Stiff neck

[Golf123]

I have osteoporosis of the spine -4, and always seem to wake up with an ache in my neck, which radiates to a background headache. I also have episodes where I cannot get comfortable in bed due to these symptoms. Has anyone had similar and how you have managed this?

[Thirtyone]

Yes, I have similar symptoms and the GP says the neck pain is arthritis. Unfortunately as I am on blood thinners I can only take paracetamol for the pain but can use a little pain relieving gel. If you can get a comfortable pillow it definitely helps. I have tried many and am currently using a memory foam one. I don’t think there is a definitive answer but more a question of trial and error.

[Golf123 in reply to Thirtyone]

I had thought my symptoms could be due to arthritis. For me, if I use the correct pillow which I have to alternate ( I have many), it can help slightly. I haven't used any topical gel, but will give this a try.

[fraid]

My doc warned my neck could also be affected and though it wasn't initially, it did begin to be bothersome. I used Ibuleve gel and bought a neck support collar which kept it warm and straight as my head kept lolling to the right when asleep so woke up in much pain. This worked really well and with massage you can do yourself ( look on utube, shows how) it is now fine plus I hope stopped adding to kyphosis, I don't want my neck to stay bent to one side as already stooped forward! . At least get a neck warmer to help? 🤗

[Kimlolly]

hi I also suffer this but also get a lot of neck pain throught day if sitting too long it’s mainly in my right side but can affect left side and back of neck also get headaches when asleep and wake my dr sent me for an X-ray which I had very quick waiting in results they did say no fractures so that’s good know this is what I’m confused as when I saw my consultant in December after a 2nd bone density scan I had a neck pain whilst there and mentioned could it be due to my osteoporosis in spine he said no and dismissed it but when I saw my gp about my neck pain and constant headaches 2nd of January she said it could be and wasn’t happy with the consultant saying no that’s why she referred me for my X-ray so although my gp isn’t in the know about osteoporosis she seemed to know more than the consultant I don’t have much faith in these so called experts which is worrying I too use ibuprofen gel and a neck warmer and it helps I also do neck exercises off the nhs site daily and try not to sit too long 😂 will update once my results are back and if prescribe anything

[Golf123]

It can be so confusing. Whether linked to osteoporosis or possibly arthritis. I try to get my steps in daily and like you, not to sit for prolonged periods. I would appreciate any feedback from your x ray results if possible.

[Graceissufficient]

I have a fracture at L1, and also a lot of damage to the cervical vertebrae, including 2 which have slipped 2mm.

There is a lot of stiffness and difficulty finding a good pillow position, and a general ache.

I am sure I was D deficient for the first 50 years of my life.

In my case I am clear that the spinal damage is linked to my old job, as well as osteopor, which involved a lot of desk computer work under time pressure.

I got severe RSI then, and MRI at that point showed degeneration in the cervical spine though it has worsened since.

Since then I have read that the biggest load on the cervical spine is sitting down with the head leaning forward, due to the weight of the head. I suspect the 1L damage is from the same cause.

I would urge everyone on this forum to be very aware of the stresses while on comuter and phone. Those still working should demand a workplace assessment, and the rest should check the videos available. The screen should be at eye level, the back supported. I write this lengthways on a sofa with my nneck supported by the end. Be careful with those phones!

The next generations will see an epidemic of cervical problems as they age.

[CinnamonRose in reply to Graceissufficient]

Yep, length ways on the sofa is where you'll find me these days too!

[Raffyandme]

Since August 2024 I have suffered from severe neck pain which resulted in pains over the top of my head emanating from the right side of my neck. An MRI resulted in nerve impingement between C1 and C2 plus osteoporosis and osteo arthritis in my upper and lower back. The pain continues to this day (Jan 2025). A heated neck wrap helps enormously and also stops me from moving my head too much. I have had physio and have been given exercises to do but they are very uncomfortable and the rest of the day following the exercises I am in pain. Although I must say that the stabbing pain across the top of my head has decreased. Posture is key - working without bending your head (phone / laptop) keeping head upright and chin tucked in if I can. Since last August I have been unable to concentrate on anything, reading a book is hopeless, I have left my Book Club. I have kept up Pilates and will go back to aqua class this week. It is just miserable. My world has shrunk.

[Posy-White]

Hello Golf123

I have spinal damage after 8 rebound fractures in 2017 – I still have problems with neck and headaches but have leaned a lot over the years in how to minimize the pain.

I am on Butec 10micrograms/hour transdermal patches to help manage the pains.

I have neck exercise from the physio, which I do everyday.

I sleep with a silk scarf and have a heat pad that goes from my neck down to the base of my spine. I’m no longer able to lie or sleep on my side and can’t lie flat but manage well with 3 pillows so I sleep on a 30 degree slope. On a bad night I also use a travel neck pillow. Because I had difficulties with neck and headaches and I can’t lie on my side with out getting cramp/spasms, down that side and into my leg; in 2022 the physio sent me for an other scan. It showed as he expected that because of the damage to my spine, the natural position for my head is to be looking down at the floor, hence I get dizzy if I try and look at the sky and bad neck /head pains! Or when in my wheelchair (use one outside) if people stand too close and don’t come down to my level and talk to me I can’t look up at them. So I know explain ‘I can't look up’ – this had made a big improvement, in minimizing neck pain, as I had been struggling to stand / sit as straight as possible thinking this is what I should be doing. The scan also showed when side lying I might be putting pressure on my spinalcord, hence the cramps and spasms.

In summary – if things like pillows, heat, (or cold pads they work for some people), angle of sleeping, pain tablets don’t really help, you have evidence of what you have done and why you want to be referred to see a physiotherapy preferably one who has specialize in spines.

Good Luck

Posy White

[Graceissufficient in reply to Posy-White]

V helpful comment

[Kimlolly]

well I had my X-ray on Sunday and my dr had my results back yesterday so that was quick I have arthritis changes so could be cause of my neck pain dr wants me to try physio see if helps if not injections first the neck will update how physio goes

[Golf123]

You did receive your results quickly. It seems that arthritis in the neck is quite accountable for many symptoms of neck pain. This cold weather doesn't help. Yes, it would be good to know how the physio goes.

[Graceissufficient in reply to Golf123]

I picked up a (new) neck shaped hot water bottle recently at a charity shop - am thinking of stitching a scarf round it and wearing it out on cold days... they also were selling spine length long narrow hotties.

Bliss.

[Girlguides]

Yes I also have neck pain and mid back pain.I use ibuprofen gel and find this helps and paracetamol.

I am on 6 monthly Denasumab injections have had 3 told I'm to have 6

I find my back aches a lot after this injection and only eases after about 4 months as the injection wears off.

I don't know yet if it has done me any good

I'm still having pain after walking 10 minutes.knife like pain.

Hope I will get good results

I do hope your neck improves I know how uncomfortable and painful it can be.

Do try the gel

I've lost 4 inches in height which causes me a lot of pain.

I've told you all my problems instead of helping you with yours. Sorry.

Just a bad morning.

Good luck.

[Golf123]

It's good to get things out of our system. Pain is a horrid thing and finding a safe remedy is almost impossible. Since I've been in Aledronic Acid I do feel more discomfort generally. I think all forms of bisophonates can cause this as a side effect. I'm sorry to hear that your loss of height has added to this. I haven't tried a topical gel so will look into this. Thank you.

[Blondeisbest in reply to Golf123]

I have3 bulging discs in my lower back as well as old fractures in my spine.....I found the boots version of volterol 2.6 was really very good and cheaper than the original, worth a try.