Did you do something that was different, or move in a certain way that would have caused a pinched nerve or put something out of allingment? I also agree with Austin that you should see your doctor and then see about allternative medicines.
Keith, I can relate. Until receintly, I had unrelenting neck pain for the last three years, it never went away totally, just had varying amounts of pain. I had x rays, I had MRI's, they indicated only that I had a bit of arthritis. I couldn't understand why and refused to accept that I would have to endure this for the rest of my life. I tried chiropractic adjustment (some temp relief with this), I tried cortosone injections (pretty good medium-term relief from this), I never did try acupuncture, I tried physical rehab traction, which helped a lot, but was only covered for a few visits on insurace, so I couldn't afford to continue on my own dime. I was buying nsaid's in bulk at costco and eating them non-stop. Based on the positive results from traction, I constructed my own portable neck traction device that I would hang on a door and use as needed, which worked really well. I still use it occasionally. I just receintly found a shaped pillow that has been a godsend for me. I also adjusted my work computer monitor upward to prevent bending by neck while working.
I have gotten to the point now that I am mostly pain-free. I rarely take medication, I no longer get cortizone injections, no more rehab or chiropractic. I attribute the change to several things... finally finding a good pillow, computer monitor adjustment, and my own traction device when I have a flareup. It took a VERY long time to get to this point, but it did happen. You just need to keep trying things and be patient.
Keith, I can relate. Until receintly, I had unrelenting neck pain for the last three years, it never went away totally, just had varying amounts of pain. I had x rays, I had MRI's, they indicated only that I had a bit of arthritis. I couldn't understand why and refused to accept that I would have to endure this for the rest of my life. I tried chiropractic adjustment (some temp relief with this), I tried cortosone injections (pretty good medium-term relief from this), I never did try acupuncture, I tried physical rehab traction, which helped a lot, but was only covered for a few visits on insurace, so I couldn't afford to continue on my own dime. I was buying nsaid's in bulk at costco and eating them non-stop. Based on the positive results from traction, I constructed my own portable neck traction device that I would hang on a door and use as needed, which worked really well. I still use it occasionally. I just receintly found a shaped pillow that has been a godsend for me. I also adjusted my work computer monitor upward to prevent bending by neck while working.
I have gotten to the point now that I am mostly pain-free. I rarely take medication, I no longer get cortizone injections, no more rehab or chiropractic. I attribute the change to several things... finally finding a good pillow, computer monitor adjustment, and my own traction device when I have a flareup. It took a VERY long time to get to this point, but it did happen. You just need to keep trying things and be patient.
Excellent advice, but the take home point of this is to make sure there is NOTHING STRUCTURALLY WRONG FIRST.
With 2 mo of neck pain, you need to see your doctor. A good history including any numbness/tingling in the hands and fingers, strength testing of the muscles on each side to MAKE SURE you have no NERVE entrapment. Imaging studies to make SURE there is nothing catastrophic lurking in the c-spine, and maybe an MRI depending on your situation.
Then on to the modalities for pain and symptom relief.
Keith, I will try to get a picture posted soon. Be advised, it would be for illustrative purposes only. I cannot comment on it's potential utility for anyone other than myself, as that could be considered practicing medicine without a license in this litigious society.
Keith, as promised a photo. Device used facing away from the wall, with round pad at base of skull and chin on forward pad. (please excuse the rust, I left it outside one weekend...)
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