Pinched nerve?

Hi all!

Been battling, since flare this summer, with pain in front left neck, up behind ear to mastoid bone, and up head too.

A search of these symptoms says either occipital neuralgia, or might be cervical vertebra pinching a nerve.

I think either is possible. Guess should call RA helpline and get Rheumatology Specialist nurse to advise... they must be fed up with all my calls!

Do you ever feel it’s not worth the bother consulting the GP as they just don’t understand the unlimited ways that RA can affect any part of the body?!

Fed up but the sun is shining.. onward with the day!

[Gnarli]

Hi Charisma. I'm so sorry you're struggling like this. I think I'd ring the helpline too as, no, not all GPS 'get' what RA can do to you. I do hope you find the cause and the effective treatment very soon. Hugs

Jan

[Hidden in reply to Gnarli]

Thanks, Jan. I did get a call back from one of our lovely RA specialist nurses.

Just told to use pain alleviation methods. Since painkillers make me sick, wondering about trying essential oils.

I was fine before going to bed last night though, neck not doing its tricks.

But as soon as I lay down, the sternum-clavicle-shoulder pain came on worse than for ages, preventing me finding a comfortable position!

Oh well, lots of diaphragm breathing and praying for others finally did it.

Now up and need breakfast! If this pain continues, will go to GP after weekend.

Hope your weekend goes well, Jan.

Angela

[Gnarli in reply to Hidden]

I don't know if it helps but I bought one of those support pillows with two legs that form a triangle with a side missing. I can't for the life of me remember their proper name but can easily be found online.

J

[Hidden in reply to Gnarli]

Yes, I know what you mean! But no matter how I lay, and tried a spare pillow to support the clavicle-shoulder joint, nothing helped.

At least now I know the vagus nerve can be stimulated by deep diaphragm breathing and it can switch off some of the inflammation!

I am sure I read something the other day about certain essential oils helping with pain; must do a search later.

Thanks or your concern and suggestions. xx