Healing Neck Strain?

[Liz66]

Hi Everyone!

I looking for advice on healing a strained neck. I hurt my neck nearly a year ago helping my parents move (I should have stopped helping, but just couldn't). It was excrutiating and has never gone completely away, but it was tolerable. For some reason it has flared up again and I've been really uncomfortable for about a month now. I don't take Motrin daily, but I'll take 600 mg once in a while when I can't stand it any more. It seems like I can't get this thing to go away - and it's kind of in the trapezius area, so I feel it whenever I work out or even run. I got one of those special pillows and sleep with a heating pad, but it's not helping. I'm thinking about just doing the Motrin (lower dose for a longer time to allow for some healing) and maybe toss a massage in for good measure... I'm getting cranky because it's so frustrating!

Anyone have suggestions?

Thanks,
Liz

 

[pixie9]

Liz, because this has been going on for so long, I would consider your problem to be chronic. I think you need to see someone (probably someone who won't throw drugs at you - like a PT). Massage therapy may help you feel better in the short term but its not a long term solution.

HTH
Carolyn

 

[Liann]

Liz - you might consider a trip to a reputable chiropractor. I have a really good one that I am going to at the moment. When I go in, the first thing they do is ultrasound the area that is hurting (breaks up scar tissue I think), then they give me a deep tissue massage followed by some Biofreeze gel (heavenly). Then the chiropractor "adjusts" me - basically cracks and realigns everything. It sounds bad, but with the right chiropractor, it feels wonderful. They might x-ray the area as well to see if you have any other issues that are causing the pain. I tend to get knots in my shoulder/neck area. Massages REALLY help that problem. If I had the money, I would get a massage at least every two weeks. It works wonders!

 

[Liz66]

Hmmmm - things to consider. I've never been to a chiropractor before! I do want to stay away from the drugs - I don't tolerate them well (give me 1/2 of a Tylenol w/codeine and you won't wake me for days!!!!)....

Thanks for the advice!
Liz

 

[pixie9]

Liz, if you go to a chiro, I would make sure you go to a scientifically based one. If they start using words like 'subluxation' and telling you your spine is 'not aligned properly' I would run in the opposite direction!

Carolyn

 

[Liann]

Most chiropractors are going to talk about aligning your spine. When they start talking about curing your colds and other ailments by aligning your spine, then worry. And if they are pushy about coming in a lot and doing "nerve testing" really run. There are a lot of quacks out there. The best way to find a good one is referrals from friends.

 

[pixie9]

"Most chiropractors are going to talk about aligning your spine".

True. But the more scientifically based ones will not say this. I believe they call themselves 'reform' chiros. Also, be careful with certain neck manipulations (called high velocity, cervical manipulations). There is a possibility of stroke. Here's a little article about it, but you could find lots of information about this if you're interested.

www.cmaj.ca/news/11_02_02.shtml

Carolyn