Neck ache - PMR? I don't think so.

[IdasMum]

I've had horrible neck pain (ache) for 5 days now. Okay overnight but as soon as I am sitting at my screen (I am there a lot) I am in pain. My px'd analgesia isn't working much and I can only get comfort from slumping down on the sofa and supporting my upper back.

10 years ago my neck was Xray-d and my doctor said I had the neck of an 80 year old. Later an osteopath told me my neck anatomy was off, the curvature going the wrong way. having relatively recently been diagnosed with RA, I wonder whether this is the problem and not related to PMR.

I am asking here as I am more comfortable with this forum and it's contributors.

I have just made an appt with a physio for next week to get her thoughts. I am hopeful she'll find some exercises to help relieve the pain.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

It could well be - I find localised back pain ends up making me hurt all over! I too have to sit on the sofa well supported all down my back to be comfortable. Maybe a good long back office chair would help?

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

To be honest not sure, but would say you need some support for your neck when on PC etc - maybe ask physio for advice and/or have a look online.

[howtotaperdown]

as well as the osteopath you might like to try Alexander Technique.. generally in a series of 'lessons' ... gently manipulating the body so the the muscles adjust to a feeling good position, which could help a lot in 'using' the body better, especially with computer stuff, mobile phone too... by then trying to get back to that when you are working and stressing at the computer or other movements, which can all be making things a lot worse as your doctor is telling you..

since being diagnosed PMR I have gone back to doing an Alexander Technique lesson every so often and found it very helpful, as obviously the pain and inflammation can quickly cause more permanent skeletal misalignment

[IdasMum]

Thanks everyone.

I am in a high back chair.

I remember I have a small inflatable thingy to have (slightly deflated) behind me in the chair (given me by a previous physio). It helps me maintain a better posture. I've just found it and reinstated. it, much more comfortable.

The physio I've made an appt with practices McKenzie technique, hopefully that will work.

I am not good at self care. Forget what resources I have at my disposal and am slow to attend to my needs.

[Sandmason]

I too have severe disk problems in my neck, reverse curve, instability. When I flare, the back of my neck up to my skull is definitely involved. But it isnt just my neck, it's a shoulder hip full flare, even wrists and hands. So if it's only your neck that may be all it is, not PMR. I have a hot wrap for my neck, that helps me.

[Purplecrow]

It could be an ergonomic (positional) system issue. You could try raising your screen higher, so you are looking straight ahead rather than downward. I had similar issue and eased it with position adjustment. Kind regards..

[Bcol]

Morning. Yes, get all the medical things and physio checked out but as well make sure that when you are sitting at the computer, everything is at the correct level. Sit in the chair in your comfortable position and then check that you can see the screen/s and reach and use the mouse without disturbing your posture. If that is not possible then adjust things, screen, chair height/angle etc until you can work completely comfortably.