Methotrexate not working & now chronic neck pain

[dave_mckiernan]

Hi, I'm desperately in need of advice. I was diagnosed with RA a year ago after my left wrist swelled up. I'd had an accident just prior to the diagnosis. I was placed on Methotrexate immediately and given a steroid injection. A few weeks later the wrist pain came back, along with neck pain. Again, I was given a steroid injection, which only worked temporarily. It's been a year now, the consultant has admitted that the Methotrexate hasn't worked. I was told that before any new drugs could be prescribed, I'd need physio and an ultrasound on my wrist. I explained that my wrist pain is secondary now, and that my neck bothers me 24/7, even with maximum NSAIDs, but they just keep saying that it's 'wear and tear' due to my age. I'm 49 and was cycling 130 miles in a day just over a year ago with NO pain. Whenever I get flare-ups, it affects both my wrist and neck, so I feel they're most definitely linked. I feel worse and worse each day, probably as I'm suffering irreparable joint damage, but no one is listening. My neck grinding gets a little worse each day, so I refuse to believe that it's age-related. I'm so frustrated with this thing.

[FionaVanDieken]

Hi Dave

I was diagnosed a year ago with aggressive RA, I had a very sore and stiff neck but conultant did not believe it was rhumatoid related, which I disagree with. I was sent for physio and the exercises have cured the pain in my neck. I hope you have some success in managing your health x

[dave_mckiernan in reply to FionaVanDieken]

Hi Fiona,

Thank you so much for your reply. It gives me hope that the physio will work. I'm a bit worried about the horrible grinding noises and clicking in my neck though! I don't know if you had this too?

Thanks,

Dave

[Mmrr]

dave, I had the most awful neck pain shortly after I first presented with my RD symptoms. I also have raynaulds and get fat sausage fingers, the fat fingers are linked to my neck.

My neck has been xrayed - cervical spondylosis with OA degeneration and forward shift of C3/4. That said when my RD is bad, so is my neck. RD good so is my neck. My neck also gets hot when the RD is bad.

But I manage it well now.

Ask for physio, it has helped me a lot. Simple things like getting a good pillow help. Or roll a small handtowel into a sausage shape , put into your pillow case for neck support.

Try a heat pad on your neck for 15 mins, remove, then gently turn your neck to the right as far as it will go, without straining, hold for 5 seconds. Repeat to the left. Try to do 3 times each way.

Then apply the heat again.

Keep looking forward, tilt your head ....gently...to the side as if you are trying to get your ear on your shoulder, hold for 5 seconds. Don't strain, repeat on other side. Reapply the heat.

Increase the number of times you do this as your neck loosens off. Never strain.

Stand under a hot shower ehen your neck is bad and try the above movements.

Don't sit on hard seats for too long.

Sit on a high backed sofa/ chair that supports your neck and shoulders, rest into the sofa when sitting.

Hope this helps a wee bit.

[HappykindaGal]

Ouch! Sounds awful. I have a client that’s a specialist with neck realignment. She’s the only one in the UK and people fly from all sorts of places to see her. I’m not going to put a link to her site, but if you’re interested in seeing what she does, google NUCCA. She’s also a doctor. She’s not cheap though! It may help if it’s not RA related as your rheumy is suggesting.

[Jimbo64]

Ask your doctor for Ralvo 700mg medicated plasters that work wonders

[Beviejon1]

I am on gabapenten for neck issues.Helps get me through the night.