need help with my neck pain

[bethj]

I have a little arthritis in my neck-not bad. But I seem to keep getting recurrent neck spasms if I do any weight lifting, ab crunches (with neck supported even) or high intensity cardio. Its really interfering with just trying to keep a basic level of fitness going. I'm doing weekly massage therapy which helps get me over the spasm, but it will just recur again. I just wondered if anyone has had this problem and what did you do about it? I hate taking advil type meds and they don't work well anyway for this. Nor does a muscle relaxer.
Help!
Beth

 

[Sandi S]

I suffered with neck spasms so I can understand how miserable they are to deal with. A visit to my doctor to get the correct meds and physical therapy helped me. I suffered from episodes of neck spasms twice. The first time I was given an Advil type medicine & muscle relaxers which didn't help at all. I put off going to the doc with the second episode which was a mistake (I have permanent nerve damage now). I finally went with the second episode and was given a different medication. I felt much better within a day or two. One thing that I was doing was shrugging my shoulders up when I was lifting so keep them down & back. If you don't shrug your shoulders up, you lessen the chance of pinching the nerves in your neck which can cause neck spasms. I hope you feel better quickly.

Sandi

 

[RunninTeach]

Are you going to a chiro? I am finding the adjustments make a difference w/ my neck and back pain. I am also doing moist heat daily as per her recommendation.

~Cathy http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/mesg/emoticons7/4.gif

"Man who runs behind car gets exhausted. Man who runs in front of car gets tired." -Source unknown

 

[ivorygorgon]

I recommend a regular yoga practice. I have a herniated disc in my back and I started Bikram's yoga about three or 4 weeks ago. I have seen a huge change not only in back pain, but in other areas of my body too. Also, it has helped my general fitness level, although it does mean fewer Cathe workouts

Just a thought.

 

[RunnerGirl]

My sister is having this problem and she is seeing a physical therapist. She sent her home with some sort of device that she uses daily and it seems to be helping her. I am not an advocate of letting a chiro near the neck area.
LD

 

[RunninTeach]

LD,
Why? Did you have a bad experience (or know someone who did)?

-Cathy