Painful trapped nerve at back of neck.

I really do sympathize I know what it is to suffer from pain down the face neck and leg.
GP told me I had a classic neck injury with damaged nerves, this was due to taking classes in palates or yoga. Never did find out which one caused the problem. I have to be very careful. 3 years later I still have damaged nerves down my face.
Last year I had Plantar fasciitis, A&E said it was caused by an exercise I was told to do by a Physio. Because the pain in your foot is so bad you walk in a different way and this in turn created a trapped nerve in my leg. This went on for 5 months. I thought the trapped nerve could be because of how I was walking and it was. I started to straighten my walking and within days the pain had gone in my leg.
When you have had these type of problems you really appreciate life when you get over the problem.
Like most people say you must go to see the GP and they will advice the best thing to do.

Hetty58

I'd have an MRI to find out exactly what the problem was - before I'd let any physio etc. even touch it.

Well good luck with that. I've been going through this since December, just waiting for my second MRI scan and no nearer finding out the cause yet. I have an appt at the end of April in a better clinic, just hoping they can diagnose something.

I'd have an MRI to find out exactly what the problem was - before I'd let any physio etc. even touch it.

I saw a physio for this condition. Worked for me.

Another vote here for a Physio. My DH had pain in his shoulder and couldn’t raise his arm very far. He saw the GP and she said it was arthritis and to take painkillers. I persuaded him to see a Physio and after the first visit she diagnosed a frozen shoulder (there was a proper name but I’ve forgotten it). She gave him exercises and he saw her a week later. She wrote to the GP recommending an injection - he had to have an x ray first then the injection, it was done very quickly but it was before COVID. The physio said it usually gets better after about 12-18 months and she was right.

A GP should at least order an x-ray and that would show if the problem was arthritic. That would not take months.

Charleygirl5 You need a diagnosis before embarking on treatment.
I've already said a diagnosis could take months. In theory you want a diagnosis first but in practice it might take too long. Your doctor is unlikely to give a diagnosis, they will just refer you.

You need a diagnosis before embarking on treatment. If you have not had an accident it is probably osteoarthritis but you need an x-ray for confirmation.

Taking pain killers long term is not a good idea but a short and sharp course that does the trick should be fine but try to steer clear of Paracetamol.

Sounds the same as me, mine is arthritis, especially the headache that is worse laying down. Physio has worked very well for me. Before I had my appointment I used YouTube and found exercises for cervicogenic headaches.

We can refer ourselves to physios now without going through the doctor. I did this a couple of years ago, successfully.
It's worth a try.

A good physio will help you immediately unless there is something more serious underlying your pain - GP will help you there. My physio is also a qualified acupuncture practitioner. Acupuncture is amazing! Hope you’re feeling better soon.

Sorry it was a chiropractor ?

Luckygirl3

By the way I agree that you should not see anyone else, especially not alternative practitioner, until you have seen your GP and got a proper diagnosis. Pain and weakness in your arms needs checking out by a qualified medic before you let any0ne loose on it.

I'm afraid that a proper diagnosis might be months away. I have been waiting ages for a diagnosis of pelvic and leg pain. The doctor will simply refer you for tests and if they don't show anything up immediately then more tests. I haven't actually spoken to a consultant or had a physical examination since I was referred last December. The doctor doesn't actually do anything except refer you.

Thanks everyone.
Lots to think about.
I slept a bit better last night as I dosed up on ibuprofen biut I can feel it starting up again.
Only two days till doc. Appointment.
So maybe that'll get the ball rolling.

So sorry neck pain is terrible. I’m sat here with another headache caused by arthritis in my neck. I’d go for physio too. I had treatment years ago with an osteopath, caused me to be extremely dizzy, and had to stay in bed three days.
I use deep relief with ibuprofen and levonmenthol purple tube, on mine plus paracetamol and ibuprofen. Good luck hope you feel better soon .

Snoberry DH had the same problem and the GP was totally useless and just recommended patracetamol.

After 6 weeks we paid to see a consultant, who immediately recommended Gabapentin, whuch the GP prescribed, which worked despite side effects and after an MRI scan it was found that his top vertebrae were crumbling and that was why his nerve was trapped and the eventual treatment was three massive steroid injections.

That was nearly 10 years ago and no trouble since.

By the way I agree that you should not see anyone else, especially not alternative practitioner, until you have seen your GP and got a proper diagnosis. Pain and weakness in your arms needs checking out by a qualified medic before you let any0ne loose on it.

I too am wary of strong painkillers - but just now I have no choice - two slipped discs and without them I cannot walk. I have an opiate patch topped up with paracetamol - I am desperate to get off it. Seeing consultant this morning.

I am so sorry you are in such dreadful pain snowberryZ - there is nothing worse than nerve pain. Sleep is so important - I hope you get to see your GP soon and get some relief.

You need to see your GP first to find the cause before getting treatment.
I think you should have gone sooner.

rub 'ibuprofen clear gel' into your neck.. that done it for me.. .also sit up straight gently straightening neck to release trapped nerve. and massage with fingers.

I am very wary of strong painkillers as i get older.....

That must be so painful ☹️
You could try alternating between ice packs and heat pads to try to reduce the inflammation too. I have a very painful neck from time to time so can empathise.

Allegretto

Sorry - Libman!

?x

Please talk to your GP first and find out what they can offer. If nothing helpful then I agree with others, opt for a physio as a next step. I’ve been treated very successfully by an osteopath in the past but wouldn’t access one as a first step with a new problem. In my experience an experienced physio has more tools in the toolbox. Good luck with it, I do know how debilitating that type of pain can be.

Ask your GP for Pregabalin which helps with nerve pain and helps you sleep. There is also Amitriptyline but it knocks me senseless all the next day and I hate it. I fall asleep as soon as I sit down, can't cope with it at all.

But I would see a physio because pain killers are not going to solve the problem and neck pain can be dangerous I think.

Thanks so much everyone.
I'm going to dose myself up with ibuprofen tonight and try and get a good night's sleep.
I hate taking too many painkillers as I heard they're bad for the kidneys.
But needs must! I'm desperate to have a pain-free night.