New for me - neck pain: Sat here propped up in my... - NRAS

NRAS

37,842 members46,825 posts

New for me - neck pain

wishbone profile image
10 Replies

Sat here propped up in my recliner chair at 1a.m trying my best not to move my head. If I do then I get a really sharp type of pain in the right hand side of the base of my skull rising into my head a little and down into the neck/shoulder muscle. If I keep my head still then it's a constant dull more toothache like pain. Not much fun at all, especially the sharp stabbing pains! This began when I woke up after nodding off for just a few minutes in the sitting position this afternoon. I also had the same thing after waking up christmas morning (it really put a damper on my christmas). It gradually eased off over the next week until recurring today. Something tells me I won't be getting much sleep for the next couple of nights..............................

I suspect that it's related to my RA which has been flaring quite badly over the last few weeks? Has anyone had a similar thing? If so did you manage to ease the pain somehow? As if I wasn't having enough trouble with this current flare!! :-(

edit..it also hurts when I'm chewing food.

Written by
wishbone profile image
wishbone
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
10 Replies
helixhelix profile image
helixhelix

Oh yuck! Poor you. Sounds like your cervical spine is joining in the party. Have you tried heat? I find a warm wheat bag round my neck can be very soothing. And then try to very gently tip your head from side to side. Problem with keeping your head still is that it can make things worse long term.

We have a really great physio locally who has also helped gently realign bits of my neck, but I wouldn't recommend that until you know what the cause of the problem is.

wishbone profile image
wishbone in reply tohelixhelix

Thanks helix,

Oh 'eck, that cervical spine thing doesn't sound too clever!...seems like it could be a long term recurring problem? I wonder if the osteo arthritis in the base of my neck has something to do with it? Was thinking about picking up some of those self heating pads today, but wheat bags sound more user friendly, presume you warm them up in the oven? Did try a small hot water bottle last night but it's too uncomfortable and difficult to get in the right place.

My wife wrapped a scarf firmly around my neck last night (she missed her chance there) :-) and it did seem to help me get a few hours sleep. Have just started turning my head a little side to side. Too painful to move up and down (nodding action) though.

I'm due a routine appointment with rheumy next month, but with this recurring neck issue on top of the long standing flare, I might give them a ring sooner. Not much they can do to help my RA though except for increasing my pain relief, which I really don't want to do, but has now reached a stage where I think it's a must.

helixhelix profile image
helixhelix in reply towishbone

I pop my wheat bag in the microwave for 60 seconds. I have a natty tortoiseshell fleece covered one that's a longish sausage shape so a bit like having a fluffy cat curled round your neck. And it supports my neck at night so even useful when it cools. If that's too girly perhaps you can get something manly, like a tiger skin pattern?

Perhaps ask for MRI on your cervical spine to see what the problem is? Could be that problems lower down spine have put something out of alignment that can be sorted, or could sadly be permanent osteoarthritis damage. But at least you'll know.

wishbone profile image
wishbone in reply tohelixhelix

My wife, god bless her, just dug up a wheat bag from the bottom of a draw. Not as exotic as yours I'm glad to say. ;-) It does pong of lavender but guess I can live with that despite being a blot on my he-man image. :-) Moving my head from side to side does seem to be helping. Maybe I needed to man up and did more of that during the christmas episode instead of moving around like an arthritic android.

Thanks again

Hi. I have the same problem. As hellixhellix mentions, the cervical spine has joined with the rest of my aches & pains. I have OA, diagnosed 2yrs ago, gradually got worse. But hey ho!

I find using a hot water bottle helps, then gentle neck exercise, moving my neck to a tolerable pain, without screaming out in agony.

sylvi profile image
sylvi

Hugs darling from me and as i am in a flare my whole back hurts,i don't get a headache as such,but i get crackling in the top of my spine.xxx

wishbone profile image
wishbone in reply tosylvi

Blow to that! Enough to deal with just at the top of the spine.

Hope it eases soon...........

sylvi profile image
sylvi in reply towishbone

We are a right lot aren't we,i think every bone in my body has been affected by RA and his friends.xxxx

wishbone profile image
wishbone in reply tosylvi

I'm not far behind you there, Sylvi.

wishbone profile image
wishbone

I was told I had OA at base of neck many years ago. Except for the odd ache it's never troubled me. Seems as if it's making up for lost time now!

Thanks Ruthy

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Costochondritis - a right pain in the sternum

I've had a pain in the sternum (breastbone) several times over the last few months. It appears to...
GreenFlower profile image

Severe pain in little toe

Hi everyone, I’ve been getting really severe pain in my right little toe. It’s pain like I’ve never...
Ferret18 profile image

Neck osteoarthritis

If not having RA and gut problems isn't enough plus Osteoarthritis! Had an x-ray on Tuesday with...
Jackie1947 profile image

Methotrexate not working & now chronic neck pain

Hi, I'm desperately in need of advice. I was diagnosed with RA a year ago after my left wrist...

Bad pain under bottom, can't walk properly.

Hi to all. Since just before Christmas I have had bad pain in the creases underneath my bottom. It...

Moderation team

See all
Nicola-NRAS profile image
Nicola-NRASAdministrator
Donagh-NRAS profile image
Donagh-NRASAdministrator
karenf-NRAS profile image
karenf-NRASAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.