Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Neck Pain

Hi everyone,

I must apolgise for not posting for ages, but I do read when I can! Work, Life and my children have been keeping me busy this year!

I've been suffering neck pain (at the back) for many months now. Its not something I've seen the Dr about yet though. I wonder if its just strain, or if my neck is becoming involved now.
Sometimes if I bend forwards, I feel a sharp brief pain at the back of my neck, then its gone. Its clicking and cracking an awful lot, and is generally achy, a bit stiff and tense, and doesnt feel right when lying down on my back.
I feel a bit dizzy now and again when its at its worst, and the pain sometimes travels to a shoulder.

Do you experience this or does it sound familar? And what benefits you?

Many thanks

A

Hi Amber,
Funny you should bring this up as I just went through a series of MRI's to see about the progression of my AS. I have had things progress up from the low back over the last 10 years and the neck has really been an issue the last 5 years, have to break things loose every morning so I can move. Don't put off having your doc check things out. Chances are if you have been experiencing problems for more than a month, it's not a strain but may be AS related. The good new is if you are not experiencing constant pain down the arms with numbness, you should still be in good shape and your doc needs to know so he can treat things accordingly, so you can stop the progression to any permanent nerve damage. A word to the wise, DON'T put this off. Let us know how things turn out. Call your doc today
Cindy

My advice is to get medical help now for the neck. Do not let this go.

I began having severe neck pain about 3 years ago. I could not move my neck side-to-side or up and down at all. My GP diagnosed it as torticollis (often called wry neck), prescribed muscle relaxers, application of heat, and physical therapy. The drugs only helped a little, the heat dulled the pain, and the physical therapy restored some of the neck movement (but not without a lot pain). I learned that the only way I could get my neck to move after sleep was to apply hot water in the shower. I lived that way for 3 years.

Earlier this year, I noticed that my joints and muscles were extrememly painful after being told not to take NSAIDS ever again (it is a long story but short story is that I had a kidney removed and NSIADS will slowly damage the remaining kidney). I finally found a rheumatologist who immediately diagnosed me with AS. He is convinced that the neck problems are related to AS. In fact, the x-rays show cervical C5-C6 fused.

Of all my joint and muscle issues, I consider my neck to be the worst. I let this neck problem go too long and now only extensive physical therapy returns me to limited movement. Driving is very difficult and trying to converse with others is a challenge. I am forced to position the car in order to see on-coming traffic before turning and must sit in a strategic location (corner) to talk with everyone in the room.

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Driving is very difficult and trying to converse with others is a challenge. I am forced to position the car in order to see on-coming traffic before turning and must sit in a strategic location (corner) to talk with everyone in the room.

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I have this very same situation. My neck has bothered me for a long time ( I don't remember how long), but after a whiplash injury a year ago, it's much worse now. I'm fused at C2,C3, but I don't know if that happened as a result of the injury or if it was already fused.

I also say go and see a dr. about it now. It can't hurt, and may help. I haven't found a dr. that says they can do anything for me. I tried physical therapy and it only made it worse. Now with massages every couple of weeks, I can function, sort of.

The popping and grinding seems to be a pretty normal occurace of AS. Good luck, I hope you find someone to help you.

That sounds awful Amber. Personally, I would feel pretty worried about the dizziness and agree with others that you should go and get it looked at. It's all to easy to keep putting it off, I know.

I hope you get relief soon

Maggie

Hi Amber
I am so glad you posted this as I am having the same sort of trouble. I have a very painful neck on the left side which is making driving harder all the time, I have pain to my shoulder and pins and needles in my left hand. I am also experiencing a lot of dizziness. I put all these things down to different causes but now think it must be part of the AS so will have to see my doctor about it when I go next month.
Best of luck with yours
Di

Hi everyone,
Thanks for all the replies. From your stories, it sounds like I should speak to my Dr about this during my next appointment. I have put it off, since I try and attribute it to something else that may have happened at the time, ie, sleeping in a funny position, or having too many/not enough pillows!

Someone mentioned the numbness, I do get that occasionally in my forearms mostly, occasionally down to the fingers. I also notice this when I raise my hands above my head frequently.

Thanks again for your help

A

Amber,

Sounds very familar! See if there's anything that's irritating it computer's lifting shopping kids etc.....Does it respond to anti-inflammatories and get worse when you stop them....stress as well is not the best thing as muscles tighten and irritate things further.

I can't use ice gets much much worse but heat esp Tiger Balm help alot!

Necks can be nightmares btter to get them under control ASAP!

Hope it gets better!

David

For really bad neck pain, i'll use an ice pack (tonight for sure!). Then heat, and rotate ice to heat. Hot showers, sauna, pool, gentle stretching, and yoga work too- but not always.

Hiya,

I wish I could ice but it sets the nerves of big time......like the most sensitive teeth you ever dreamed of.....

david