Cervical disc replacement

[Wolfie01]

Hi, in June 2009 I had C5/C6 disc replacement, due to a bulging disc - problems occurring before the operation included spasms running up either side of my neck causing stiffness in my neck.  After the operation I felt fine for a few days, then the symptoms returned only this time with pins and needles in my shoulders.  Five months to the day I went back into hospital for C4/C5 discs to be removed (as this disc had slipped since the first operation).  Since the operation, the spasms have stopped but the stiffness in my neck is awful.  If I have a rush of adrenaline my neck goes stiff, if I try to do any exercises, my neck goes stiff and no massage/exercise seems to relieve the muscles.  I've just been signed off by the NHS physio as there was nothing else she could do.  I'm not allowed to take muscle relaxants due to other medical problems and am at my wits end.  Has anyone else had these problems since the operation

[Wolfie01]

I've been taking mefanamic acid which caused anaemia and stomach problems.  Before that I was taking methocarbamol, but was advised not to take this anymore as it didn't really make any difference.  I'm now on amitriptyline one each evening which makes me drousy.  It helps me sleep on an evening, but doesn't make any different during the day.  

My doctor hasn't suggested anything else - do you know of any that relax the muscles as a side effect?

[SageRave]

I haven't had you specific problem, but which muscle relaxants are you not able to take?

Has your doctor suggested using medications that relax muscles as a "side effect"?