Neck pain - Help

[Rosebudxx21xx]

Hi there, am looking for some advice, am a femal, early 50's and generally good health - however I have been in considerable pain with my neck for over 8 months and paid privately to have an MRI scan. The results were that I had worn discs C4, C5, C6 and C7 - which gives constant pain in that area on my left (right if you were facing me) and has been suggested it is due to a Nerve but this was not visible on the MRI scan. This pain keeps me awake at night and can find no way of sitting/standing/laying that makes it comfortable. At the same time my eyesight has been worsening at an increasing rate, needing a change of prescription nearly every 7 to 8 weeks. Am taking (as prescribed by GP) Ibuprofen and Solpadol to manage the pain.

I suppose my question really is, is it possible that the two issues could be related, and is there anything else I should be doing to try and rectifiy the situation. Am on a waiting list to see an eye specialist and have been referred by my optician. Have tried acupuncture and chiro practice but nothing seems to work. Any advice you can give would be gratefully recieved, even if it gives me some new ideas to try or perhaps provides some further information I can research or have tested...

Thanks in advance.

Rosebud

[Rosebudxx21xx]

thank you for your reply im trying to get to get as much advice as possible im sorry the nerve block did not work for you but i wish you all the best in finding some pain relief soon thanks again

[Rosebudxx21xx]

hi angel thank you for your reply it sounds like it worked for you hopefully it will work for me i have to wait about 3 months for the injection as im on the nhs hope to have the feeling back in my fingers and be pain free again my problems are disc prolapse at c6/c7 thanks again and good luck with your health problems

[fosstang]

I just had nerve root block done on 11/24/08 and it was a bit painful - feels like a BAD sunburn.  I can't say yet that I have gotten any relief from having this done, but not to say it won't help others!  I had ACDF surgery done on c4-c7 in May this year.  Still fighting pain and discomfort and not full mobility and limited very much on what I can do.
You just have to check things out - get all the info you can - and do what is best for you!  :)

[angel186]

Have herniated disc at c6/7 and had nerve root block done mid August this year. So far have had a great result and have experienced only intermitent twinges of pain. Am told they last at least 3 months before they begin to wear off. So far as I said, so good ,still in good shape. The process was not totally pain free, but I would say you experience 'discomfort' rather than actual pain'. Long ( but very fine needles )are inserted into the neck after some local anaesthetic and you are given sedation also. Next day neck was quite sore and a bit stiff, but after that, as I said, very little pain. I will definately have it done again if need be. Good luck.

[Rosebudxx21xx]

hi can any one give me some advice on nerve block lnjections to the c7 disc area are they painfull to have done and do they work and how long do the result last many thanks

[Rosebudxx21xx]

thanks for the infomation seeing consultant on the 4 12 08 so hopefully can get sorted thanks

[richmill1]

you might consider fusion surgery...it helps most people..pretty routine

[gorbybelle]

I suffer a lot of neck pain and have noticed that if I strain my eyes for too long ie;reading very small print,  my neck pain gets worse!  May'be there is a connection with the nerves or muscles.  I will say that since I had cortisone injections into my 'upper-shoulder muscles' my neck pains aren't so severe and my eyes seem to focus easier! I don't know if it is just coincidence!  I have found a few things that seem to have helped with my neck pain- after warming my neck in a bath or shower I massage essential oils into my neck and shoulders ie;rosemary, lavender etc; then I wrap a warm towel around my neck and get quite a bit of relief I will say the longer I have used this method the more beneficial its become.  I have bought a memory foam mattress - for a very reasonable price {thanks to internet],  which after a bit of getting used to,  does help me to not lie in any awkward positions.  I now sleep with one pillow this was advised by a number of professional people.  I have had upper-back / neck pain for three years and have found that trying not to become anxious about the pain - easier said than done- is one of the best ways to help.  I too tried chiropractice and  acupuncture.  I do find massage by a qualified sports injury masseuse helps. I have that done when things feel like they are 'tightening-up'. The most relief came from the injections though.  Wishing you all the best and hope I might have helped even if just a little.  Take-care. Gorbybelle