Neck And Shoulder Pain

[DEESMITH1970]

Since May I have had awful upper back / neck pain from my 5th and 6th vertebrae. Osteopath said I have poor posture, not made easier by sitting at a pc for 8 hours a day at work. My spine feels so tight and seems to extend down to the rest of the spine as the day goes on. Upon waking in the mornings the stiffness if worse, my neck feels so tight and makes cracking noises. I have tried high pillows, low soft pillows, no pillows, nothing makes it easier. Apart from keep popping painkillers / ibuprofen rub. Anybody have any other suggestions it is getting me down now. Exercise makes it a whole lot worse as well.

[Sqad]

This story is typical of cervical spondylosis, a wear and tear type of problem often brought about by abnormal and persistent bad posture during working hours.

You seem to have tried all the simple therapeutic measures and also a degree of occupational therapy.
If your pain is intractable or you are getting pins and needles down your arms with or without some weakness in your muscles, then your only option may well be surgery.
However you will need to see an orthopaedic surgeon and have MRI scan on your cervical spine to assess the situation and confirm the diagnosis.

Not the answer you wanted I guess......good luck.

[DEESMITH1970]

Sqad I do get pins and needles in my arms, mainly in the night. It is the weakness and shakiness of my back that is starting to concern me a bit now. Thanks for our reply.

[woofgang]

Have you spoken to your occupational health department? If any of the injury or exacerbation is work related then they have a legal duty to assess your work circs to minimise any bad effects they have on your health.

[DEESMITH1970]

woofgang.......I own the business !

[woofgang]

Then my advice still stands but you need to get it differently. What posture correction advice has your osteopath given you? Have you seen a physiotherapist? Do you take regular breaks from the sitting at the computer, has anyone ever assessed your chair/desk? Even surgery won't help if you don't correct your every day posture and regime.

[Buenchico]

Worth a read:
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/ck1.pdf

[DEESMITH1970]

Woofgang. Unfortunately I do not take frequent breaks - most of the time not even a lunch break just sit at my desk eating. I tried one of the Orthopedic chairs that you rest on with your knees, but this was awful, legs just go numb instead! Apparently I slouch.. and have been told by Osteo to sit up straight imagine myself being drawn from the head upwards by string (easier said than done). Buenchico... very informative. I am definite the 3rd X on page 7. Slouch forward to screen, AND ALWAYS keep my right hand on the mouse, causing arm to tense and neck to become stiff. Thanks for the advice.

[jennyjoan]

Hi Dee - I worked in the Civil Service and we got computers in 1983 - we were always told to take every now and again 15 min breaks - I never did but when tired I would have - you need to take the breaks.

[woofgang]

DEE, its up to you but you get one body and nobody can take care of it except you......

[DEESMITH1970]

Thank you. Better night sleep last night tried 1 natural down pillow to go with the rest of my collection of pillows!