Shoulder muscle knot that causes severe neck pain?

[Familyofthree]

Can a knot in the muscles near/around/of the shoulder (thoracic region) cause severe neck pain?  It is difficult or maybe even impossible (due to pinching pain) to turn my head to the right.  The muscle knot is also on the right side of my back.  What can I do to help ease the pain and "fix" the knot in my back?

[allknottedup]

I had the same symptoms that started in February 2008.  I started going to a chiropractor because my boss said it was the thing to do.  My doctor sent me for ex-rays, they said there was nothing wrong.  Finally went to get an MRI two weeks later, and my doctor called and said to stop going to the chiropractor, that he could paralyze me because I had a herniated disc.  Went to a neurosurgeon and he sent me to pt.  By the time my pt figured out that he wasn't doing any good, it was the end of March.  Because of my busy schedule at work, I decided to put off surgery until May 1st.  I don't think that was a good idea.  Now my muscles keep knotting up and my neck just hurts.  Did anyone have this problem after surgery?  I have been going to massage therapists because pt is so expensive and my insurance is all used up.  It is getting a little better, but it is very slow.

[looBloo]

Carl & others are right insist on an MRI - I have same problems as you,I spent a fortune on seeing an osteopath who hasnt made any difference.  I can hardly turn my neck to the right and all my right arm and shoulder are stiff and sore, I get tingling/numb fingers and circulatory problems.  Was sent to a physio through the orthopaedics at the hospital, they think I have something call Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (look it up on the web) - I am gonna see a vascular surgeon on 4 June as all my symptons point to this.

[oldoldhen]

OMG, I have just had an MRI on my neck and found out that 5 of the c7 disc are wasted.  I have had this problem for many years and the doctors would not listen to me.  I now have lost the use of most of my left arm and I am left handed.  The specialist is now talking surgery.  If it took them this long to just listen to me, I'm afraid I might be totally paralyzed if they do surgery.  I agree go now before it may be to late.

[mommyhurts]

DONT WAIT!!!! What your saying is what I have said for the last yr or so. Just found out it is a disc that is herniated. DONT GO TO THE USELESS AND DANGEROUS CHIROPRACTOR!!!!! Get an MRI and see a credible real doctor. This is your spine we are talking about not a bowl of popcorn that needs to be popped. Chiros area joke and not to mention dangerous. They will never send you to a real doctor becasue they want you to keep coming in for an adjustment. See a medical DR ASAP ANS GET THAT MRI!!!!!!!

[richmill1]

Carl is right - if you have symptoms in your hand or arm, you should get an mri

[WashingtonCarl]

I had the same knot in my sholder area and I assumed the problem was there. It was a herniated disc in my neck. Spent a fortune on quckapractors that never figured it out. Woke up one day with my left hand not working. After an MRI i found out about the disc. My hand is permently damaged due to the long period of not getting the right treatment. Go insist on an MRI and find out what the problem is. Dont wait. Dont leave it to the quacks that pop your back for dollars. PT or massage may be the answer, maybe not. Dont risk your health to people on this board go see a doctor!

[marissposa]

I say muscle relaxers since your muscles are in a spasm (you'll need a prescription) AND then massage, pt and maybe acupuncture. In the meantime tiger balm or arnica and anti-inflammatories  (ibuprofen)

[richmill1]

massage and pt are the first things to try