Friday, April 22, 2011 sylvia asks

Q: Neck problem

Hi Ladies

I only seem to contact you when I have a problem, but quite honestly, I usually get better answers from you than my Doctors..

I have a new and terrible problem with my neck, a few months ago I woke up with a stiff neck, thought it would just go away, it didn't, went to a Chiropractor, no help, went for Laser treatment, no help, went for massage, no help, went for Physio, no help, I have had three x-rays, just shows slight degeneration of cervical disks, I am waiting for an MRI for three months now.

I cannot hold my head up anymore, my only relief is sitting with my head leaning back on the sofa, or lying down.

I went to see my Rheumatologist a couple of weeks ago, after trying for over a month to get to see her, she has referred me to a Neurologist, as she does not think my problem is RA related, I will finally get to see him next week, so I'm praying he can help me.

My question is have any of you seen or heard of this awful affliction?

My head is just hanging over, and I have to struggle to pull it up, then it just wobbles on my shoulders, I have worn a cervical collar for relief, but the Physiotherapist advised me not to wear it, as it will only soften my muscles more than they already are.

Any words of help would be greatly appreciated !!!

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Answers (2)

V, Health Guide

4/22/11 5:23pm

Hello, Sylvia,

You certainly must be suffering w/whatever this is that is causing your neck to hurt and be weak. Actually, I have read that cervical spine involvement is commom in RA...up to 90%. I have also had a Rheumatologist tell me the same thing. I have what I call a "weak" neck that is painful from time to time. It feels as though I can't hold my head up. If I am at work, I scrunch down in my chair to take the tension off of my neck muscles. I know this isn't good, but it is the only thing that works until I can get home and take a muscle relaxant. I plan to mention it to the new rheumatologist I will be seeing soon...I hope!

The following link may be helpful to you.

www.arthritis-treatment-and-relief.com/rheumatoid-arthritis-and-neck-pain. html

I certainly hope you get some answers and relief soon, Sylvia.

Best Wishes,

Lene Andersen, Health Guide

4/25/11 12:09pm

we're happy to see you at any time, but I'm sorry to hear that you're having such a significant problem.

RA can indeed affect your neck and things can get pretty bad. My first question to you is whether you are on the medication for your RA and if so, is it controlling your disease? I.e., no symptoms of swelling, etc. If that is the case , whatever RA you might have in your neck should also be controlled. Although you may have some problems related to the damage and need to be careful... I have sidetracked for a moment here. If you have RA in your neck, it is very, very important to not get adjusted by a chiropractor. People with RA can have very delicate joints and it is particularly important to be careful of your neck (e.g., don't hyperextension your neck/bend your head backwards a lot, don't get adjusted by a chiropractor, etc.), as we are more likely to experience a fracture, which can increase your risk for a significant spinal cord injury. However, I don't want you to freak out because it sounds as if you don't have significant damage, but it's still something you should talk to your rheumatologist about.

have you experienced any other in your your your neck, such as whiplash? Do you have pain, as well as weakness? I had a neck injury several years ago that significantly affected the muscles in my neck which made it difficult to hold my head up. I do think it's a good idea that you're seeing a neurologist, because it sounds like a complex problem.

I'm sorry I couldn't be of more help. Please keep us posted?

Q: Neck problem

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