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Waking up with agonising pain in neck
I woke up this morning with the most agonising pain in the left side of my neck. I can't even move my head to the left without suffering the extreme pain.
I have taken paracetamol and tried a few sprays of "Deep heat" on my neck but its still very painful now. Any tips on how to ease it? is it likely it will be away by tomorrow?
I am miserable
I have taken paracetamol and tried a few sprays of "Deep heat" on my neck but its still very painful now. Any tips on how to ease it? is it likely it will be away by tomorrow?
I am miserable
0
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You could try using a warm and damp towel on it. Get a towel well soaked then heat it (carefully!) in the microwave.
Alternatively if you have a power shower try blasting your neck with warm water for ten minutes.
It's unlikely anything will immediately cure it (although an expert sports masseur might come close) but warmth will help the muscle relax a bit. On the painkiller front Ibuprofen or Aspirin would be better than paracetamol as they will help reduce inflammation as well as mask the pain. The really good news there is that you can mix paracetamol and Ibuprofen/Aspirin. They don't interact and you will get the benefits of both. Obviously follow the instructions of each drug.
http://www.nhs.uk/chq/Pages/857.aspx
Finally Ibuprofen gel might be the quickest bet. Voltarol even better. Not sure how long it will last but ask anyone over 40 and they'll know about Voltarol
Thanx I will try anything.
I have and its OUCH!!!
Rub the back of the shoulder at both sides digging in with the fingers and try to undo the knots.
Dig into the sides of the neck where the tender bits are.
Sit up straight and lower the head to each side in turn stretching as far as possible.
Turn the head to each side in turn stretching as far as possible.
Place fingers on the chin and push the chin into the neck.
Fill a hot water bottle and place it on the painful parts leaving it as long as possible.
This is MY way of dealing with a sore neck, it may not be suitable for everyone so taking medical advice would be a good idea.
I worse a neck brace for a while but it was just time that healed it......
In fact knowing what the NHS was like 20 years ago I was probably well healed by the time I saw the specialist
I find ice and heat helps, pain killers and also I do a simple exercise to try and keep the OA at bay and as move free as I am able.
Go to the end of normal movement, stop before pain. When you get to end of range/pain slowly manually push your neck a little more to help unfree it. Only a cm or so at a time to start with. I do left to right, then up down and side to side. Each time I get to either pain of end of range I slowly manually make it go just that bit more. Don't force it too much, slowly but surely.
Rest and try again after an hour.
http://www.arthritisresearchuk.org/arthritis-information/conditions/neck-pain/neck-pain-exercises.aspx - yes is a arthritis site but the exercises are right.
Its what I get with my osteoarthritis. Then I get a cold feeling down my arms and pins and needles. Occasional headaches. But the crepitus itself bloody hurts!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crepitus
Some things that I can think of that involve perhaps sitting awkwardly are:
1. When watching TV for long periods
2. When using a PC, laptop, tablet or mobile phone (maybe you are a compulsive texter)
3. Reading books etc.
4. When at work, if you do a particular activity on a regular basis
5. Sitting in one position in the car/bus/train
If you can think of a possible root cause you might avoid it becoming a regular thing for you.
I've used a sports physio previously, they cost quite a bit!
You will probably be charged a large first consultation fee....certainly a consultation fee, then you will probably have treatment and be given an exercise routine to follow and, from my experience, you will be asked to go back for several sessions which you may or may not need.
I would see the GP and ask for a referral to see a physio which won't cost you anything.