Cramp

[jenerino]

Hello you lovely lot, I wondered if any of you suffer with this. it is severe cramp in the upper part of my neck, on the right hand side, leading to my ear. It goes on and on and lasts several minutes where my head becomes immobile. It continues like this for possibly a whole day, with breaks in between and then disappears for a week or so. Have been on Pred for 3 years. Down to 3.5mg. The cramps started about 8 months ago. I am taking Magnesium & Zinc and multi B vitamins but doesn't seem to work. Any thoughts on this would be gratefully received.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I get muscle spasms that can affect my shoulder and up into the neck - related to myofascial pain syndrome in my case.

[SheffieldJane]

It does sound like something a physio might be able to help with. Some gentle manipulation perhaps? Presumably you’ve had an X Ray and medical opinion. How alarming and unpleasant!

[jenerino in reply to SheffieldJane]

No, I haven't had x-ray but will tell my Dr, which I haven't done because I thought he would probably brush it off. Thank you for your reply.

[SheffieldJane in reply to jenerino]

I know how you feel. Every time I go, I think that was a waste of time. This however, warrants attention. Don’t leave without further investigation arranged.

[Ruadh]

Neck problems are wretched. Could it be Cervical dystonia. This neurological disorder, also known as a form of torticollis, can cause neck muscles to spasm uncontrollably. The head could be turned or stuck in various positions outside of normal alignment.

Has happened to myself. Then, neck spasms.... All horrible. Could be pred related - run it past your health care provider ? Others will pile in to discuss further possibilities.

Hope neck rights soon - take care.

[jenerino in reply to Ruadh]

Thank you for informed reply. I will push this further with my GP. x

[nymima01]

Yes! I get a spasm and then a pull or a quick jerk of my neck. I’ve often thought I had the start of dystonia, but it just comes and goes every so often. Glad you asked!

[Sofarbrnun]

I've had similar pain after reducing from 4 to 3mg of pred (rayos). I thought it was from a fall I had when I slipped at the grocery store a year before, that perhaps didn't heal well. The pain was excruciating, right at the base of my skull. Could barely turn my head. It turned out my CRP was highly elevated. Much to my surprise, the rheumatologist gave me a steroid shot and I haven't had a problem since. It's been about four months. Hope it's only temporary and you're feeling better soon. A pain in the neck is well, a pain indeed!

[jenerino in reply to Sofarbrnun]

Thank you for that. I will get it checked out. Perhaps MORE steroid is needed instead!!!

[kay7954]

I'm not sure what dose of magnesium you are taking, but I take 400mg twice a day. I have had severe issues with spasms for years. The magnesium was the trick for me. I also take B12 under my tongue too.

[jenerino in reply to kay7954]

Oh thank you. Looks like maybe I should up the dose a bit.x

[simbasimba]

Hi jenerino, hope it goes better with your neck, you should get it looked into soon.