Pain in the neck

[glo]

I have had neck pain for 5 days. I cannot think of having done anything in particular which might have caused it - no accident or sudden movement or sudden onset. I first noticed it during the night from Saturday to Sunday, but thought little of it. It seemed to pass during the day, but reoccur at night. And it has been getting increasingly painful since then.

I have taken painkillers - first Paracetamol (500mg) alternated with Ibuprofen (200mg).

Yesterday the pain got so bad even during the day that those painkillers didn't do a thing, so I decided to try something stronger.
I took Diclofenac (50mg) - which I have always considered something of a miracle cure when I've had muscular pain - but that didn't seem to have any effect.
Took Co-codamol (8mg/500mg) before going to bed (which I NEVER take!). It helped me sleep, but I am awake again after 6 hours, and the pain is back!

The pain is at the very base of my skull, where the spine meets the skull. That area is very tender to touch. I can just about move my head forwards and backwards, if I am careful. Lateral movements are much more difficult and painful.
No radiating pain into my arms or any sensory loss.
No aversion to bright lights or any rashes.

I am guessing it is a musculoskeletal problem which will pass over time. I will go to the GP today.

Any thoughts and suggestions?

[ardianto]

Sometime I felt pain in my neck. But usually because wrong position when sleeping, and light massage could heal it.

However, maybe your case is different. I don't have thought or suggestion, but, may Allah heal your pain.

[glo]

I have to say that after getting up the pain got much better.

I got up and prayed, and then sat at the computer for a while. I could feel the pain easing, and then went back to sleep for a while on the sofa (without a pillow).
Now I have woken up again, I feel virtually pain-free! And without any further pain medication (the last I took was before going to bed, and that had worn off ...)

I am still a bit cautious, but I feel soooo much better! Praise be to God.

[MustafaMc]

Alhamduli Allah, I am glad you are better.

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[glo]

This morning was amazing. At 4.30 I had woken up with pain and was convinced that I would be unable to go to work, or that I would have to ask my husband to drive me as I was unable to move my head.

Three hours later I was on my bicycle, cycling to work!

Sadly, as the day has worn on, my pain has returned. Hoping and praying that I will sleep well.

[GuestFellow]

What did your GP say?

[Musaafirah]

Go to the GP!

Neck pain is such a non specific symptom that it is definitely necessary to go and see one.
I had the same problem and boy does it kill. I was taking pain killers and so on, thinking the pain would ease, but after a week, I gave up and went to see a GP. When I got there, I found out I had a chest infection on the right side of my chest, so the left side of my neck compensated!
Completed a course of antibiotics and hey presto! All is well!

[IslamicRevival]

I hope you are in the best of health Glo. A visit to the GP is probably your best option, especially if pain keeps re occurin. Better to be safe then sorry

[Snowflake]

Go to the doctor Glo. It's 5 days now since the pain started so it needs to be checked out. I hope it's nothing God willing and may Allah grant you a speedy recovery. Ameen.

[dysphoricrocker]

I second everyone, visit the doctor. It may not cure you instantly, but at least i suppose the doctor can tell you whats wrong.

May Allah ease your pain.

[patientgrace]

You sound like me! For the past 2-3 days I have had like a crick in my neck! I could not turn my head and just the attempt to do so would be so painful...

This is what I did to help with my pain. I took 2 advil/ ibuprofen. I also massaged a blend of eucalyptus oil/olive oil on my neck. That seemed to help a little.

When I got home and after I put my daughter to bed, I took a long hot soak in the bathtub. When I got out, I too another dose of advil and rubbed bengay on my neck and shoulder area... It has seemed to help.. I am not sure if it was just so much tension/pressure built up.. but thankfully it is going away.

I would suggest in your situation to go the doctor since it has been 5 days. I am praying for you and hope that it is nothing serious and nothing that a long hot bubble bath wont fix.
:nervous:

[glo]

What did your GP say?

I never went, because I was feeling better ... :embarrass

Go to the GP!

Go to the doctor Glo.

I second everyone, visit the doctor.
May Allah ease your pain.

Thank you all, guys. I see a pattern of advice emerging here ... :)
Again, I am better this morning, so I will wait a little bit longer.
I have a good friend and colleague who suffers with chronic pain and who has reassured me a little.

May Allah ease your pain.

Amen

[Snowflake]

Glo, you're just like me! But we only have one neck and our head is stuck on it lol so don't wait to see the doctor if the pain comes back again.

Btw, do you own a cat Glo? :giggling:

[glo]

LOL, Snowflake. No, I don't have a cat. Just a husband ... ;D

[ardianto]

Change your pillow into healthy pillow maybe?

[Scimitar]

Try this (I used to do this after martial arts lessons to sort my head, neck and back out and it works wonders - taught to me by a bone specialist)

Lay down on the floor on your front, with your forehead and nose lying flat to the floor. Toes pointing out and legs together. Arms by your sides, relax - 15 mins minimum a day. It works wonders for me and just wanted to share...

...insha-Allah, you will be fine. (I do advise going to see a Dr too)

Scimi

[glo]

Change your pillow into healthy pillow maybe?

Try this (I used to do this after martial arts lessons to sort my head, neck and back out and it works wonders - taught to me by a bone specialist)

Lay down on the floor on your front, with your forehead and nose lying flat to the floor. Toes pointing out and legs together. Arms by your sides, relax - 15 mins minimum a day. It works wonders for me and just wanted to share...

...insha-Allah, you will be fine. (I do advise going to see a Dr too)

Scimi

Thank you for the advice. :)

One thing this whole episode has taught me is to be grateful.

Today is the first day I have been totally pain-free (and it is 5 PM, so I am doing well!)
Throughout the day there have been moments when I have stopped and realised that I was feeling no pain, and taken a moment to enjoy it and thank God for it.

It's so easy to take our health and other blessings for granted.
At least this episode has taught me a little lesson! If I hadn't had such excruciating pain I would now not appreciate being pain-free.