I have neck and shoulder pain which radiates down my arms. The only painkiller I can take is paracetamol as I take warfarin.The GP says it's due to taking Levothyroxine for an underactive thyroid.
I've been taking both medications for over 10 years and woder about long term use.
The pain is constant but worse at night keeping me awake.
Has been more severe with the cold weather we've been having lately.
Thinking about speaking to doc about Warfarin alternative but doesn't tackle the Levothyroxine problem.
Immediately concern is finding suitable pain control allowing me to have a good night's sleep.
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jackdaw50
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Ive been on thyroxine 20 years and take allsorts of pain killers with no adverse affect! Maybe its due to the Warfrin ?
As it is a blood thinner and does effect some meds as ive been on too .
Ive also had a Brain Tumour and now i have Epilepsy too and im on really strong pain killers as i take pregablin x 3 a day plus paracetomol if needed and im also on Epilepsy meds ,( type of pain killer too) plus im on a muscle relaxant !
And never once have i been told i can take strong meds for pain ? oh i have FM too and pain is awful with that id get second opinion or ask your doctor for long term pain killer like amitriptelene ( i cant take it ) but most find relief with it!
My neck pain is sometimes helped at night by ibruprofen gels. I can't take them by tablet form. So I use a very strong diclofenac gel. My consultant advised to use it. Helps a bit too. Mine goes down to hands too. So I understand your pain. But do ask about alternative like amitriptyline nortryline etc. They can help too. Or ask to be referred to pain clinic . They'll help.
Just finishing up at clinic. Been very helpful
Get yourself a small portable TENS unit. You can find them for less than $50 US. Put one of the small pads on each side of your neck on the shoulder tendons. It will help relax the muscles.
I agree with Konagirl60 whatever you take get a good pillow....I've used an Easysleeper pillow for 6 months and it certainly helped my neck pain.. My Rheumatologist said to try it.
Thanks. I've had a pillow to help for some time. It helps sometimes. I think my acute pain was also due to the unusually cold snaps we've had here. It's tolerable now, but I'll try to make a GP appointment in the New Year.
I wonder whether it is worth you making an appointment with an osteopath to help with your neck and shoulder? They are usually very good and making things feel better 👍🏼
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so much pain and lack of sleep 
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Sleep and Pain 
