Spondylitis anyone?

[Mr Ree]

Anyone else in here got it? (severe neck ache for the uninitiated)

 

Been suffering increasingly over the past 18 months, and the quack isn't any use.

 

Not even sure if i've been diagnosed properly tbh. Simply told I've got it and they can't do anything about it, so in essence...GET ON WITH IT"!

 

I've tried Physio and Chiropractor, every imaginable pain killer available, and whilst the specialists give some temporary relief, the pain killers do nothing but make me feel dopey.

 

It's weird though, as I can sometimes go for a week with no symptoms at all, then it kicks in and gives me hell, waking me up, and making me feel dizzy sometimes too, and the pain can spread all over my head creating dreadful headaches sometimes.

 

Been back to the quacks and she just shrugged her shoulders at me and said..." I haven't got a miracle cure you know, so what exactly do you want me to do about it?"

 

Nice and helpful. :think:

 

Anyone got any helpful advice and relief solutions, as I'm seriously becoming worried as to the speed this is becoming worse.

What the hell it's going to be like in 3 or 4 years I shudder to think.

[gadgetman]

Acupuncture?

[Mr Ree]

Acupuncture?

Missus does it strangely enough. 

I'm the "WORST patient she's ever had"...apparently.

 

Like the other two, it gives a bit of relief, but rather unpleasant in the administration dept., whereas the other two are quite pleasant.

Edited 5 January, 2014 by Mr Ree

[Mr Ree]

Quite a few herbal so called remedies out there, but I'm wondering just how good they are in reality.

 

Don't want to be wasting loads of money on wishy washy nonsense.

Edited 5 January, 2014 by Mr Ree

[gadgetman]

My shoulder took 3 goes. 1st time was OK. Next 2 felt like a red hot needle going in and I spent 10 minutes on the last one tensed up and almost in tears.

BUT it sorted it out. Have flair ups, but a hot shower sorts out

[Matty70]

I have prolapsed Discs (3) in my neck and i have to live with the pain, had this since 2008 got to the Point were i don't Even think about it, i was going under the knife to get it Sorted,but at the 11th Hour The doctors changed there mind. I was told to manage the pain and avoid over exercising i laughed. I am in the Army how can i avoid over exercising " i wont be in tomorrow Sir my neck hurts" yeah right.

[brownfox]

Had this problem since having a load of tyres chucked on my head during riot training,would have been safer with the rioters and morons, oh sorry I forgot that that was other fellow officers. Anyway damaged neck and ended up with this problem,can't bend neck back to decorate (good) wearing a crash helmet on motor cycle makes neck ache (not good).Get a good quality pillow in bed, not to high up and keep your neck warm as much as possible.It never goes away but be carefully with it and it goes away with time to a acceptable level. I have noticed even today that wearing heavy headgear does cause pain and neck ache.

[BJB540]

One of my colleagues at work has this, not sure what you do for work but in the office he stands 8 hours a day standing at a height adjustable desk. Then always goes for a walk for 10 mins every 2 hours.

[grr666]

[Llanigraham]

That's some spliff!!

[@Lee]

without wanting to start a debate on the legalities of marijuana, there are lots of proven benefits from the ingestion or inhalation of it. MS is a main one amongst many others. It really is time that the political parties debated the legalisation of it, if even for the medicinal benefits. They won't because it's a vote loser. Lets face it, the 'war on drugs' is an unwinnable war. Think of the revenue that legalising marijuana would reap.

 

I am only talking about sweet Mary Jane here, not other 'hard' drugs.

[O.C.D.]

Hi Mr Ree, I sympathize with your situation completely.  This might be a bit long-winded but let me give you a brief history of my similar situation.  Around the start of 2010 I went to my GP with ongoing back and neck problems and so by the end of 2010 I was sent for MRI scans.  These were the results:- lumbar spondylosis, L5/S1 disc protrusion which was impinging on my S1 nerve root which was giving me a lot of pain in my lower back and left leg.  As well as that the MRI also showed that I had C6/C7 cervical (neck) spondylosis which is similar to the lower back problem but in the neck.  Between the end of 2010 and June 2013, I have been to more specialists and have had neck and back steroid injections, nerve block injections, and like yourself many different medications from over the counter to very strong prescription only painkillers, but nothing seems to help.  

 

In June 2013 I had a lower spine fusion operation to try to relieve some of the lower back pain, however 7 months on I still have the pain I had before the operation, so only an 8 inch scar to show for it.  I could if I wanted start the whole process again to go for the operation on my neck, however I am so disappointed with the results from my back operation I am wary about going for it again on my neck. 

 

Not sure of what age of a person you are or what you work at?  I am 47 years old and a HGV driver.  There is not really much in this post to give you optimism but thought it might be nice to let you know that there are other people in a similar situation to yourself and that you are not alone feeling the way you are.

 

As somebody said above these things can go on for a longtime, and you end up trying to live with the pain, no other choice really.  Not sure of your sleeping arrangements either haha, but over the time I have used numerous pillows to try and get some relief at night, however I think I might have discovered a good one for you to try........Slumberdown Traditional Memory Foam pillow (firm support),  http://www.tesco.com/direct/slumberdown-memory-foam-pillow/683-1943.prd  I got this particular one in Tesco Extra Store, about £10, but I'm sure if you google it  there other places that sell them.  Also you can try ordering one of this too   http://www.amazon.co.uk/Aroma-Home-Body-Wrap-Microwaveable/dp/B00294U7N0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1388942354&sr=8-2&keywords=microwave+heat+pads heat it up and put it on your neck and down your shoulders and it gives some relief . I still have not returned to work yet from the back op but i will have to soon and im really worried because my job as a hgv driver im sitting a lot of the day and that leads to all sorts of problems because of posture problems with my back and neck, a lot of drivers have back probs at my place. dont know what else to say because if i knew i would be doing it but good luck to ya ..".pardon the pun " but keep your chin up...feel free to pm me with any questions you might want to ask....Mark.

Edited 5 January, 2014 by O.C.D.

[O.C.D.]

without wanting to start a debate on the legalities of marijuana, there are lots of proven benefits from the ingestion or inhalation of it. MS is a main one amongst many others. It really is time that the political parties debated the legalisation of it, if even for the medicinal benefits. They won't because it's a vote loser. Lets face it, the 'war on drugs' is an unwinnable war. Think of the revenue that legalising marijuana would reap.

 

I am only talking about sweet Mary Jane here, not other 'hard' drugs.

HI lee and let me tell you if i knew that a big old spliff would relieve my pains i would defiantly try it but the only problem is im a hgv driver and at work if we even crack a wing mirror we are drug and alcohol tested so i would be fecked because i know that cabanas stays in your system for a good while. Bring on it being made legal.        

[Mr Ree]

Hi Mr Ree, I sympathize with your situation completely.  This might be a bit long-winded but let me give you a brief history of my similar situation.  Around the start of 2010 I went to my GP with ongoing back and neck problems and so by the end of 2010 I was sent for MRI scans.  These were the results:- lumbar spondylosis, L5/S1 disc protrusion which was impinging on my S1 nerve root which was giving me a lot of pain in my lower back and left leg.  As well as that the MRI also showed that I had C6/C7 cervical (neck) spondylosis which is similar to the lower back problem but in the neck.  Between the end of 2010 and June 2013, I have been to more specialists and have had neck and back steroid injections, nerve block injections, and like yourself many different medications from over the counter to very strong prescription only painkillers, but nothing seems to help.  

 

In June 2013 I had a lower spine fusion operation to try to relieve some of the lower back pain, however 7 months on I still have the pain I had before the operation, so only an 8 inch scar to show for it.  I could if I wanted start the whole process again to go for the operation on my neck, however I am so disappointed with the results from my back operation I am wary about going for it again on my neck. 

 

Not sure of what age of a person you are or what you work at?  I am 47 years old and a HGV driver.  There is not really much in this post to give you optimism but thought it might be nice to let you know that there are other people in a similar situation to yourself and that you are not alone feeling the way you are.

 

As somebody said above these things can go on for a longtime, and you end up trying to live with the pain, no other choice really.  Not sure of your sleeping arrangements either haha, but over the time I have used numerous pillows to try and get some relief at night, however I think I might have discovered a good one for you to try........Slumberdown Traditional Memory Foam pillow (firm support),  http://www.tesco.com/direct/slumberdown-memory-foam-pillow/683-1943.prd  I got this particular one in Tesco Extra Store, about £10, but I'm sure if you google it  there other places that sell them.  Also you can try ordering one of this too   http://www.amazon.co.uk/Aroma-Home-Body-Wrap-Microwaveable/dp/B00294U7N0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1388942354&sr=8-2&keywords=microwave+heat+pads heat it up and put it on your neck and down your shoulders and it gives some relief . I still have not returned to work yet from the back op but i will have to soon and im really worried because my job as a hgv driver im sitting a lot of the day and that leads to all sorts of problems because of posture problems with my back and neck, a lot of drivers have back probs at my place. dont know what else to say because if i knew i would be doing it but good luck to ya ..".pardon the pun " but keep your chin up...feel free to pm me with any questions you might want to ask....Mark.

Aww, thanks for all that info Mark. Slightly comforting to know I'm not alone.

 

Really hacking me off as I've prided myself on never having had any back or neck problems in the past, although my neck has been pretty stiff for many years now.

 

This damned pain (tooth ache in the neck is how I describe it) was only making itself felt at around 5-6am on average 3 or 4 times a week and waking me up as a consequence initially, but now that's eased off a bit but only to be replaced by nagging neck ache all day long most days.

Quack seems dis-interested as I said, but has (reluctantly I feel)  authorised another sesh with the local NHS physio.

I've asked for a scan just to confirm her diagnosis on my word alone, but she seems very reluctant to accept my plea.

 

The pain gets really bad sometimes, spreading all over my nut, and also makes me dizzy sometimes too.

What worries me is the speed it's downwardly progressing, as I lead a very active life, walking loads and going to the gym.

 

The thought of being crippled with this eventually makes me shudder in fear.

Don't know who to turn to for advice tbh, so thought I'd ask for other sufferers experiences in here.

[Mr Ree]

 

Bloody temted tbh.

Got MS (NON PROGRESSIVE fortunately  ) and tried it a few years ago, and it DID rlieve the pains in my legs that zing away sometimes.

 

Trouble is, apart from the legal side, it made me go daft...dafter than normal even!

Edited 5 January, 2014 by Mr Ree

[Llanigraham]

http://dailycurrant.com/2014/01/02/marijuana-overdoses-kill-37-in-colorado-on-first-day-of-legalization/

 

Perhaps not all it is cracked up to be.

[thingy]

Hi, are you talking about 'Ankylosing Spondylitis'?

Our 2 eldest have that, Daughter is 34 and Son is 31.

The main problem is to get the correct diagnosis by the hospital before you can get the right medicines.

If the above question is correct, I'll give more info. All I can say at present is - Good Luck.

[O.C.D.]

Hi, are you talking about 'Ankylosing Spondylitis'?

Our 2 eldest have that, Daughter is 34 and Son is 31.

The main problem is to get the correct diagnosis by the hospital before you can get the right medicines.

If the above question is correct, I'll give more info. All I can say at present is - Good Luck.

Thanks dude ive just looked AS up on google, ive never heard of this before so had to look it up to educate myself . No thats not the same as CS infact that sounds worse than CS so good luck to your two ...thanks for your thoughts anyway.

[devonutopia]

http://dailycurrant.com/2014/01/02/marijuana-overdoses-kill-37-in-colorado-on-first-day-of-legalization/

 

Perhaps not all it is cracked up to be.

 

I'm calling BS On that news "story"

[O.C.D.]

Yo victor i feel your pain dude ...i never smoked and very rarely drunk much. i thought this would pay me dividends in my later life, well that didn't happen,  kept myself fit and done door work in clubs and bars. Its the headaches and pains in my arms and hands that fecks me off, as you said sometimes its not as bad as other but im always in pain from the minute i wake till i go to bed at night. When i was really bad i started to lose my personality but i had to catch myself on very quick even just for my wife and kids, they are saints to put up with my whinging sometimes.but there very understanding.

Edited 5 January, 2014 by O.C.D.

[@Lee]

I'm calling BS On that news "story"

http://dailycurrant.com/about/

 

Q1 and the answer in the 'About' section

[nickguzzi]

When I first started getting symptoms, the docs were useless.  First, ever stronger meds.  Then denial that I had a problem .  Then enough XRays to make me glow in the dark.  Then physio which made it worse.  I stopped using their services.

Most prescription drugs are useless.  Either totally ineffective, or the side effects like constipation exacerbate the problem to the extent of having to break off treatment.

Unfortunately things like looking upwards for a long time with your head back, as in painting a ceiling or working under a car ramp are bad.  Depends on your situation, as to how much hyperextention of your cervical vertebra you must do. 

I had to dump my full face helmet and get the lightest one I could find.   The new risk is something I am prepared to take rather than not riding my bike.

For me, having no pillow works, laying on my back as much as possible.  Using just a thin pillow to give support if I lay on my side, so my spine is straight.

I found a really good chiropractor which worked for me when it was really bad.  I have not found one as good since he retired.

A not too vigourous sports massage made me feel better for a few days.  A course of reflexology was much better for "maintainence".  I suppose it helped me relax.  I admit, I was very dubious at first, but it worked for me.

Now I'm retired, I notice it much less - less stress? - whole thing merely psychosomatic?  Or just not doing stuff which triggered it?  Dunno, but I am glad because it was horrrendous at times.  Sometimes my arm was paralysed, sometimes I couldn't bear to move, walking (a shuffle) further than a few yards out of the question, being in a car was not on, even if I could get in.

Being a chronic thing, people round you can tend to get a bit narked about your uselessness, perhaps the extra work thrown on them gets them down.  If you get periods of remission, then try to find activities that you can do.  I am very surprised that gardening (not something I ever imagined) seems to be ok, I can do the upside down stuff for ages without problems, and just feel normally tired (and better for that) at the end of the day.

Hope you find a way through your difficulties.

 

This thread seems to have attracted a series of long replies - too serious for quips?

[Mr Ree]

I'm saddened and a bit suprised by just how many folk in here are suffering in varying degrees in here.

Seems we've all been keeping quiet,probably because we don't like to admit to these things, or we don't want to bore people with our ailments.

Snarl away I say.

 

Small comfort that I'm not alone.

 

Freakin bad as hell this morning. 

Good ole Firey Jack to the rescue.

It helps a damned sight more than all these pain killers that I no longer take.

 

May have to get the missus to 'stab' me with her needles again today.

[kilted]

My Mother suffers from chronic pain due to an accident over 10 years ago and the best that medicine could do was strong painkillers.

 

What helped her more was a pain management course which helped her work out what did and didn't aggravate it and how to manage what she was doing.

[Mr Ree]

Pain completely 100% gone now...for now.

Heavenly.  :sun:

 

Actually doing my head in this. Never know from one hour to the next if it's going to have a 'nibble' at me .

 

Oh the absolute joys of getting older ey? 

 

You young uns may laugh at us owld fossils now, just like I used to, BUT...........................

Edited 6 January, 2014 by Mr Ree