My Poor Mother

[Misky]

My mam is 80 and she went to the see the doctor because she can't move her head/neck to look left, right or up. If she tries, the pain that is apparently always there behind her ear and down to her neck, gets worse and it doesn't work anyway. The doctor told her it's because she's getting on a bit and there's nothing she can do except take painkillers and try that gel (which she doesn't like to do because it gets into her hair, and it hurts to wash her hair). Has anyone on here had any experience of this pain or know anyone who has, or can suggest anything for her to try? Bless her, it's really getting her down - it's been getting worse over the last few months.

[BagPussAA]

It could well be arthritis in which case, there is little that can be done apart from painkillers although my mum uses Kinetic tape on hers and it works wonders. She gets it in the same place as your mum, behind her ear and down her neck. She also finds that heat patches work really well in an evening before bed.

[Misky]

Thanks BagPuss - I've just googled that tape and was surprised at first that I was directed to Screwfix and B&Q, but I've found what you mean. I'll get some and hopefully it'll work wonders for my mam too. I think she has trouble keeping the heat patches on. Thanks for your answer.

[Sqad]

I agree with BagpusAA...wear and tear......painkillers e.g ibuprofen is the only answer.
Kinetic Tape?.....never heard of it.

[Tilly2]

Could your mum wear a shower cap and rub some of the gel into the back of her neck? It soon soaks in and would not mess her hair up when she removes the shower cap.

[10ClarionSt]

It could be Torticollis, or wry neck, Misky. My wife had this. Similar symptoms. See here. She was advised to use strong painkillers. Cleared after a couple of painful weeks.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torticollis

[elliemay1]

https://www.wikihow.com/Use-Kinesio-Tapes-to-Relieve-Neck-Pain

[Misky]

Thanks all. I think she's had it for too long for it to be that torticollis. She can't take strong painkillers - they knock her for six. I'll see if the showercap solution works Tilly, thanks for the tip. And I'll get some of that tape to try.

[jakep]

If there are funds available, a visit to a good osteopath or physiotherapist could be useful. They may be able to help with light exercises.

[Misky1]

I thought of a physio, but she 's scared in case they do that thing where they click your neck to the side. It made her faint many years ago! Thanks though Jake.

[tinkerbell23]

Have a look at Bowen Therapy.....very gentle xx

[Misky1]

Bowen therapy looks nice Tinkerbell, thank you x

[jakep]

Just to say, I’d never heard of Bowen therapy until tinker bell mentioned it. I saw a Bowen therapist yesterday.
I am already moving more freely.
My main pain spot is,however, temporarily worse.
I found the therapy and therapist very interesting and have booked to go again.
Thank you