I have been having trouble with my neck. I am thinking about seeing a Chaorpracter. Has anybody here had any luck with Chaopraters?HeynPaul, what kind of neck trouble have you been having? I've been having some problem with spasms,which I never had before, but I don't know whether they're RA related.
Hi! Fiona, The back of my neck is tight, and when I move my neck just right, sometime it sends a jolt down my arms. It feels like an electric current going down my body... maybe a pinched nerve? Paul I've never been to a chiropractor but I do know that the cervical area of the neck can be RA related. Before I was on heavy duty meds, I had trouble turning my neck and I'd sometimes get shooting pains down my arms. It's much better now since I'm on methetrexate and embrel. I've always been afraid to try chiropractic medicine with RA.
Hi Paul---let me tell you I am the expert on neck pain. I have been fighting it for about 3 years. You probably need a proper x-ray and MRI to see if you have any loss of disk height or disk protrusions. The truth is even if you do there is not alot that can be done except to treat the pain and muscle tightness untill the doctor decides you need surgery. Physical therapy is good. But I alway thought that chiropractors were a joke...untill I went with my husband about 2 mos ago and decided to give it a try. I really feel like it helps alot. On my first visit he did xrays of my neck and spine. Then he put me on moist heat and a quick massage to loose the muscles. Then the adjustment which is basically getting your back popped. The main thing the he can do that I cant (or my husband who can pop my back for me) is pop my neck.
If you have never had it done...it is really weird. You can hear it louder b/c your cervical spine is so close to your ears. It sounds way worse than it is. It actually feels good. The first time I went I was a little sore after but I went back 2 days later and now when I go I feel pretty good after.
Just a tip to get you by...try cold packs to the back of your neck. We all tend to go for heat but my PT convinced me to try an ice pack and it is wonderful. I get quick relief from just a few minutes of therapy. Also those little icy-hot patches work wonders when you dont have time to sit with an ice pack. I like the Salon-pas brand, they are cheap and they dont get too hot or irritate the skin.
Good luck-Hi! Crunchy, I am going to see a Orthopedic Dr.on Friday, maybe he will do x-rays and maybe have a catscan done. When I move my neck sometimes I get like a electic shock shooting down my body..I get those nerve shocks through my shoulders to my elbow
sometimes. I also get them with my right wrist. I think
they are entrapped nerves. I hope you get some relief soon.
Let us know what the docs and x-rays say. I will be interested to
hear about it.
Good luck-let us know what you find out.
Arizonare, Your post about the shoulder and wrist shocks sound like me. I had carpal tunnel in my left wrist and impingment of the left shoulder. Had to have surgery for both.
MarisaPaul, I have major neck problems. I've gone to chiropractors before and only got short relief. In Dec I started going to a Gostead chiropractor. I have had great results. They are very gentle. I have two herniated discs in my neck and three in my low back. There is a web site for gonstead chiropractic. I don't know if you have one in your area but the site can help you find one. They need to be certified. We are fortunate to have 2 very good ones in our town. Good Luck. Pat
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