Clicky, painful neck

[Tilly2]

For months now I have had problems with my neck. It crunches and clicks when I turn my head and the pain from it radiates down to the trapezium muscles in my shoulder. I just keep taking ibuprofen which helps a bit.

However, yesterday when it was really bad, I bought one of those heat/cold pads which you pop in the microwave and place on the 'affected' part. I have used it for the first time this mornig and I can't believe what a difference it has made. It's like a little miracle!

Has anyone else tried this. I was unsure whether to do hot or cold. Will cold be as effective, do you think?

[Bambiagain]

I've been told to use heat when my neck hurts. I don't think cold is helpful.

[wendilla]

Hi Tilly hope it helps don't know about them. Just popped in to tell you I have my sons staffie for 2 weeks 1 week gone. He has been as good as gold all this week but I think he is getting too settled lol lol he dug a hole in garden but he knows when told off and he is only 15 months .

[Tilly2]

Oh dear. Now you've got to do dog watch!

[Sqad]

Yes, cold should be equally as effective.

[furrypusscat]

I have cervical spondylosis in my neck which radiates down into my shoulders and into the top of my spine. I find cold suits me better but I think it is down to the individual whichever suits best.

[Tilly2]

Thank you everyone. Maybe I should get my neck looked at instead of taking tablets every four hours.

[Kiki-frog]

I use a warm pad at the base of my spine quite often, and it really does help. I can't bring myself to use it cold though.

[cathfromsaron]

it depends on what suits you! physios use heat lamps and cold compresses!

but i would see a chiropractor or osteopath! i have had great results and it turned out my hips were out of alignment too!

cath x

[Tilly2]

Blimey, cath. No point in going to a G.P. then?

[cathfromsaron]

well, GP will recommend xrays and physiotherapy of course!

but after a car accident in 2000 (hit from rear whilst not sitting straight in passenger seat) i was going to have to wait faaaaar too long for diagnosis and treatment, so i went to a chiropractor known to my mum for his opinion, and had fab and inexpensive treatment! (i am in HSA so got half the costs back anyway)

my jaw/neck still clicks occasionally and people can hear it, but the wrost of the neck and sacrum pains have stayed away!

cath x

[Tilly2]

Thank you, cath. I'll have a look around. Will try the G.P. first.

[Eve]

Heat can be great. I get a lot of pain round my shoulderblades and found sitting with a hot water bottle not filled very full and with the air pushed out really helped at work, cushioned as well as provided heat.

I changed jobs and can't sit still long enough to keep it behind my back (up and down to printer and such) properly now which is a shame (use a pillow now) but could do with finding something to keep the heat there, using those heating pads would get too expensive (maybe I should tie a hot water bottle into my bra haha!).

[Tilly2]

Jenna, the heat pad I bought is a reusable one which you pop in the microwave. It then goes in a pocket of fabric which has a velcro 'belt' so it will stay in place. Mine is called Nexcare. I got it from Lloyds Chemist.

[ilovemarkb]

Ive had a dodgey neck for a few years. the only thing that helps me is heat packs or massage, believe me ive tried everything!! facet joint injections, accupunture etc etc It sounds like you may have some degeneration going on! Sadly this comes with age!!
Tilly I bought a pillow quite recently that is fantastic for people that suffer with neck pain. Its a mediflow water pillow (I've been through lots of pillows) and this one is by far the best (£42)

[Tilly2]

That's a pillow to put on the bed, presumably? I'll have a look at those. Thank you .

[ilovemarkb]

Yes!! it supports my neck and head superbly!! Believe it or not... I actually had a breast reduction done 7 years ago because I (and the doc) thought they were the cause of my neck and shoulder pain! drastic measures!

[Scarlett]

Heat helps to relax tight and spasming muscles temporarily but a good massage will sort them out for longer! I recommend this- get them to be brutal with you! Also neck problems are often caused by PC position and staying in one place too long. Look at your posture and make sure you aren't stiffening up because you are only looking in one direction etc.