I have had a pain in my neck for the last 4 days. Started upper back of neck and gone down across both shoulders and to upper arms. My neck is stiff and i am struggling to get comfy cant sleep. Not sure if its just normal neck pain, nerve pain or something to do with cfs? Have not slept funny or injured it cos it came out of the blue. Anyone else had this?
Hi there that sounds rough, I get alot of neck and shoulder pain with migraines but if it's a new pain id check with a doctor . Any headache ?
Yes its a new pain. Just had a hot bath which has relieved it a bit. Been to doc but only got to see the nurse who sent me to chemist for cocodamol! They dont seem to do anything. Was not looking forward to xmas with all the tiredness now this on top. Just hope it goes away as quick as it came. Not had a migraine for a long while now but did notice aura (? the spotting or floating in the eyes? not sure what its called) the other day.
I have this most of the time and at the moment is especially bad. But apart from ME and fibromyalgia I have cervical spondylosis. I also ripped a ligament or tendon in my arm resulting in a frozen shoulder for two years a few years ago. I have to sleep semi upright . Can't be flat. When I slip down bed it wakes me in agony, pins and needles and numbness. Other morning was dreadful all down right side from head to toe and finger tips. Could barely move my head.
I have no idea why you having his pain in your neck and shoulders . you may have pulled/strained without realising it. Even the way you have been sitting. It is hard to have good posture when in constant pain. I have terrible posture I admit ! Have you done any activity that good have caused strain or injury?
Something I will add is to gently move your neck don't force it. Try applying some local heat. I use a hot water bottle all the day time day and night for my pain all over my body. I don't tolerate pain meds. If you are OK with them and they don't interact with any other drugs you may be on, try some and anti nflammatories like ibuprofen. Do you have any other symptoms like dizziness, nausea, headache ? Neck pain is common and often resolves itself. It can also be associated with various medical conditions .
If it persists would be a good idea to get it checked out by a doctor. Especially if you have any other symptoms.
Take care
Sorry missed your post . this post. I see you have already seen Dr. If you have got some anti inflammatories they might be more effective .
Also had Epsom salts in bath helps a little with pain. Some find it very it very helpful .
Thank you for your comments will try them all. X
Hi.. i would say thats pretty classic for ME i get it when my symptoms are bad. Its also a common pain with POTS too which often goes hand in hand with ME. Only thing ive found that helps is a heat pad. You can buy one specially for that are, covers neck upper back and shoulders. Like said above always best to get checked out with doctor. Ive spoken to many people with ME and a good 60% seem to be effected with it, Its often called *coat hanger pain* as thats the area it covers. It is thought to be nerve related but they really dont know what causes it. It comes and goes.
Thanks for your reply. Not heard coat hanger pain before but yes that is the area! X
I have never heard the term coat hanger pain!
Dont think its used much when talking about ME but ask someone who also has POTS and they will know what you mean. Seem it used on forums and in literature quite often.
I have the same symptoms for over a year. What I come to realize is when I sleep, the muscles in the neck and shoulders tend to tense up maybe due to inflammation.
What has helped me is rubbing peppermint oil on the neck and massage it real good to loosen the muscles.
Your scalp near the neck might feel a little tender too. I hope you do get some relief from the pain.
I understand now . it pertains to the trapezius muscle which is referred to as the coat hanger. So figures.