Guest guest Posted January 20, 2009 Report Share Posted January 20, 2009 Hi Angie, You may need physio and a new pillow. This may be something you can't really fix yourself if heat and/or cold don't work. Good luck SD Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 20, 2009 Report Share Posted January 20, 2009 I couldn't agree more about physical therapy. I've said it before but will repeat that it's important to recognize that all our aches and pains may not be just PA . . . . . . .. . I have had neck pain but - more important - ongoing headache problems and my internist told me that the most important thing I could do for both was physical therapy, though she also gave me a muscle relaxer. X-rays showed simple age-related arthritis but stenosis can be a big cause of pain. So, x-rays may be necessary to help determine for sure what's going on with your neck. Joanna Hoelscher Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 20, 2009 Report Share Posted January 20, 2009 Joanna, this may sound crazy, but what is a internist. I'm new to all the doctors I put it off for a long time. thanks angie > I have had neck pain but > - more important - ongoing headache problems and my > internist told me that the most important thing I could do > for both was physical therapy, though she also gave me a > muscle relaxer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 20, 2009 Report Share Posted January 20, 2009 Hi Angie, Did you: ask what the pain was? ask what to do the next time it happens? ask what was in the needle? Do you need surgery? Inquiring minds ....... SD <<Thanks everyone for your support. But I finally had to go to the emergency room and they gave me a shot and I feel a whole lot better than yesterday. angie>> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 20, 2009 Report Share Posted January 20, 2009 Angie: it's good you're feeling better but did they provide any kind of diagnosis? The shot may only be a temporary fix if you don't find out what's causing the problem. Joanna Hoelscher Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 20, 2009 Report Share Posted January 20, 2009 An internist is a doctor who specializes in " internal medicine " . Many people choose internists as their primary care physicians rather than general practitioners because they have more training. I see my internist for everything; if she thinks I need a rheumatologist or an orthopod or a neurologist (all of whom she has suggested to me at one time or another) she does a referral. Joanna Hoelscher Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 21, 2009 Report Share Posted January 21, 2009 I was diagnosed about four years ago with osteoporosis of the neck and a bulging disc. Angie Hampton <ahampton002@...> > Angie: it's good you're feeling better but did > they provide any kind of diagnosis? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 21, 2009 Report Share Posted January 21, 2009 I was told a few years ago that I had a bulging disc and done therapy and may need surgery but I have been doing good with my neck until this week. Angie Hampton <ahampton002@...> > Did you: ask what the pain was? > ask what to do the next time it happens? > ask what was in the needle? > Do you need surgery? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 16, 2009 Report Share Posted August 16, 2009 Hi and welcome to our board. My question is are you sure that you do not have flat back? I suffer from upper body neck and shoulder pain from holding myself up all day because of my flat back tipping me over forward. I also get lower back pain from leaning over and having all that pressure on the lower back. You have the classic signs of flat back. Where do you live? You should go to a good orthopedic doc who knows about " us " and talk to him. > > Hello, > > I just joined this board and am grateful that I found your group! I do not have flatback syndrome, but I do suffer chronic neck, shoulder, and low back pain. I had a Harrigton Rod implanted in my mid-Thoracic spine in the 80's to " cure " my scoliosis. My chronic pain began after getting whiplash in 2 car accidents, the first of which was 11 years ago. I've gone to countless doctors pver the years about the pain, but no one could tell me the cause. After doing online research, I've realized that " The Rod " could very well be the cause. Pretty ironic that the solution to Scoliosis has become the problem. I'm not sure what I can do, but right now I'm wishing that I never had the stupid surgery. Thanks. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 16, 2009 Report Share Posted August 16, 2009 Thanks for the reply. Actually, I don't know for certain whether I have flatback or not. I should get a diagnosis from an orthopedic or neurologist, but I don't have a job or health insurance anymore. I lost my job a few months ago. I also have fibromyalgia, in addition to my other pain, and I have applied for disability. I haven't heard the decision yet, but I expect to be denied the first time because I'm only 40. I'm heartbroken that I can't work anymore but the pain's become unbearable and I tire so easily. I'm feeling very discouraged right now because I can't remember what it's like not to be in pain. I'm too weak to work, but I don't " look " disabled. > > Hi and welcome to our board. My question is are you sure that you do not have flat back? I suffer from upper body neck and shoulder pain from holding myself up all day because of my flat back tipping me over forward. I also get lower back pain from leaning over and having all that pressure on the lower back. You have the classic signs of flat back. Where do you live? You should go to a good orthopedic doc who knows about " us " and talk to him. > > > > > Hello, > > > > I just joined this board and am grateful that I found your group! I do not have flatback syndrome, but I do suffer chronic neck, shoulder, and low back pain. I had a Harrigton Rod implanted in my mid-Thoracic spine in the 80's to " cure " my scoliosis. My chronic pain began after getting whiplash in 2 car accidents, the first of which was 11 years ago. I've gone to countless doctors pver the years about the pain, but no one could tell me the cause. After doing online research, I've realized that " The Rod " could very well be the cause. Pretty ironic that the solution to Scoliosis has become the problem. I'm not sure what I can do, but right now I'm wishing that I never had the stupid surgery. Thanks. > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 16, 2009 Report Share Posted August 16, 2009 When you said that you applied for disability, I assuming that you are referring to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Don't think that you will be denied because you're "only 40"! Social Security has very strict standards for "disability", and it's really difficult to know why one person is approved and another is denied (even with the same condition). They look at the overall situation. I was approved the first time for SSDI. I'm a former U.S. Federal Employee, and was also approved for "Federal Employee Disability Retirement". The SSDI was approved first; although, I was also approved for Federal Disability Retirement the first time. Just hang in there! Even though I was approved the first time for both, the process was long! I'm 49, and applied for both when I was 48. Another thing, my fusion is T9 to S1. My surgeries were in 1996. The instrumentation used was Acromed (similar to TSRH instrumentation). A neurologist I had seen referred me to an orthopedic surgeon for a consult (not the one who did my surgeries). That orthopedic surgeon said I had flatback syndrome (but, not as bad as those who had harrington rods). A few months later I had an appointment with the one who did my surgeries, and was told I had flatback since the surgeries. So, in my case it appears to be more due to the length of my fusion (including the sacrum) rather than the instrumentation. FYI: I had seen that neurologist due to tingling in my hand (following an MRI, the cause of the tingling was disc herniations in my neck). I'm not sure if in my case the herniations in my neck was due to the flatback; but, I wouldn't be surprised if it was. These, and a number of other issues may have been factors in my "quick" SSDI approval. S. ********************************************************************************************************************************************** In a message dated 08/16/09 17:46:53 Eastern Daylight Time, dbjones31@... writes: Thanks for the reply. Actually, I don't know for certain whether I have flatback or not. I should get a diagnosis from an orthopedic or neurologist, but I don't have a job or health insurance anymore. I lost my job a few months ago. I also have fibromyalgia, in addition to my other pain, and I have applied for disability. I haven't heard the decision yet, but I expect to be denied the first time because I'm only 40. I'm heartbroken that I can't work anymore but the pain's become unbearable and I tire so easily. I'm feeling very discouraged right now because I can't remember what it's like not to be in pain. I'm too weak to work, but I don't "look" disabled. >> Hi and welcome to our board. My question is are you sure that you do not have flat back? I suffer from upper body neck and shoulder pain from holding myself up all day because of my flat back tipping me over forward. I also get lower back pain from leaning over and having all that pressure on the lower back. You have the classic signs of flat back. Where do you live? You should go to a good orthopedic doc who knows about "us" and talk to him.> > >> > Hello,> > > > I just joined this board and am grateful that I found your group! I do not have flatback syndrome, but I do suffer chronic neck, shoulder, and low back pain. I had a Harrigton Rod implanted in my mid-Thoracic spine in the 80's to "cure" my scoliosis. My chronic pain began after getting whiplash in 2 car accidents, the first of which was 11 years ago. I've gone to countless doctors pver the years about the pain, but no one could tell me the cause. After doing online research, I've realized that "The Rod" could very well be the cause. Pretty ironic that the solution to Sco liosis has become the problem. I'm not sure what I can do, but right now I'm wishing that I never had the stupid surgery. Thanks.> >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 17, 2009 Report Share Posted August 17, 2009 Hi Debbie, Welcome to the group. I am sorry that you are living the nightmare that many of us have....the scoli monster coming back to life when we least expected it. As others have said, problems above a long fusion are not all that uncommon...and if you have undergone two whiplash injuries I would think it would not be too surprising to develop kypho-scoliosis if your discs were damaged at the time. You say you have seen a number of doctors, but I wonder if you have been to a doctor who specializes in adult deformity/scoliosis patients as this is the skill set you are looking for. Your run-of-the-mill ortho will likely be useless, and even scoli doctors that deal with pediatrics may not recognize wht is going on with you. If your global balance is not right...then any number of cascading structural problems can crop up and make a bad situation worse....flatback or not. Where do you live? Take Care, Cam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 20, 2010 Report Share Posted January 20, 2010 Random question- how do I tell if my neck pain is just stress or progression of my arthritis? I have SI and hip involvement and have noticed more and more neck discomfort. It doesn't feel the same as my hips but there is definite stiffness. I really don't want this disease to spread any further but I guess some things are not a choice. I am currently taking Diflusinal and tylenol. " sfm2004 " <flamin.rose@...> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 20, 2010 Report Share Posted January 20, 2010 hi, i was wondering the same thing. The last month my neck is very sore and stiff, i have PSA in my back and feet and i know in my neck too, but this seems different. it is now affecting my arms and shoulders. I do have disc problems in my neck along with a hemangioma and 3 cysts. I was doing fine until Dec and now the headaches and jaw pain. I saw my doc and she thinks i should do another mri. This disease is worsecthan i was told by the doctors.. Sue Kaminsky <skaykam48@...> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 22, 2010 Report Share Posted January 22, 2010 a, I know how you feel. I had terrible neck trouble before being diagnosed with PA. I also have had trouble with my everyday tasks. I was on Enbrel and it worked great for me. Unfortunately, I had some neurological symptoms and an MRI which showed two lesions so I stopped taking it. Be sure and do your research before starting it. I had no idea there could be neuro problems with Enbrel. I can not take any biologics now. I am on injectable methotrexate with some prednisone. In the past that has worked OK for me. Hope you find an answer, Patty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 22, 2010 Report Share Posted January 22, 2010 I am on Enbrel and have been on and off since 2000. It's like a miracle potion. I have no pain with it, and it really helps the fatigue which has been a problem for me. I had a lot of back and neck pain and with Enbrel, it's gone. The only issue I have with it is that is does lower my immune system and I teach elementary students who come to school sick. I've ended up with a lot of problems with being sick as a result and have had to stop the Enbrel for long periods of time as a result. I would also say that the biologics should not be the only answer. I also do yoga 4-5 times a week. That has also helped immensely. It really helps with flexibility and soothes soreness, but also calms the mind. It's safe, and you only do what you are able to do each particular class. It's very much worth it. That's my two sense for what it's worth. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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