Question:
All of a sudden, I made a sudden move on Friday and I got severe neck pain in the back (lower part of neck/upper part of back). I applied heat Friday nite as it felt like a pulled muscle going into my left shoulder blade. I felt a bit better on Saturday and was able to do yard work. Sat. nite I was awakened with severe pain on both sides. It feels inflamed and extends into my shoulders. I can't even ride in a car as every bump hurts. It is also painful to walk and, of course, to turn my neck. I can't take anti-inflammatory drugs due to intestinal problems.

Does this sound like a disk problem? Any suggestions on what to do?

Answer:

I have the same pain from time to time (the last time was so severe that I passed out.) In my case it is a muscle spasm caused by a structural problem in my neck (it curves forward rather than back.) The spasm then inflames all the ligaments, making the pain that much worse. I also have a bulging disk at C5-6, but that is fairly common and probably doesn't contribute to the pain. The best thing you can do is see your doctor. Heat was a good instinct, and anti-inflammatory drugs would be nice, but your doctor can give you a muscle relaxant or painkiller.

The important thing, as you have discovered, is not to push your luck when your neck starts acting up (no more yard work when you're already in pain!) The doctor may also send you for physical therapy (more heat, massage, and exercise training.) When your neck is better (and it takes some time, at least a week) the physical therapist will give you a regimen of mild exercise to build up the muscles supporting your neck. You will also learn on your own to "listen" to your neck and try to avoid movements you know can set it off. For me that means _never_ stretching in the morning. That can ruin my neck for days. I also have to avoid any cold drafts or cold weather.

I have had similar problems for years, despite regular conditioning through yoga and martial arts (nothing excessive). A few years ago, after a particularily severe episode, My doctor ordered an x-ray of my neck which showed nothing unusual, but the radiologist noted the appearance of bone spurs.

I assume that the bone spurs, often a symptom of osteo-arthritis, occasionally irritate and inflame the tissues surrounding the spinal cord, thus producing pressure on the cord and an extreme form of pain that bears no direct relation to what is perceived. Whether this is your problem or not, the remedy is the same. Rest your neck. A cervical collar can help enforce that. Heat from a heating pad or a hot shower can often provide temporary relief.

Either way, working with your doctor is the best bet. They are often used to hearing whining from patients who don't really need their help. Impress upon your doctor that the pain is real. This type of problem is also often caused by poorly conditioned neck and back muscles that are strained through sharp movements or extended periods of poor posture (how do you sit during those long hours in front of your computer?).

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