Severe Neck Pain--Arthritis (UPDATE Mon. 8/9)

NickNack · ‎03-10-2010

I have bad arthritis in many places. The right side of my neck has been hurting for about six months and getting worse. I told my PCP about it last month when I was there for my annual exam. She took x-rays. This is what the results shows: "Anterolisthesis of C3 on C4 and. C7 on T1. Maintained vertebral body heights. Multilevel degenerative endplate osteocytes. Mild disc space narrowing at C3-4. Moderate disc space narrowing at C4-5 and C5-6. No anterior soft tissue swelling. No odontoid fracture. Multilevel facet/uncovertebral hypertrophy on the right."

I want to get a steroid injection. Years ago I had the type of injections that is an anesthetic, and they didn't help. I had it done twice. Last year I had radiofrequency ablation on my back, and that relief only lasted for a couple of months or less. This time I want a steroid injection for my neck.

Has anyone had this done? Did it help? I am pretty desperate. The pain is going up to my eye. Please don't tell me to discuss this with my doctor. I will obviously do so. I want to hear from people who have had this done or anything else that helped. I have also Googled it many times, so no need to suggest that either.

UPDATE: I contacted my PCP this morning through the Patient Portal and heard back from her. She will refer me to the pain clinic. I've been reading about it, and it's a Center of Excellence with great reviews. She said they require an MRI before seeing you. I've only had x-rays. She will order the MRI today and then refer me. I'm glad to get the process started.

The Bluebird Carries The Sky On His Back"
-Henry David Thoreau

pietook · ‎07-12-2011

So sorry for you! My neck is in a terrible mess also. I can't even remotely move my head from side to side. I have had ablation twice---it helped my pain greatly. Maybe if you had it one more time??? I used to wake up and have to put hot moist heat on my neck to get it "unlocked"---but found the "My Pillow" brand pillow and it has worked wonders for my night's sleep! I have several new ones stocked up---plus they can be washed frequently. I have had shots in my lower, neck shoulder area---they didn't last----bless you, I know what you are going thu. Keep us posted if you found relief in some way!

jubilant · ‎06-10-2010

Sorry to hear your having so much pain. I don't know a lot about neck pain but I do know I have had some relief with other pain with something called "dry needling" and massage.

Maybe you are beyond that but just thought I'd mention it in case you have never tried it.

Foxxee · ‎10-03-2014

In the meantime, until you have the procedure done, have you tried a heating pad on your neck area.

Thermacare has a pad for the neck allowing you to walk around without being tied to a cord. They last around 8 hours. The electric heating pads get hotter and might work better for you, though.

Your pain will probably return shortly after you remove the pad, but at least you might find some relief when it's there.

The Thermacare heat wraps can be adjusted higher on the neck if needed.

Hope you begin feeling better soon.

NickNack · ‎03-10-2010

Thank you for your input @jubilant @pietook and @Foxxee . Foxxee, I am sitting with the heating pad around my neck right now. It does provide some relief while I'm using it but not much. At one time I did read about the Thermacare neck wraps but didn't get one. I may try that, too. Thank you for the info.

The Bluebird Carries The Sky On His Back"
-Henry David Thoreau

CAcableGirl2 · ‎06-03-2010

@NickNack I'm sorry you are having to deal with pain. I am of no help in regards to having an answer, but just a suggestion. It sounds like you are going to your doctor, but have you ever considered trying a chiropractor? Maybe they could offer some type of relief or options since they specialize in the back/neck areas and it sounds like it's getting worse and started about 6 months ago?

I pray you find an answer and relief from your pain, and hope that others on this site have some experience with this condition and can offer some real answers for you.

......You look like I need a drink.....

Foxxee · ‎10-03-2014

@NickNack wrote:
Thank you for your input @jubilant @pietook and @Foxxee . Foxxee, I am sitting with the heating pad around my neck right now. It does provide some relief while I'm using it but not much. At one time I did read about the Thermacare neck wraps but didn't get one. I may try that, too. Thank you for the info.

@NickNack

Forgot to mention Lidocaine Patches. They stick on the skin over the painful area. Need a doctor's prescription though.

Goldenmoher · ‎12-17-2012

@NickNack @I don't have neck pain, but do have significant hip arthritis that caused hip and leg pain and interfered with activity. I went to physical therapy, and while I was skeptical, after 6 weeks my pain was gone. I continue to do Maintainance exercises at home. Massage and dry needling really does work. I hope you find something that helps you.

NickNack · ‎03-10-2010

@Foxxee wrote:
@NickNack wrote:
Thank you for your input @jubilant @pietook and @Foxxee . Foxxee, I am sitting with the heating pad around my neck right now. It does provide some relief while I'm using it but not much. At one time I did read about the Thermacare neck wraps but didn't get one. I may try that, too. Thank you for the info.
@NickNack

Forgot to mention Lidocaine Patches. They stick on the skin over the painful area. Need a doctor's prescription though.

@Foxxee Thank you for the suggestion. I tried them for my back and they didn't help at all. It was like I was using nothing.

The Bluebird Carries The Sky On His Back"
-Henry David Thoreau

BlueFinch · ‎08-31-2019

@NickNack I'd consult with a good pain specialist. Yes, I've had an ESI for cervical arthritic pain. It was very effective for several months, allowing me to do some light neck therapy that continued to help after the steroids wore off. I would do it again, if I returned to the former pain level.

The problem with ESI's is that you shouldn't have them too often. They can cause bone breakdown themselves. My pain doc, and friend, had so many on her L-spine, that

she had vertebral compression collapses. Last I saw her, she was in a torturous back brace, wondering how long she'd be able to walk.

Also, my DH (now passed) had a neck injury and had an ESI. Unfortunately, he had what they call a wet tap, resulting in an excruciating headache. He had to go in, STAT, for a blood patch. All of these procedures have risk, even under fluoroscope.

I sympathize with your pain. My entire spine is a train wreck. Of course, aging is a factor for me, now, but it started much younger. I suspect from lots of heavy lifting as an RN. And, sadly, we haven't made great progress in managing such pain safely and effectively. Particularly nerve pain.

Everyone is focusing on ablations now, which are very helpful for some and not for others. This may have something to do with the technique and who is doing it. I had issues I won't go into with medial branch blocks for my lumbar spine. The second set of test blocks went bad. I had numbness in legs bilaterally. The first set was perfect, so I feel it may have been the administration. I backed out of ablation, for obvious reasons.

Work with someone you can trust, or you could actually make things worse. Whatever you choose, I recommend PT specializing in spinal issues. The best is called McKenzie therapy. They can do some amazing work in controlling pain. You can read about it online.

Best to you ...