain this way.
You said it's worth a try. Well, will you try?
Keep in mind, I am not an MD, and this is an opinion based on my experience as a patient, not a diagnosis. to me, in view of the lack of obvious MRI findings that would explain your pain, your problem sounds muscular, and in my experience as a patient with this type of problem, likely related to your work and your failure to stretch tight muscles. release trigger points, and do the proper exercises to strengthen weakened, elongated muscles in your mid back areas. hunched over, rounded posture causes spasm, tightness, and shortening of certain neck muscles (scm, upper traps and especially scalenes) shoulder muscles ,adn even chest muscles that can refer pain to many places, including shoulders and arms. I'd strongly suggest you get a trigger point manual by Clair Davies, and a book by Jolie Bookspan called "How to fix your pain without drugs or surgery". Bookspan also has a great website, as does Erik Dalton whose site is very detailed and explains the anatomy very well. You have a lot of reading to do. Doing all this, it took me 4-6 months to fix myself after 2 1/2 years of pain and a few unnecessary surgeries. I was a dentist. (similar working posture to you). I am pain free except after 20 minutes or so on the computer, or after a prolonged time of sitting flexed, or if I don't stretch/exercise enough to keep the tightness and sapsm away.
If you are able, I would highly suggest seeing a therapist named Sharon Sauer in Chicago (Myopain.com) or The Myofascial Release Clinic in Paoli Pennsylvania (search John Barnes). the latter is more expensive. Sharon Sauer is incredibly knowledgaeble about these muscular syndromes-- she used to work with Janet Travell who wrote the bible on muscle pain, and who was JFKs personal therapist (janet is no longer living).
good luck--- feel free to email me ***@**** if you want more info. I want to help you--
If you are able, I would highly suggest seeing a therapist named Sharon Sauer in Chicago (Myopain.com) or The Myofascial Release Clinic in Paoli Pennsylvania (search John Barnes). the latter is more expensive. Sharon Sauer is incredibly knowledgaeble about these muscular syndromes-- she used to work with Janet Travell who wrote the bible on muscle pain, and who was JFKs personal therapist (janet is no longer living).
good luck--- feel free to email me ***@**** if you want more info. I want to help you--
JoJo40, I am experiencing the same thing. I had a bi-level cervical fussion in Nov. 2006. They fused C5-C7, going through the front of my neck. Before the surgery I had pain in my neck and down my right arm and into my hand. I had some numbness in my right hand. The surgeon told my that he was sure my pain would improve by at least 80%. I have done a lot of research on the surgery and it seemed very successful for most people. So I went ahead and had it done. Now I have pain and tingling in both arms and my ring finger and my pinky on both hands are totally numb. I don't have control of my hands. I can't pick up small items or even turn the pages in a book. My neck and between my shoulder blades burn like fire. I have a headache every day that runs from my neck all the way up. My doctor said that my post-op MRI and xrays look great. He said that I already had some bone formation. All that sounds great but why am I in more pain now than before the surgery? He put me on Neuroton 300mg 3 times a day about 4 weeks ago. All it does is make me very dizzy. I've been in PT for 4 weeks and that hasn't helped either. I am taking 2 Percocets 7.5 and muscle relaxers every 4 hours to try to control the pain. I am still sleeping on the sofa, because if I lay down in the bed, even elevated both hands are totally numb within 15 min. I called the doctors office last to get a refill on my pain meds and all the nurse could say was I should be coming off of these pain pills by now. If I wasn't having so much pain I could do that. I have 2 small children ages 6 and 3. I can't even care for my children without help. Do you have any suggestions?
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