Dental Hygienist with severe neck and arm pain

I am a Dental Hygienist who practices correct ergonomics. I have had neck pain for over a year. My xrays show my neck straight as a board with no curving. My Dr says it is a muscle spasm. I have completed physical therapy (which I believe aggrevated it more). For a couple of months I have experienced tingling in both arms and hands. The neck pain radiates to my shoulders and causes bad headaches. For the last week I have awakened with severe arm, elbow and shoulder pain. When this happens I cannot do anything for at least an hour and it gradually returns to full function. The other symptoms happen at anytime, I have not had an MRI or any other diagnostic testing other than xrays. I have become depressed because I have alot of pain with no answers. Please help me figure this out. Thanks!

[Chloe12338]

Curious if you have tried any of the ergonomic designed operator chairs?  I may try a KOBO chair, I am having difficulties 15 years into hygiene, to the point I may have to change careers!

[Kulinaire]

If you're still having problems, look into a Rossiter Workout (google search it for more info).  I've used this technique to help hundreds of folks with boggling pain symptoms.

[333Heidi]

I have pain in my neck, upperback and base of my skull.  It never goes away.  Somtimes it is less painful than other times but pain is always present.  I have been practicing dental hygiene for 12 years and for the past four years I have had pain.  The pain seems to get worse as time goes on.  I work eight hours a day and I should take stock in Advil.  I have tried physical therapy but I did not get the relief I wanted.  Maybe I did not stick with therapy long enough.  Massage therapy seems to help temporarily but it gets so expensive.  Is there any one who has suggestions on what to do?  Is there a doctor who treats these symtoms (symptoms) other than a physical therapist?  

[Rupert_1]

Yes!  Try Versaball!!  It really works!
Good luck, Rupert.

[katrdh]

I have been a dental hygienist now for 6 years.  For the last 1 and half years i have been working in a perio office with old equipment and no help.  I have had some pain in my shoulers when i worked in a general dentist office but since i have been in a perio office it has gotten worse to the point that i can't even sleep at night.  I had an MRI and it shows that i have 3 bulging discs in my cervical spine 5, 6 and 7 with 6-7 being the worst.  I have pain that starts behind my ear and continues all the way down my neck, shoulder, and all the way down to my fingers.  I have tried everything.  Physical therapy helped somewhat and I'm going to try acupuncture this month.  I have been so depressed to the point I just want to quit my job and change careers all together.  Any suggestions anyone? I'm going to cut my hours down from 4 days to 2 days I hope it helps. I just want my life back.

[mj257]

Do u have crowns in the front of your mouth????  upper and what on the lower, either veneers or crowns.  I had the same thing,, my mri showed a lordosis, straight spine, pain was incredible, base of the skull with arm pain. Dentist took off some of the thickness from the crowns, helped soooo much.  mj