when I was diagnosed with GCA in addition to PMR, the GCA pain was in the occipital area.
Now I’m having pain in my neck on the right side when I move my head up and down or from side to side. Worse when laying down. Ibuprofen tablets or topical cream don’t seem to help. Also worse tinnitus and autophony and fatigue.
Started weeks ago when lying down and Turing my head to the right.
Suggestions welcome on how to figure out what’s going on.
I’m in the US.
Does it fit with sternocleidomastoid problems? Two videos here:
google.com/search?q=sternoc...
youtube.com/watch?v=eD3Ds3G...
I looked at the first video but the second one wouldn’t load. That is the area that is causing neck pain but that whole side of my neck and head feels muffled somehow and doesn’t explain the ear and hearing issues. I’ve also had a sore scalp.
An old post of mine from several years ago came up with the same issues. It also mentioned the scoliosis I have, the right shoulder lower than the left. This was also after a lot of family stress
SCM issues can cause all manner of head problems that mimic GCA as I found. When I’m stressed it is the first bit to go, especially on my right. Until it is sorted, pain killers don’t help particularly. When my SCM muscles are not in good shape pillow height and pressure can make or break my symptoms. Have you had a good musculoskeletal once over by a competent who deals with mechanics rather than rheumatics? I can’t say if it is GCA or not but you might need to start the detective process before symptoms become too advanced.
Thanks Snazzy. I know I need a new mattress, maybe a contributing factor.
What type of doctor would that be who would deal with “mechanics rather than rheumatics”.
Do you have access to a functional musculoskeletal specialist or very good physio or perhaps a trusted osteopath? A basic x ray is a good start and perhaps a scan. If it were me and I was watching the cost, I’d try a physio or osteopath and see what they say. The trouble with this is that you need to know if they are knowledgeable and not a have a go Harry. Sometimes with a simple exam you can get information about where the sticking points are even if you decide to take it somewhere else.
Regards the shoulders being one higher than the other after stress, I too have my right side raised in tension. The muscles become set like that if I don’t deal with it.
Thanks SnazzyD
Yes I guess I’ll start the detective process. I’m not sure if we have functional musculoskeletal specialists here, (the US), probably would be a physical therapist or a functional MD. Guess I’ll start the medical merry go round with my primary care doctor for test referrals. Maybe by the time she see me the problem will have gone away. Long waits here
I think I’ve had many encounters with “haves go Harry” doctors! I.e. - just throw something at the problem and see what happens! 😁
My right shoulder is lower than the other one is because of scoliosis I’ve had since childhood, so far not severe. I had an x-ray a few years ago and it hadn’t gotten any worse then.
Have a great day Snazzy D!
Strange, they have both loaded for me - the first link takes you away from the forum with a redirect notice which you just click on.
It can affect hearing in some people and cause sore scalp as it can affect blood vessels in the area.
The first one first one doesnt work for me either. Did try C& P link but still no go.
On phone st moment but will try iPad ..and let you know
edit / works on iPad!
Very confusing M as well I know.I too get the neck/ head issues plus scalp.Hard to differentiate sometimes.That is why I ignored my recent flare!It was only when groin pain both sides,sweats and shoulder aches developed I knew it was different.Maybe a scan is in order to see if anything shows up.Mine showed up issues with neck .Hope you get answers soon,xx💐😜
Thank you Angelsmummy,
Yes it gets really hard to figure out when there are 3,4 doctors who are specialists in that area. P
That’s true.I took the bull by the horns today and have booked to see an osteopath who deals with cranial and cervical problems.Hoping he can sort me outShall take my MRI scan with me and hopefully get some answers and relief.Do hope you get some answers soon too!xx😜💐
That sounds positive Angels
Mummy. please keep me me posted about the osteopath.
What issues did the. Here in the US many insurance plans don’t cover them.
Hope you get some relief soon!
Did you mean what issues on the MRI?,think you missed a bit out on your post M?Just the normal arthritis and a bit of narrowing in the Foramin( think that what it is called.No trapped nerves but contact.Got something called Straight Neck.( I’ve got plenty of neck that’s for sure!……) Will let you know how I go.It is doing my head in literally,sitting bolt upright on sofa with cushions supporting my head.Might have aggravated it by taking dog out yesterday,so think I shall put his lead around my waist now,!Lucky he is only a chihuahua,Wouldnt do thatwith my GSD !Paying for my treatment myself.To get an appointment for physio/ osteopath over here takes months on NHS.£50 to see somebody privately for about 30 minutes or so.Worth every penny if I can get some relief.BUT at least my flare has settled down…Hallelujah!xxx💐😜
yes, my post is lacking something. I think this whole thing is affecting my brain, obviously my typing!
It’s the same here on the US, long waits and when you finally get seen something different has reared its head and the original problem, if it hasn’t killed you, may have disappeared.
Glad you are getting some relief. I’m right here with you on the couch with pillows around my head.
Cheers!
Think we are all getting old M.,Never mind,we,ll find a way through and I will let you know what happens on Thursday and give you any tips I pick up from my man!PS….I find a wheat bag helps immensely plus a few chin to shoulder stretches about 3 times a day!Worth a try!xxx💐💐😜
Yes I’ll be anxious to hear how it went!
I’ve got a rice bag and I’ll try that. Also I realize I’ve been lagging on my stretches!
This health stuff can take up all your time if you don’t watch out. 😵💫
Take care Angelsmummy,
🥰😊
Hi M,update on osteopath regarding neck/ head as promised!Well,he had never heard of GCA only PMR so had to explain to him how the symptoms I had mimic a couple of what one gets with GCA.Anyway,he said that every muscle was as tight as a drum so a lot of firm pushing,massaging then some cranial which was lovely,reminded me of Indian head massage but not as vigorous!Obviously I took my MRI report to show him.Anyway he asked if I was under any sort of stress,as muscles suggested it.So,probably another 2 to 3 visits with my also continuing neck exercises.So maybe have a think about whether yours is stress?Not sure if you are still experiencing symptoms?Another weird thing,the lump on my shoulder,my dr said he thought I had fractured it.X ray showed arthritis.When I showed osteopath the report and he felt it he said have I ever fractured it??Dodgy radiograph er or 2 medical people wrong??xxx🙄😜🤕🤕
Arthritis can show up in an old injury.
So strange as I recently said about turning over in bed about 6 months ago and hearing a crack then lump appeared shortly after wards.Would arthritis set in that quickly?What is your weather lije there?Ours is brewing nicely for something but think East Anglia is going to be let off lightly!Oh and to save boring you with another post!….🥱🥱🥱Had a letter from new Rheumy ( the one who asked my dr for advice on tapering) She was totally up for my tapering plan as suggested by DL and she has referred me to Endo!Bet he will laugh, unless he does decide that when I get lower he will put me on a steroid sparing drug.But probably by the time I get to see him I shall probably be a) dead. B) really low and adrenals starting to work again or the NHS would have collapsed!😂😂😂XxxCheers Pro!xx💐😜
Well the third isn't unlikely ...
The crack and the lump seemed to be in a similar region?
Weather today was pants!!! Low cloud and almost drizzle that just turned into damp. Tomorrow and Saturday is supposed to be better but what happens when the tails of one or other of those 3 consecutive lows heading for the UK get here is anyone's guess! But snow seems likely on Tuesday ...
Havent got a clue,only by what osteopath and Dr said…….X ray just said arthritis.Still,the least of my problems either way,nothing could have been done apart from immobilisation could it?Baton down the hatches Pro,think we need to,got up to let dogs out and torrential rain and high wind.Roll on spring!xx😱💨💧💧💧😜
Hi Ms tiles. Your post could have been written by me except my neck pain is on the left side as is my tinnitus. I saw the rheumy (Dr Ionescu) on Thursday and she thinks it's all related to osteoarthritis - my thumbs, left hip and knee all giving me trouble. She has referred me for an xray and physio so we'll see. I have come to realise that my biggest mistake is getting old 😀
ha! Thanks Smithie49! Yes that is the biggest mistake of all. Thanks for the laugh this morning. I too have more pains on the right side that I didn’t mention. I’m in the US not ear a city and our wait times for appts are awful. Guess I’ll start the merry go round with my primary care doctor.
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