Possible vertebral fracture in neck

[fraid]

Hi all, I already have six vertebral fractures L1-5,T13 and maybe more higher up but can’t travel for xrays etc.

Now what started as a ‘cricked’neck has got so bad I think it may be a fracture? Was warned my OP could cause neck problems- does this mean fractures?Using ice pax,hot bots,already on Fentanyl but Tramadol on top not making much difference.

Any tips?

Thanks

[1ChLoE]

Hi I can’t answer you question about you having a possible fracture. It must be very worrying for you, as well as painful. Have you thought about ringing your GP or rheumatologist or whoever you see about your bones? Maybe they could give you some help and advice? I hope you can get some answers and relief

[Posy-White]

Hello Fraid

Sorry to read about your neck issues. I see you're in the UK why not give one of the specialist nurses on the ROS helpline a call 0808 800 0035 (as well as your GP/rheumatologist like 1ChLoe suggests).

I am worried for you as a neck fracture may need to be properly supported with a collar. Having said that I have had very bad neck problems - the pain was as bad as fracture pains - physio explained because of the fractures I had in the T area and resulted in damaged vertebra, like a number of others with OS my head is in a forward stoop position (I'm naturally looking down). So to look up to see / speak to people puts a strain on my neck causing me to have increased pain and dizzy spells, that in turn caused the muscles in my neck and shoulders to 'lock up' and I ended up unable to lift or move my head with shooting pains, I had to drink through a staw as I couldn't get my head up enough to drink from a cup.

Heat pads and gentle massage plus Buprenorphine patches 10microgram to ease the pain greatly helped, also use of a neck pillow (the travel sort) then a programme of strengthening exercises from the physio .

I wouldn't suggest you let anyone do any massage however gentle until you have spoken with your GP/rheumatologist.

I do hope you're able to get help and the pain eases.

Best Wishes

Posy White

[fraid in reply to Posy-White]

Thanks both of you. I don’t have a consultant & impossible to get appt with gp.I know they’d say have xray & I can’t get there besides,what can they do anyway?Nowt,methinks. I have Fentanyl & Tramadol already,icepax seem to help the most.Pain much worse at night which is weird coz I sleep,propped up anyway so not much change of position.Sorry to hear your head is pushed forward- what I’m trying to avoid as already have stoop- will look like Quasimodo being quizzical!

The amount of pain and suffering on here is terrible,I feel for you all.Hope something improves soon!X

[fraid]

Have ordered a neck support pillow,hopefully will help?Hope you doing ok despite the problems.X