New for me - neck pain

[wishbone]

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.

[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 in reply to helixhelix]

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 in reply to wishbone]

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 in reply to helixhelix]

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

[Hidden]

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]

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 in reply to sylvi]

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

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

[sylvi in reply to wishbone]

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 in reply to sylvi]

I'm not far behind you there, Sylvi.

[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