Whats Happening to my Neck?

[Watdog]

Ive had spinal issues - nerve impingements, significant loss of tone and mass along my posterior as a result, chronic muscular fatigue and a couple of minor injuries relative to the aforementioned. These onset roughly just over 2 years ago. Ive also had TMJ for 5 years at least, but worse in the last 2.

I dont believe my muscles or body properly recovered from the combination of these issues as I noticed Ive continued to struggle growing my muscle size, esp in my Arms and legs. And the general functionality of my body is not what is used to be. Ive always been active though and following my sickness period, i had pressure to return to work which i believe wasnt condusive to my health recovery at that point.

I've experienced tolerable-severe daily nerve related symptoms for the past 2 years; pins and needles in my limbs, numbness especially in my neck, my hands and feet are always cold, my self temp regulation is up and and down like a yoyo, tingling, tension headaches, eye and hearing disturbances (not as as common,) varying muscle tension and muscle dysfunction in day to day movements in general, terrible sleep, chronic pain and physical limitations.

I noticed my balance and coordination was impacted a lot for some time, but is still not ideal or healthy. Now I notice that this affects me each time, when my neck flares up, which had continued to be an issue.

In Januray 2020, I was diagnosed with 3 bulging c-spine discs. No other 'defiinitive' diagnosis was concluded however, and ive struggled to find help and support thats been of benefit or informative from various health practitioners.

My main concern is that, my neck is very weak and quite often, distorts and deforms as can be seen in photo.

The onset begins with tightening/tension of muscles in my neck, throat, jaw, shoulders and tension across my scalp. I'll then feel what seems like a locking up of my upper neck, jaw and throat and the upper area of my c-spine becomes numb. It becomes difficult to walk and use my upper body with coordinated. My balance is shocking. At first just the muscles when chewing would be most painful, now it is when speaking and swallowing too.

At times, I refrain from eating as its too painful and strains.

But from then, it affects my shoulders which become tense, lock up and stiff. And like a domino effect, it has continued down my spine it seems, with time and gets worse and feels weaker after its real bad.

Basically my whole upper body pulls or strains forwards, my head is heavy and sore to hold up, i can't tolerate any phone/screen use or even trying to read as its grown more painful and strains the muscles when tipping my head down.

Now, its at the point where my whole spine looks totally misaligned from head to pelvis, almost "pulling" from the directions.

This photo is just from today of my upper body. It's excruciating when like this, i hate going in public, struggled with emplpyment, and it's difficult to move my whole body, especially bending or picking up something from ground.

I dont know what sets it off, and not much apart from valiums seem to prevent the muscle tensioning. Ive been at a loss to any answers from neuros, specialists or gp and have found the best relief and treatment through chiropractic. Although, the issue in my neck has still flared since i started treatment a couple months back. My chiro is not sure at this point either.

I do self medicate with cannabis also as nothing else has ever worked. I cant seem to find a comfortable position to sit, stand or lay down when its like this, just about everything im shifting or adjustjng constantly, except for when i eventually fall asleep..

Exercise is near impossible, it only makes the pulling tension and hunching down worse and tighter.

Im constantly feeling like im fighting my body against tension trying to move, i have to check myself sometimes before trying to balance or certain movement patterns.

I slowly lose sensation in my lower half and notice significant parasethesia from my waist down, in my posterior half. Ive injured ligaments and tendons in my legs from improper muscular function.

I try avoid using my phone too much as this tends to usually make it worse but at times even just looking down isnt an easy task.

Im at wits ends and am struggling to find answers or support. Majority of my immediate family were very skeptical at first as it wasnt as noticeable and they believed I was being overanalytical on nothinf. But since it has worsened theyve still largely remained unsupportive.

Im at the point now where im seriously concerned about the neck and spine and the potential of injury that may be occuring when its bad or future complications if this isnt addressed.

Please help!

This photo is just one example, but theres also some from before my chiro where my pelvis is very clearly thrust forward and tilted. It seems to be holding correction best so far from chiro except my neck.

[PMcL1966 Graduate]

I’m sorry you have a lot of bad symptoms. But I’ve looked at your photo and I can’t see anything other than a fit healthy young woman.

[K8nno Graduate]

Wrong forum I think.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

This forum is primarily for those undertaking the NHS Couch to 5k running programme.

You don't mention running in your post, so I suspect that this was not the community that you intended to post in.

If you click on the Community hub icon at the top of the page (9 white dots) you will be able to search other communities on HealthUnlocked which may be more appropriate.

Wishing you all the best.