Headache/neck pain

DorsetDude

DorsetDude

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Keith
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Hi, bit of a long shot but worth a try.
Last weds night had poor night sleep due to painful shoulder on one side.
Last Thursday night even worse. Shoulder pain on other side and pain down both sides of neck to shoulder preventing sleep. Had to get up and sit down.
Friday thought was on mend then saturday killer headache arrives. Feel like going up rhs of neck inside then ache top right of head and when bad behind eye as well.
Docs on Monday, gave me naproxen tablets and told to keep on the paracetamol.
Bad night again Monday night so up again yesterday, gave me two more drugs, diazepam and amitriptyline. Today still got headache and sore neck. Neck is at its worst when lying down.
So has anyone else experienced similar and how did they cure?
Am currently pondering second opinion but not sure how to go about it. 4 different drugs on the go and only temporary respite.
Thanks
 
Good old GP, just keep throwing meds at an issue..

It could be anything to be fair, you'd be best off speaking to someone who can give you a bit of hands on treatment like a physio. You'll be better off paying for it yourself here, NHS referrals take and age and are next to useless.
 
Naproxen, The GP's catch-all whenever a patient mentions the word "Pain"!

neil_g said:
It could be anything to be fair, you'd be best off speaking to someone who can give you a bit of hands on treatment like a physio
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I'd be inclined to get a diagnosis before seeking treatment TBH.
 
Try extending arms and moving them in a circular motion VERY SLOWLY. Also move your head in similar fashion. You will probably experience some very scary crunching noises! I get these symptoms sometimes and doing this helps me. Oddly enough I seem to get it after washing the car!

Edit: At your own risk of course ;)

AL
 
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neil_g said:
they will perform a full assessment first before doing anything.
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Assessment is not a diagnosis though. I had a problem with my knee. GP prescribed Naproxen, did sod all. He then referred me for Physio, that did sod all.

Took 2 years + intervention from my neurologist to get me an MRI which revealed a lateral meniscus tear which led to a knee op.

neil_g said:
: it's probably a better option than getting advise from a photography forum too :D
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Oh c'mon! Next, you'll be telling me it isn't the best place for legal advice! :jawdrop:
 
fabs said:
Assessment is not a diagnosis though. I had a problem with my knee. GP prescribed Naproxen, did sod all. He then referred me for Physio, that did sod all.

Took 2 years + intervention from my neurologist to get me an MRI which revealed a lateral meniscus tear which led to a knee op
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assessment leads to diagnosis, physios aren't daft (at least our private one isn't, the NHS one we're experienced however..) :) they'll ask questions and get you to do movements then eventually have a touch around the area for issues.

lets face it if the GP isn't going to bother how else is he going to get one? short of keeping on and on and on at them to get a referal (again expect week(s) wait). i could give you a few examples of GP being absolutely useless when it comes to back and neck pain. In one case when a referral to a specialist was finally gotten (again after throwing drugs up to morphine level at the problem) the specialist was horrified at the results of a scan and had them in for an op within weeks because they'd be paralysed or worse.

the OH got referred off to an NHS physio without the GP having a scooby what the issue was too.

my physio was the only person to diagnose my twisted back too.
 
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neil_g said:
assessment leads to diagnosis, physios aren't daft (at least our private one isn't, the NHS one we're experienced however..) :) they'll ask questions and get you to do movements then eventually have a touch around the area for issues.

lets face it if the GP isn't going to bother how else is he going to get one? short of keeping on and on and on at them to get a referal (again expect week(s) wait). i could give you a few examples of GP being absolutely useless when it comes to back and neck pain. In one case when a referral to a specialist was finally gotten (again after throwing drugs up to morphine level at the problem) the specialist was horrified at the results of a scan and had them in for an op within weeks because they'd be paralysed or worse.

the OH got referred off to an NHS physio without the GP having a scooby what the issue was too.

my physio was the only person to diagnose my twisted back too.
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Assessment CAN lead to diagnosis, but on always. I was already seeing a physio but they weren't able to diagnose the issue.

GPs are good for checking blood pressure and signing sick certificates!
 
Cheers all. Was thinking massage or physio might help but no idea how to find and sort one.
 
Ask at the daycare centre!

More seriously, ask your GP for some recommendations for private massage or physio therapists. A sports centre might have a couple of cards on their notice board. IIRC, Mrs Nod has a visiting teacher from Dorchester so relatively local to you - she might know of someone closer to you; I'll ask Mrs Nod for the teacher's details (IF IRC about their usual place of work!) when she gets home tonight. However, the lady might have been a visiting student, although I'm fairly sure she has her own studio in Dorchester.
 
fabs said:
Assessment is not a diagnosis though. I had a problem with my knee. GP prescribed Naproxen, did sod all. He then referred me for Physio, that did sod all.

Took 2 years + intervention from my neurologist to get me an MRI which revealed a lateral meniscus tear which led to a knee op.
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I've done the same recently, doctor said that's what it was, yep Naproxen which I reacted to, spent weeks in agony
Like you went to physio and they agreed with the diagnosis and recommended a scan, which never happened.
Like you physio didn't help, every time things calmed down and I was given something new to do and ended up in agony again.
He kept saying it was best to avoid surgery, which I agree with, and down to pain management, thankfully I no longer go, and
have so far been reasonably pain free, but this was due to a customer recommending me to try Flexiseq, weather it works or is
just a placebo as has been suggested, within 3 days I was pain free and moving freely again, hence no more treatment and although
I don't use it ATM I am still ok so who knows ?
 
I guess we'll all have our opinions, but I'd consider visiting an osteopath.

Good luck whatever route you take :)
 
I'd insist on a definitive medical diagnosis before consulting a secondary treatment provider.
 
As someone who has had three (2xL 1xR) Arthroscopies and Subacromial Decompression operations to both shoulders along with Ulnar Nerve transposition on left arm, it sounds to me if it's more muscular than nerve, reason being due to the side pain on neck, if it was more central then it would be more likely nerve and it was initially getting better on Friday. Although you could be having referred pain. I'm currently waiting to see the Spinal Doc as my latest shoulder/elbow op hasn't gone to plan and I still have numbness in both arms and hands. From a MRI I have spinal cord compression in C2- C5 area.

Although painful try and rest it for a week or so and see how you get on, for muscular pain I have found Biofreeze very good in the past, with the roll-on method to save getting it on your hands, personally I found it better than Ralgex and the like > https://www.amazon.co.uk/Twin-Pack-...TF8&qid=1477645989&sr=8-2&keywords=bio+freeze

Here in Swansea we have a MCAS system which I think is nationwide?, if the pain is persistent get your doctor to refer to them, who in turn will arrange if needed, Specialist referrals, X-rays, MRI & CT etc....... It's better than going private as it keeps you in the NHS system.> https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=m...fe_rd=cr&ei=XxMTWK3CEoP38Aemw6CIAQ#q=mcas+nhs

Again, I know it's painful, but you haven't been suffering for long, so the Doctor may suggest rest before trying things like Cortisone injections, physio or referrals as I have mentioned above. Different areas may have different guidelines?
 
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DorsetDude said:
Hi, bit of a long shot but worth a try.
Last weds night had poor night sleep due to painful shoulder on one side.
Last Thursday night even worse. Shoulder pain on other side and pain down both sides of neck to shoulder preventing sleep. Had to get up and sit down.
Friday thought was on mend then saturday killer headache arrives. Feel like going up rhs of neck inside then ache top right of head and when bad behind eye as well.
Docs on Monday, gave me naproxen tablets and told to keep on the paracetamol.
Bad night again Monday night so up again yesterday, gave me two more drugs, diazepam and amitriptyline. Today still got headache and sore neck. Neck is at its worst when lying down.
So has anyone else experienced similar and how did they cure?
Am currently pondering second opinion but not sure how to go about it. 4 different drugs on the go and only temporary respite.
Thanks
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Have to say, this could have been me writing this. I am on the back foot of a similar experience, mine was definitely muscular and was caused by bad posture at my desk I think? and a little stress as under silly deadline. The ibuprofen was great for an hour - but paracetamol and Heat pads on neck almost just behind right lower ear eased it, but rest was the key! I seem to be more susceptible to these muscular issues as time goes on! Getting old...I guess
 
DorsetDude said:
What exactly are these?

Ta.
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As above, But I use the liquid ones that when you press a little tab floating in the liquid a chemical reaction starts and they get very hot fast, last for around 20 to 30 minutes.

To regenerate, or turn them back to liquid you boil them in a pan of water for about 10 minutes until they go translucent again. They are excellent for instant heat that penetrates into muscles, I added Volterol gel/cream too and the pain relief was welcome! at 2.00am I can tell you had a decent sleep.

Mine has cleared almost 100% now so it was muscular.....

Mine are Body comfort bought from Costco, American brand - plenty on the web though most likely the same!
 
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DorsetDude said:
Hi, bit of a long shot but worth a try.
Last weds night had poor night sleep due to painful shoulder on one side.
Last Thursday night even worse. Shoulder pain on other side and pain down both sides of neck to shoulder preventing sleep. Had to get up and sit down.
Friday thought was on mend then saturday killer headache arrives. Feel like going up rhs of neck inside then ache top right of head and when bad behind eye as well.
Docs on Monday, gave me naproxen tablets and told to keep on the paracetamol.
Bad night again Monday night so up again yesterday, gave me two more drugs, diazepam and amitriptyline. Today still got headache and sore neck. Neck is at its worst when lying down.
So has anyone else experienced similar and how did they cure?
Am currently pondering second opinion but not sure how to go about it. 4 different drugs on the go and only temporary respite.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Naturally I have no idea what the doctor diagnosed, but I've always found it best to go back and have a further discussion about it.

Perhaps I'm lucky with our GP but dispute him having his own pharmacy he only prescribes as a last resort.

If it hasn't 'healed' by now perhaps an MRI scan and neurology appointment may be useful before throwing more medication and other practitioner at it.
 
Headache/neck pain thread fans, Ive booked an introductory session with a chiropractor with a local clinic tomorrow. They also do physio and sports massage but as I dont really know what I want yet we decided on an introduction with a chiro.

Oh and I may not have mentioned, since all this malarkey I cant lift my right arm out to the side higher than about 45° without pain in my shoulder. Went swimming yesterday as i usually do on a wednesday. Last time(2 weeks ago) I could front crawl fine, this time I could not get my right arm clear of the water. Somethings gone t*ts up.
 
Hopefully it's a muscle strain or something easily remedied, but could just be old age :(
My moneyboss has calcification in her left shoulder & suffered for a couple of years before having a cortisone injection about 3 yrs ago. It eased her pain & helped quite a lot with movement. It's recently started being uncomfortable again, so another trip to her GP could be on the cards.

Hope you get it sorted soon Keith. :cool:
 
Neck pain thread fans, another update, whether you're interested or not... ;)

Seen the chiropractor 3 times. (£100 odd spent) To me she hadnt seemed to have achieved much. Thought I had a "frozen shoulder".

Seen the occupational health physiotherapist today, she says its not a frozen shoulder because, with assistance(if she does it) I can move the arm up ok.
She thinks its either a rotator cuff tear in the shoulder or nerve damage. I now have to go back to my GP and try and get him to refer me on to orthopaedic for confirmation, She didnt look too hopeful at the speed therefore things would unfold. If it is a rotator cuff tear its surgery to sort it apparently. Would have thought I would have felt it tear at some point though so a bit odd. Maybe that was the pain I felt the very first night it all started when I couldnt sleep on that side for the discomfort.

Bah. At least the headache has gone.
 
And yet another update, pretty sure no ones reading them but just in case... :cautious:

Have since had x-rays, ultrasound and nerve conductance tests. X rays found nothing wrong. Ultrasound found muscles ok, some inflammation in shoulder joint and other technical mumbo jumbo I didnt understand.
Nerve conductance tests last week, again sounded as though they didnt find much but not really sure. Orthopeadic specialist who referred me for the nerve tests thought I had Brachial Neuritis / parsonage-turner syndrome.

All I know is that my upper spine is now constanly uncomfortable, soemtimes veering into actual pain. Also neck tendons and shoulder, rhomboids and upper chest and back muscles can suffer from pain at various levels. 3 months now, getting fairly peed off with it all. Had to have two more days off last week as couldnt hack it. Arm still wont raise out to side any higher.

Bah
:sulk:
 
My ex doctor used to tell me that if X-rays, scans and ultrasounds haven't shown too much wrong you have ruled out most of the nasties (you know whatI mean) then it will just take time, and lot's of it. I did a parachute jump many years ago and pulled my thumb back putting the chute on, it was extremely painful so after a week or so I went to the doc who said nothing can be done it will take time and it will repair itself, six months later I was still in pain, couldn't use the thumb at all and I'd had enough of it, went back to see him again and asked him if I could have it amputated, the answer was no it needs more time. It took 18 months before it got better and has never given me any trouble since.
 
DorsetDude said:
Orthopeadic specialist who referred me for the nerve tests thought I had Brachial Neuritis / parsonage-turner syndrome.
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Following quite a serious bike accident many years ago ( brachial plexus injury, nerve damage nerves ripped from the base of my skull to my left shoulder) I found the only thing that gave me relieve was Tiger balm.
And I had been on some pretty strong pain killers, but it was many years ago, and the names escape me.

Every now and again, it kicks off, and is can be pretty debilitating.
I rub a little tiger balm into the area, and I get enough relief to sleep :)
It stinks btw, but I don't find it that unpleasant.
If you try it, get the the "Red" not the White, and fercrissakes keep it well away from sensitive areas including your eyes, and other important little places ;)
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Tiger-Balm-Red-Pain-Relief/dp/B00617FILW

Its only a small pot, but you don't need much at a time :)

DorsetDude said:
Arm still wont raise out to side any higher.
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Mine either about half way and thats my lot! ;)
 
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Currently taking amitriptyline and naproxen for degeneration of 3 discs in my neck, I'm off work because of it too :(

Dr has now referred me for another MRI (last one was 3 yrs ago) to see how they're doing now. The swelling from the discs is pressing on a nerve root (he thinks) and sleep can be unbearable. I get pins and needles in my head and both arms and awful pain in my elbows (feels like a blood pressure machine has gone wrong) when lying down.
As soon as i get up, it relieves it to some extent. Not sure if i missed it but have you had an MRI scan to see if that shows anything up?

I was prescribed amitriptyline as 2 at night but dr said take 1. Ive just upped it to two and got some silentnight pillows (for side sleepers) only £15 but was desperate to try anything as i was so damn tired. Last couple of nights I've slept like a baby... only waking up every 4 hrs!

Good luck with it :)
 
munchycarrot said:
Last couple of nights I've slept like a baby... only waking up every 4 hrs!
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With a wet nappy? :p:p:p

Keith, hope you manage to get something sorted if it's still a PITN.
 
Hope you get it sorted ...

I've been struggling with sciatica for 6ish weeks now...which is easing and I'm now getting a nights sleep more often than not - wasn't for about 5 weeks, so can only imagine what your going through...
 
munchycarrot said:
Currently taking amitriptyline and naproxen for degeneration of 3 discs in my neck, I'm off work because of it too :(

Dr has now referred me for another MRI (last one was 3 yrs ago) to see how they're doing now. The swelling from the discs is pressing on a nerve root (he thinks) and sleep can be unbearable. I get pins and needles in my head and both arms and awful pain in my elbows (feels like a blood pressure machine has gone wrong) when lying down.
As soon as i get up, it relieves it to some extent. Not sure if i missed it but have you had an MRI scan to see if that shows anything up?

I was prescribed amitriptyline as 2 at night but dr said take 1. Ive just upped it to two and got some silentnight pillows (for side sleepers) only £15 but was desperate to try anything as i was so damn tired. Last couple of nights I've slept like a baby... only waking up every 4 hrs!

Good luck with it :)
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Thanks. That sounds a lot worse than mine. My sympathies.

Ive now had results from nerve conductance and they're "inconclusive". i.e. nothing obviously wrong with them either apparently. Referred now for physio and back to GP in a week or two to see if he will refer me for an MRI scan. Cant believe its at his whim but there we are.
 
DorsetDude said:
Thanks. That sounds a lot worse than mine. My sympathies.

Ive now had results from nerve conductance and they're "inconclusive". i.e. nothing obviously wrong with them either apparently. Referred now for physio and back to GP in a week or two to see if he will refer me for an MRI scan. Cant believe its at his whim but there we are.
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Its good they've found nothing but also not good as to where you go now. I would push your GP and say you feel you need one as it's affecting you too much to be 'aches and pains'.

They held off with treating mine as at the time of the first scan it was just after a bike accident in which i broke my hip so they were more concerned about sorting that first but now this is affecting my day to day life (off work & the sleeping) the GP said it was important to get the scan asap.
I hope your GP is a good un, I actually spoke to the nurse practitioner on the phone who arranged mine as I was in between drs apps and needed a sick note. Might be something to look into rather than waiting for an appointment.

Hope you get sorted & good luck!
 
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