Upper thoracic / neck back pain.
Posted , 6 users are following.
My problem is upper thoracic back pain. It is less painful when I am walking, but the minute I sit, lie down or simply stand still, the dull pressure pain from between my shoulder blades going up to my neck begins and headaches develop. This only started less than a year ago, and it is getting worse by the day. Sleep is difficult now. X-ray shows osteo arthritis I am told. I have tried osteopaths, physiotherapists and sports massage. Only thing offered to me by the doctors are pain relief injections. I was worried in case there was a tumour, but was refused a scan as they said it would not help. Any ideas?
0 likes, 19 replies
mark357 valerie94214
Posted
I have had this for many years, cortisone injections didn't work for me as the drug in question had no affect what so ever. But I. Don't want to put you off as it may help.
what I do is lye flat on my bed with my head hanging over the side for a few minutes, do this once a day for a few days.
NOTE:
As you lift your head up, do it as slow as possible because doing this helps open the nerves and blood vessels. Getting up to quick my cause drowsiness.
Let us know how you get on.
valerie94214 mark357
Posted
mark357 valerie94214
Posted
I think it helps because you stand/sit with your head slightly forward and after a period of time put pressure on the joints then the nerves join in. Lying on your back with your head hangs back helps everything fall back in place.
The last time I saw a physiotherapist, they examined the movement in my neck and was happy for me to carry on, on my own.
Sorry if I am rambling on, but hope this helps and all goes well.
valerie94214 mark357
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mark357 valerie94214
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Take care and till Monday.
👍
jenny valerie94214
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valerie,
Try a cranial osteopath. I have had cervical and thoracic pain for 56 years now following a R.T.A and had every treatment uder the sun to no avail.Have OA in whole of spine. This is the only thing that has helped. He has stopped my migraines and also stopped me swimming breast stroke.
If I tilt my head back or look round sharply it all comes back with a vengeance. At the moment it is bad. so attending weekly, unfortunately not available on the NHS.One or two sessions may sort you outand then maybe once every six months. Find a good one though.
Good luck
Jenny
valerie94214 jenny
Posted
valerie
jenny valerie94214
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I went to a normal osteopath for twenty years, but he never got rid iof the terrible migraines or relieved much of the pain. It was only when he said it was too dangerous to manipulate my neck anymore that I was referred. No thrusting or pushing, just feels like your head being cradled and gently massaged. Boy !Afterwards I sleep for three hours and feel a bit out of it next day and then it improves in my case very gradually. Apparently I have an intense reaction so you need whoever is treating you to know that this may happen! Cranial osteopaths can tell what is happening in your body and work to re balance it. My husband thinks itis all baloney, but I am living proof it is not. Accrding to most doctors I should have been in a wheechair years ago not living a normal life!
Do not believe that nothing can be done, I researched everything, as simply not willing to be in pain all the time.Was hospitalised for a cervical myelogram and hung up by my ears in the early days, but still brought up four children.
Jenny .
valerie94214 jenny
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jenny valerie94214
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Good luck Valerie and let me know how you get on. I believe in the principal that there is always something you can do to help yourself. Just keep smiling and if you feel something is wrong, keep saying so.
Jenny
valerie94214 jenny
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jenny valerie94214
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Great, Hope the njections help. If you can break the pain cycle it should be better.
Jenny
valerie94214 jenny
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thanks for your good wishes yesterday. All went well. Had 8 jabs which were fairly painful, but bliss afterwards until anaesthetic wore off! Cortisone should kick in which will allow me to do the stretching exercises they want me to do every hour for three months! They think this will help as my muscles are very tight which they think is causing the pain. My life is now taken over with these exercises. Very simple to do and only take about five minutes each time, so fingers crossed. Valerie
jenny valerie94214
Posted
So pleased for you. Can you describe the exercises for me.
Unfortunately pain has the effect of tightening the muscles causing more pain and then it is a vicious circle!
valerie94214 jenny
Posted
1. Gently push the chin on to your chest, creating double chins. You should feel a stretch down your spine.
2. Bend your arms in front of you, elbows and wrists touching and raise them upwards. There is not a lot of movement, but you do feel a stretch. Then in the same position, move your arms from side to side. As ai have a lower back problem, I suggest sitting firmly in a chair with your back pressed to the back of the chair to prevent lower back problems.
3. Stretch an arm in front of you, and with the other arm, pull it across your body. Then slowly bend gently side wards, following the arm. Repeat with the other arm.
4. Turn your head slowly left and right to the fullest extension. Hold for a few seconds each time.
5. Bend your head sideways as if you are trying to touch your ear to your shoulder. Hold for a few seconds each time. Once you have done this one a few times, gently using your hand, pull your head a little further towards your shoulder creating more stretch.
6. Finally, if you are mobile enough, a few minutes doing the basic Tai Chi exercise, standing legs apart, swing your arms across your body, a little at a time, increasing the swing until you can feel your hands flopping against your back. Be careful doing this as it can make you a bit giddy.
i do Pilates as a local class and the doctor said it is one of the best things you can do to create a healthy back. I only go once a week, but she suggested me doing it at home as and when I can. I am not sure if I have time to even eat now! Ha ha
Hope this helps
Valerie
jenny valerie94214
Posted
Thanks so much. I too did pilates and found it wonderful. The teacher went to Australia and I couldn't find another class, but I will have to give up The Fitness league class I have attended for 23 years because it is veyr aerobic and my neck doesn't stand a chance!
Jenny