Neck and Shoulder Pain
Moderators: Rosie, Stanz, Jean, CAMary, moremuscle, JFR, Dee, xet, Peggy, Matthew, Gabes-Apg, grannyh, Gloria, Mars, starfire, Polly, Joefnh
I agree with what folks have already mentioned. I'm dealing with major neck pain right now also. I have some DDD, some slippage, and good old arthritis and was recently in a car accident that just exacerbated my issues. I have started physical therapy, am using some neck stretching exercises and maybe traction, and am going to have a weekly massage. I am also going to have a steroid neck injection done to see if that helps. I am also thinking of going back to my acupuncturist to see if she can help as well. Also a major proponent of multiple modalities!
Deb,
I have struggled with neck, shoulder, jaw pain and headaches related to all of this for nearly my entire life. I've tried many, many things mostly trying to stay with wholistic, non invasive treatments. I know I have bulging discs at c6 and c7 but I also know this is not the entire cause of this "syndrome" I have. I know there is a hormone component and before I was menopausal the pain had undeniable cyclical tendencies. But that is not the total cause either. I use BHRT.
A massage therapist trained in "structural energetic therapy" or SET clued me in that misalignment of the c1 vertabrae can be the culprit. She does a maneuver to "release"it and I was amazed at my improvement literally overnight. Based on what I learned from her I found a chiropractor who specializes in upper cervical and specifically adjusts the C1. It has not been a straight path but I believe I have finally found the key to relieving my complex of pain. The theory behind it is that a slightly misaligned c1 puts pressure on the brain stem which causes the autonomic nervous system to be overstimulated which then can lead to a whole host of problems, muscle tension being just one.
I know it sounds crazy and I'm not saying all neck problems are caused by this but all I can say is it works for me. I can literally "feel" when my c1 is out because the muscle tension starts to creep in. Of course stress and gluten intolerance can contribute to all of this but are really just pieces of the puzzle for me.
If you google "upper cervical chiropractor" in your area you may be able to find someone. Also, I've found with chiropractors, that if you insist you don't want X-rays or any sort of prepaid treatment plan they will work with you on your terms. I bet it would only take a few "adjustments" of this nature before you would be able to tell if it works for you. Also, the "adjustments" are not the typical neck cracking thing. I've sworn those off for good.
Gigi
I have struggled with neck, shoulder, jaw pain and headaches related to all of this for nearly my entire life. I've tried many, many things mostly trying to stay with wholistic, non invasive treatments. I know I have bulging discs at c6 and c7 but I also know this is not the entire cause of this "syndrome" I have. I know there is a hormone component and before I was menopausal the pain had undeniable cyclical tendencies. But that is not the total cause either. I use BHRT.
A massage therapist trained in "structural energetic therapy" or SET clued me in that misalignment of the c1 vertabrae can be the culprit. She does a maneuver to "release"it and I was amazed at my improvement literally overnight. Based on what I learned from her I found a chiropractor who specializes in upper cervical and specifically adjusts the C1. It has not been a straight path but I believe I have finally found the key to relieving my complex of pain. The theory behind it is that a slightly misaligned c1 puts pressure on the brain stem which causes the autonomic nervous system to be overstimulated which then can lead to a whole host of problems, muscle tension being just one.
I know it sounds crazy and I'm not saying all neck problems are caused by this but all I can say is it works for me. I can literally "feel" when my c1 is out because the muscle tension starts to creep in. Of course stress and gluten intolerance can contribute to all of this but are really just pieces of the puzzle for me.
If you google "upper cervical chiropractor" in your area you may be able to find someone. Also, I've found with chiropractors, that if you insist you don't want X-rays or any sort of prepaid treatment plan they will work with you on your terms. I bet it would only take a few "adjustments" of this nature before you would be able to tell if it works for you. Also, the "adjustments" are not the typical neck cracking thing. I've sworn those off for good.
Gigi
Deb - that would be disturbing with the neighbors not picking up their dogs poop! Unfortunately I've coined a park near me "poop land". I usually stick to the backyard anymore, which is typically a safe zone.
It does seem that earthing is becoming more heard of. Saw in your neck of the world recently a newspaper article written about Greenbay Packers quarterback Arron Rodgers and earthing.
"Aaron Rodgers counting on health routine to keep him on top for years"
http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/ ... 36681.html
It does seem that earthing is becoming more heard of. Saw in your neck of the world recently a newspaper article written about Greenbay Packers quarterback Arron Rodgers and earthing.
"Aaron Rodgers counting on health routine to keep him on top for years"
http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/ ... 36681.html
I just went through the same thing and was getting a headache every day. On Tues. I went for a deep tissue massage and that began to help. On Thurs. I went for acupuncture, helped a little more and today I went to my chiropractor and that helped even more. The headaches are gone. I am going back to the chiropractor next week. She does deep tissue manipulation. I also put magnesium oil on my neck.
Nancy
Nancy
I agree. It's a shame health insurance pretty much covers those visits the offer a pill as a solution. I loved going to the chiropractor and accupuncturist even though I didn't get the results I had hoped for. I've seen a doctor who practices functional medicine, naturopaths, and some unconventional therapists. I learned from each of them but the cost became too much of a burden since I saw no improvements and the boatload of supplements probably made things worse. In my case, everything was done backwards out of my own ignorance, although I give myself an "A" for effort since I was flying blind. 
I had absolutely no base knowledge at all about anything MC or thyroid related and just started researching on my own. Sadly, I never came across this forum until years into my MC and my health had spiraled downward to a bad point. All of my searches were done using "CC " as my key word. I had no clue " MC" would have produced better results but at the time I never heard of MC. Best not to dwell on what cannot be changed. Had I started with the simple diet information here I feel I would have made improvements and avoided some of the hurdles I've encountered. Then, seeing some of the other specialties may have been more productive. With the years of untreated MC new autoimmune issues stepped into the picture.
I feel better with excerise too. I don't work out as much as I used to but my Total Gym is great for relieving tension. My husband has been so helpful with nightly massages. He can always find the spots that bother me the most. I guess there is no choice but to keep moving forward.
I had absolutely no base knowledge at all about anything MC or thyroid related and just started researching on my own. Sadly, I never came across this forum until years into my MC and my health had spiraled downward to a bad point. All of my searches were done using "CC " as my key word. I had no clue " MC" would have produced better results but at the time I never heard of MC. Best not to dwell on what cannot be changed. Had I started with the simple diet information here I feel I would have made improvements and avoided some of the hurdles I've encountered. Then, seeing some of the other specialties may have been more productive. With the years of untreated MC new autoimmune issues stepped into the picture. I feel better with excerise too. I don't work out as much as I used to but my Total Gym is great for relieving tension. My husband has been so helpful with nightly massages. He can always find the spots that bother me the most. I guess there is no choice but to keep moving forward.
Deb
"Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead, where there is no path, and leave a trail.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
2007 CC
2013 thyroid cancer- total thyroidectomy
2013 Hashimoto's - numbers always "normal"
2017 Lyme's Disease
"Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead, where there is no path, and leave a trail.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
2007 CC
2013 thyroid cancer- total thyroidectomy
2013 Hashimoto's - numbers always "normal"
2017 Lyme's Disease
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UkuleleLady
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Deb, maybe try an epsom salt bath? I find it loosens up muscles better than the mag spray and is soothing rather than itchy. I can only use the spray on my stomach.
This is kind of interesting
http://www.mgwater.com/transdermal.shtml
I use five cups of epsom in my bath but you could use more. At five cups I haven't had the side effect of loosening, but YmMV.
Best wishes,
Nancy
This is kind of interesting
http://www.mgwater.com/transdermal.shtml
I use five cups of epsom in my bath but you could use more. At five cups I haven't had the side effect of loosening, but YmMV.
Best wishes,
Nancy
If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion. ~The Dalai Lama
Gigi, that's very interesting. When I first started seeing the chiropractor many years ago the xrays showed I did not have the normal curve at the top of my spine, it was straight up and down. At that time I was trying to find migraine relief. I later went for low back/hip pains related to working in construction. It's possible that has played a part in it and worth checking into. The typical neck crack was my favorite thing since it isn't something that I can do on my own. I'm hoping since I have a long history I can avoid all the formalties anf just go in for a tune up. It's been over three years so I may not be able to avoid it.
That was a good article, Blueberry. It always seems to give credibility to the non traditional strategies when someone famous says its a good idea.
Nancy, there was a lot of good info on that link too. Another easy way to find relief. I have a bag of epsom salts in the cupboard. Now to find a way to keep the bathwater warm for a long time. Lately, I've been wearing two sweatshirts around the house be ause I can't seem to stay warm. The idea of stripping down for a bath makes my teeth chatter. Prior to my more recent thyroid issues, I never had a problem with being cold. My poor husband is always disappointed when I come to bed in my snowmobile suit and wool socks.
That was a good article, Blueberry. It always seems to give credibility to the non traditional strategies when someone famous says its a good idea.
Nancy, there was a lot of good info on that link too. Another easy way to find relief. I have a bag of epsom salts in the cupboard. Now to find a way to keep the bathwater warm for a long time. Lately, I've been wearing two sweatshirts around the house be ause I can't seem to stay warm. The idea of stripping down for a bath makes my teeth chatter. Prior to my more recent thyroid issues, I never had a problem with being cold. My poor husband is always disappointed when I come to bed in my snowmobile suit and wool socks.
Deb
"Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead, where there is no path, and leave a trail.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
2007 CC
2013 thyroid cancer- total thyroidectomy
2013 Hashimoto's - numbers always "normal"
2017 Lyme's Disease
"Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead, where there is no path, and leave a trail.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
2007 CC
2013 thyroid cancer- total thyroidectomy
2013 Hashimoto's - numbers always "normal"
2017 Lyme's Disease
Deb,
I have thyroid issues too and have had my cortisol levels checked and I am on Cortisol. Still working on thyroid but now that I am on 20 mg of Cortisol, he gradually upped it over a period of at least 6 months, I have a 98.6 temp. Used to be 96 or 97. I was so cold all the time and now I warm up my husband!!! I am sure it is the combination of the Cortisol and levothyroxine that has helped my temp. Hope you can get tested soon. The most reliable test is a saliva test and probably your insurance won't cover it. You need a 4 x day test where you spit in a vial before breakfast, lunch, dinner, and before bed. Read that part in the Stop the Thyroid Madness book. It tells all about it and tells in the back where you can get the testing yourself. Your regular doctor may only do a blood test at whatever time of day that you happen to be there. Not accurate. If you can't find someone to prescribe Cortisol if you are low you can treat yourself with Cortisone cream. Don't do it without testing first. You may have high Cortisol levels and symptoms are the same as low. See Stop the Thyroid Madness book again, or the website. Good Luck!
Pat
I have thyroid issues too and have had my cortisol levels checked and I am on Cortisol. Still working on thyroid but now that I am on 20 mg of Cortisol, he gradually upped it over a period of at least 6 months, I have a 98.6 temp. Used to be 96 or 97. I was so cold all the time and now I warm up my husband!!! I am sure it is the combination of the Cortisol and levothyroxine that has helped my temp. Hope you can get tested soon. The most reliable test is a saliva test and probably your insurance won't cover it. You need a 4 x day test where you spit in a vial before breakfast, lunch, dinner, and before bed. Read that part in the Stop the Thyroid Madness book. It tells all about it and tells in the back where you can get the testing yourself. Your regular doctor may only do a blood test at whatever time of day that you happen to be there. Not accurate. If you can't find someone to prescribe Cortisol if you are low you can treat yourself with Cortisone cream. Don't do it without testing first. You may have high Cortisol levels and symptoms are the same as low. See Stop the Thyroid Madness book again, or the website. Good Luck!
Pat
Deb - I enjoyed that article about Arron Rodgers grounding too. In particular I sent it to my nephews. It's unexpected but my middle nephew has really taken an interest in football now that he's in middle school. From appearance and demeanor he wouldn't seem the contact sport type. He's short, and thin for his age, along with being a bookworm with top academic scores for his class. Yet he's taken after his father it seems, and has been a fearless warrior on the football field this season I hear. I'm glad he hasn't been hurt!
I thought so well of earthing though that I bought my nephews earthing items last year. So it was nice to be able to pass along that article of a famous football player that does earthing too.
Mentioning my brother in law reminds me he's had back problems. About as long as I've known my brother in law he and his friends have run in long distances races. He was a frequent marathoner. Then he hurt his back. I don't know what happened, but heard as a result he stopped running. I know he tried many different treatments. He frequently visited chiropractors. He had back surgery. The last major treatment was to have stem cells injected into his back. I heard that didn't help as hoped.
I heard one day that my brother in law was looking into diet ideas to help his back. he was going to try eating similar to how I do, avoiding gluten and dairy products - along paleo diet lines. I though, well if he is trying that maybe he would try using an earthing pad. I brought him one. Figured it wouldn't hurt. Walking barefoot/ earthing is paleo. I didn't hear if he used it or not though.
Two weeks ago I heard from mom that my brother in law had run in a race. As far as I know that was the first race he ran in a long while. I don't know what happened, if the stem cell treatment kicked in, diet helped, possibly the grounding was being used and helped, etc. I think earthing is good, but have to admit would be surprised if it was that good! What ever helped though, it was wonderful to hear he was back running, doing what he enjoys. I'll likely hear more details on what happened over New Years when we visit.
I thought so well of earthing though that I bought my nephews earthing items last year. So it was nice to be able to pass along that article of a famous football player that does earthing too.
Mentioning my brother in law reminds me he's had back problems. About as long as I've known my brother in law he and his friends have run in long distances races. He was a frequent marathoner. Then he hurt his back. I don't know what happened, but heard as a result he stopped running. I know he tried many different treatments. He frequently visited chiropractors. He had back surgery. The last major treatment was to have stem cells injected into his back. I heard that didn't help as hoped.
I heard one day that my brother in law was looking into diet ideas to help his back. he was going to try eating similar to how I do, avoiding gluten and dairy products - along paleo diet lines. I though, well if he is trying that maybe he would try using an earthing pad. I brought him one. Figured it wouldn't hurt. Walking barefoot/ earthing is paleo. I didn't hear if he used it or not though.
Two weeks ago I heard from mom that my brother in law had run in a race. As far as I know that was the first race he ran in a long while. I don't know what happened, if the stem cell treatment kicked in, diet helped, possibly the grounding was being used and helped, etc. I think earthing is good, but have to admit would be surprised if it was that good! What ever helped though, it was wonderful to hear he was back running, doing what he enjoys. I'll likely hear more details on what happened over New Years when we visit.
Just wanted to add something about the earthing products......i started using the sheets and a pad at work about three months ago. I work out a lot and I have noticed my muscles and joints recover much faster and my sleep has improved exponentially. I have always had insomnia and now I'm dreaming! I suggest these products to anyone with an autoimmune or inflammation.
Vanessa
I've found my sleep improve wonderfully too. As advertised, grounding has also been great at ending snoring - at least with one of our cats! He can really cut a log when napping in his cat tree. Once placed into the grounded blanket on the bed, his snoring stops. It's been rather surprising at how well that works.
That's interesting! I have three cats in bed with one big snorer ( the one that sleeps by my head) along with my husband. i have a good supply of earplugs in the nightstand.
i have a good supply of earplugs in the nightstand.Deb
"Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead, where there is no path, and leave a trail.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
2007 CC
2013 thyroid cancer- total thyroidectomy
2013 Hashimoto's - numbers always "normal"
2017 Lyme's Disease
"Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead, where there is no path, and leave a trail.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
2007 CC
2013 thyroid cancer- total thyroidectomy
2013 Hashimoto's - numbers always "normal"
2017 Lyme's Disease
I wish that my grandparents were still alive, for many reason! but granddad was a painful world class snorer. He was so loud at night, the noise was at comical cartoon levels. The house would vibrate, paint would peel off the walls level of noise. Grandma used to joke about his snoring, but didn't seem to get to worked up over it. I figure she must have worn ear plugs. She had to have! It would have been nice to have seen if grounding himself could help. he would have laughed at the idea I imagine since granddad worked for the local power company.
