CRICK IN MY NECK

[SHERRY2469]

HELLO FORUM I HAVE A QUESTION I BEEN SUFFERING FROM A CRICK IN MY NECK AND SHOULDERS I BEEN USING COLD AND HOT COMPRESS AND TAKING OVER THE COUNTE R MEDICINE LIKE ASPIRIN BUT NOT STOPPING THE PAIN BUT I'M ON TRAMADOL FOR P AIN BECAUSE I JUST RECENTLY HAD CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME SURGERY CAN I USE THIS TO STOP THE PAIN BEEN SUFFERING SINCE MONDAY I DON'T KNOW WHAT ELSE TO DO THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR ANY HELP.

[namnam46]

Perfectly stated, as always!  :)

[Tuckamore]

You said what I meant. LOL!

Sherry2469. I understand that you have tried the heat and NSAIDs for the "Crick" in your neck to no avail. If you are taking Tramadol now for CTS correction - it will not hurt to continue taking it.

Obviously you should always consult your physician if the Crick continues. Never should you use a medication to mask symptoms (SX) - nor would I suggest that. However to get your through this Sunday until you can consult a medical provider I see no harm in treating your SX.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

~Tuck

[namnam46]

I must join Tuck in apologizing for being so late to your question.  :(

I'm so sorry that you are having these problems with your neck and shoulders.  Both Tuck and I have Chronic Pain and some of it is in our own necks and shoulders.  We can definitely relate to how you are feeling.  

Tuck asked you some very important questions about whether or not you are still taking the Tramadol for you Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. This is important because if you are then it's fine to continue taking it and if it helps you that's wonderful but I don't think you should start to take it if you have already stopped without checking with your Doctor first to be sure what's causing the pain you are having.  

If you are still taking it you should STILL go to your Doctor to be sure this isn't something that you think is minor but could be something more serious that needs to be explored.  

Please let us know whether or not you are still taking the Tramadol.  I encourage you to call your Doctor either way.  :)

We'll be looking forward to your updates as to how you are doing.

Wishing you the very best from one Sherry to another.  :)
                                 ..... Sherry  :)

[ScalpMassager]

I urge that you Do Not use a prescription med like Tramadol to mask the pain from an as yet undiagnosed condition (such as your neck crick), as pain masking may delay essential treatment to correct the newly discovered condition.

Heat should help (including adding warm clothing to the area like wearing a sweater, a scarf), I'd of thought cold packs would worsen your condition.  Posture changes, massage including self-massage, gentle flexing and moving of the head and shoulders, zero impact activity (preferrably aerobic such as stair climbing) may help.  Eyestrain can sometimes contribute to neck / shoulder pain.

Is the area cool to the touch at times?  A clear indication of restricted circulation, likely due to muscle cramping.

[Tuckamore]

Hi Sherry,

Welcome to our Pain Management Forum. I'm sorry I'm a bit tardy to your question - and I'm sorry to hear about the you have from the "Crick" in your neck.

If you are currently using Tramadol to treat your post-op pain and you take it to treat the post-op pain - and it also helps the crick in the neck what's the difference?

Is there something I'm missing? Did you stop taking the Tramadol for CTS weeks ago - and now want to take it for the crick?

I hope your neck is feeling better soon. Please let us know how you are doing.

Peace,
~Tuck