Neck Pain

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-19-2003
Neck Pain
11
Wed, 05-04-2005 - 5:22pm

Oh knowledgeable ladies with RA... I have a question.

I know RA can pretty much affect every joint we have. I've just never really had problems with my neck/upper back. It feels like I've been sleeping wrong and I can never get comfortable. At first I thought it was stress related but now I'm not so sure. I had a great massage a couple of week ago and it didn't help a bit.

It feels like the lower back of my neck down in between my shoulder blades is really tight. Kinda like if someone poked it with a needle a bunch of steam would just release. Doesn't that sound like stress? But I'm not stressed at all. No comments from the peanut gallery regarding Patrick!!!!

Any insight is appreciated. Any suggestions on pillows to help would be great too.

Smiles, Jen







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iVillage Member
Registered: 11-03-2003
In reply to: luv_2_smile
Wed, 05-04-2005 - 6:03pm

Jen, the tightness in your neck and down to between your shoulder blades doesn't sound like RA to me.

Molly

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-01-2005
In reply to: luv_2_smile
Wed, 05-04-2005 - 6:57pm

Dear Jen,

I have this problem and it hurts up into my neck. I do sleep on a Tempur-Pedic pillow. I think it does help me. I also use the rice bag before bed. A Therma Care patch might help release the tightness too. and .... uh oh, you know it is coming, a final decision on Patrick would help also.

Love,
Vicki

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
In reply to: luv_2_smile
Wed, 05-04-2005 - 8:34pm

Jen - I've had problems with my neck on and off for so darn long. Sometimes it's really bad where I need to wear my long ricebag around my neck until it goes away. One thing my rheumy told me a few appointments back is that there's a bone in the back of your neck that can be affected by RA, and over time, you can actually lose the ability to hold your head up! Now that's a pretty scary thought. She wanted me to get an x-ray, but I never followed through because it stopped hurting. It could most certainly be caused by stress, which I can attest to (my husband calls me the human stressball, lol!) Other than my trusty rice bag, if it's really bad I bring out the big guns, either Darvocet or Vicodin. I hope you start feeling better soon, now that tax season is over!

Barb

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
In reply to: luv_2_smile
Thu, 05-05-2005 - 7:59pm

Jen,

Over the years I've had similar pain to what you have described. I bought one of those obus-forme pillows...the kind that has kind of a U shape in it (from Costco), and that really helped me sleep, although it took a few nights to get used to.

I asked my rhuemy about it (neck pain) years ago, and he said only the top and bottom 3 or so vert. can be affected by RA. Now I ask...if one can...why not the rest???

I also support getting a nice hour long massage at least once a month, and acupuncture as needed. I started acupuncture 3x a week for about 3 months, now just go for "tune ups".
I also love reiki, its just so relaxing and spiritual.

Thats all I know...
Holly

Avatar for dfyrabnd
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
In reply to: luv_2_smile
Fri, 05-06-2005 - 3:11am
Jen, I've had the neck problems too and found the most soothing thing for it was the good ole' rice sock heated for 2 minutes in the microwave and hung around my neck. It feels wonderful. Hope you find the answer here, what the heck...try everything! Diane
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-19-2003
In reply to: luv_2_smile
Fri, 05-06-2005 - 12:48pm

Thanks everyone for taking the time to make me feel not so alone. The last two days my neck has gotten worse. I've been using a rice bag at night but it doesn't seem to help. It just makes me feel stiff when I take it off.

I also work on a laptop and have been for the past year (which until yesterday I never thought about). I've just asked to get my desk setup with something that will bring my screen up so I don't have to look down and a regular keyboard which will hopefully help my hands and elbows. I tend to lean on my elbows right now and they are always inflamed. I guess I never asked before because I didn't want to let on that my RA might get the best of me. I mean everyone else here works fine on a laptop, why can't I?

I have a rhemy appt in a few weeks. I don't want to call before because all she will do is pump me full of more drugs. I have pain pills if it gets too bad but I have a BIG weekend ahead. I can't feel like $h!t.

Ok, I'm done with my woes me little pitty party. You guys are the best. I don't know what I would do without you all hear to listen.

Smiles, Jen







iVillage Member
Registered: 05-01-2005
In reply to: luv_2_smile
Fri, 05-06-2005 - 2:20pm

Jen, you might have HR set you up so that everything is ergonomically (sp?) correct. Maybe you need a better chair. My dd did that at her last job and it really helped with the neck and back pain.

Hugs, Vicki

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-19-2003
In reply to: luv_2_smile
Fri, 05-06-2005 - 2:36pm

Hey Vicki,

Thats exactly what I'm doing. I'm gonna start by just raising my screen so I'm not always looking down and then I'll see how my chair is.

I know this is the kind of stuff companies don't worry about doing but I always feel like such the winer when I have to ask for modifications. When I finally did talk to HR yesterday she was all over it and said the last thing she wanted was a workers comp claim!!! I've already asked for a new keyboard... don't know if I should push my luck with a better mouse too!!!

Smiles, Jen







iVillage Member
Registered: 11-03-2003
In reply to: luv_2_smile
Mon, 05-09-2005 - 2:22pm
Jen, your company should bend over backwards to accommodate you.

Molly

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-04-2005
In reply to: luv_2_smile
Tue, 05-10-2005 - 10:03pm

Holly, what is a rice pad? rice bag? I know. lol such a newbie question but i have no idea. Also, i would love to know more about acupuncture. i am seriously considering it. Do you recommend it? anyone else?

thanks
layne

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