Severe Neck Pain- NEED HELP!

What did the chiropractor say the problem was? Since you already spent the money and got his opinion he must have told you what was wrong. How you treat it depends on what he said the problem was. If it's a pinched nerve, that's different than if it's muscle ache.

As a long-time sufferer of neck pain, here are a few things you can do (I've been in the no-insurance, no time bind before).

You'll probably want a regular treatment of either hot or ice, depending on the problem. I'd make a rice pack. Here's how: http://www.allfreecrafts.com/sewing/ricehotpack.shtml

Or you can use an old clean cotton tube sock filled with rice. The rice pack will feel really good on your neck and if you sew on some velcro you can wear it around the house while you're doing chores or playing with your kids. Put it in the freezer to make it cold or in the microwave for 3-5 minutes for hot.

Get a good calcium-magnesium supplement. I recommend Cal-Mag by Peter Gilliam. It really helps my muscles and joints.

Drink lots of water. If it's not a pinched nerve then your muscles hurt because they have a lactic acid buildup. Drinking lots of water will flush that out.

Go to the library and get a book on accupressure. There are certain points on your neck that either you or your husband can press on to relieve the tension. The accupressure books have good diagrams and anyone can do accupressure.

Continue to stretch your neck and do your exercises lightly. It might take a while for that to help but it will!

This isn't medical advice, it's just what worked for me. Obviously the best thing is to go to a chiro (have you thought about finding a chiro that would work with you?) but these work if you're in a bind!

N.,

After a car accident I was in a similar situation. Try going to your general practitioner and seeing if s/he will refer you to physical therapy. You insurance MAY cover this. I know that for me, Lexapro, finally helped me to recover and SLEEP. After mos of NOT doing better with PT and a CHIRO my general prac recommended the Lexapro...I couldn't relax, couldn't take care of the kids, couldn't sleep and eventually became AFRAID to move because everything I did seemed to make it worse.

The Lexapro is technically an anti-anxiety/anti-depressant. However my GP said, she knew that it's POSITIVE side effect was helping people with muscle pain that conventional medicines/therapies did not. I am not a "pill popper" however I was desperate to feel better. So I went "on" the Lexapro for 4 mos. Let me tell you - what a miracle. I had no side affects. No problems. Only reduced stress, better mobility and finally my neck/shoulder seemed to heal.

I'm not telling you this to say what happened to me will help you. But it can't hurt to ask your GP about therapy or medication.

I hope you feel better soon. Keep me posted.

Sara

What kind of tests were run on you to determine what the source of your neck pain was BEFORE you went to a chiropractor? Did you ever have an MRI on your neck? It really would be very a good idea to have one, if you haven't in the past. If your dr. determines that there is a concern, they may refer you to an orthopaedic dr. Your primary care dr. can also (probably) write you a script for physical therapy, which, in many cases, where chiropractic care is not covered, physical therapy is. I've gone through Physical Therapy a few times for different reasons and it is amazing their knowledge of the human skeletal system and their approach to a person's ailment. I've been to both Athletico and ATI Physical Therapy and would highly recommend either location, depending on their proximity to you. They have many locations in the suburbs. Physical Therapy will check with your insurance before you even start going to get an idea what your insurance will pay. You still will have to figure out what to do with your kids because each session can take up to 1 1/2 hour at the beginning and you will be busy doing stretches, using the muscle stim. machine, hot or cold compresses, massage, exercises and whatever else they deem will help you. Good luck.

I recently threw out my back for 2 weeks. I could not move and had to ask for everyones help to take care of my 4, 3,& 1 year old. I initially went to a chiropractor for a week straight and nothing gave at all. I was hysterical crying (I NEVER cry), so I went to a real chinese accupuncturist & also got a massage from someone that specializes in injury. This will hurt tremendously but I started feeling better again the end of the 2nd week. Thank goodness we have great insurance but I saw the amount of money the chiropractor charged for a week and I couldnt believe my eyes. He was triple than what the accupuncturist was charging. I highly suggest staying away from this chiropractor you saw, because his 1st mistake was telling you how long you would need to see him. Theres no way for him to put a schedule on getting you to feel better. Good luck & hope you get well soon.

Great idea for the MRI. If P.T. is prescribed, you can go where ever you choose. I own my own clinic in Naperville with therapists with over 20 years experience in treating spine conditions. We would be happy to help you out. Our website is www.napervillePT.com. Good luck.

I would recommend that you speak to your primary and request a referral to an orthopedic specialist, MD or DO. At this point (6 mos) the pain is definitely chronic. There are medical doctors and DO's who specialize in chronic pain and/or physical medicine (called physiatrists) who can help you get the appropriate meds, therapies, perhaps an injection, accupuncture or manipulation, if indicated. The chiropractor's recommendation seems excessive, 3 times a week for 3 months? How does he or she know that it will take that long? 36 sessions initially followed by 2x/week and 1x/week seems like a huge commitment to me. I'd encourage the P.T. route. Request a recommendation from the MD.