NeuroTalk Support Groups - Hi, I'm Karebear w/RSD/CRPS

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You two are a pair of painpackers, I'd say. so sorry you're suffering. It shouldn't be this way.

Neck pain is difficult to manage because without the "normal" muscle control your head becomes too heavy for it's axis, (6-8 pound) or at least that's how mine felt. I finally did find relief with cervical epi X3, for me it helped tremendously. I even got relief from back pain, which the PM doc said was a spillover and wouldn't last, but that part of my back pain has still not returned (2006). Headaches were relieved, but I think those were, yes, from the neck but also overkill pain and rebound headaches from all the OTC Tylenol. I don't seem to have any migraine episodes lately -- keeping my fingers crossed on that one.

I had a lot of cervical traction, even after successful injections (also had successful and unsuccessful injec other places). Needed traction after that too. I would look up my injection type and let you know if you wanted that info. trouble is, everybody is so different.

I had to agree that I would stick with all 3. Was a requirement by 3 different PM docs. go figure. My first injection made me almost as bad as I'd ever been, 2nd not as bad but bad. The third one, I walked out twisting my neck and saying "Well, I guess the doctors were right about that." :D:D:D I always just wanted to try 1 to see, but was given the same X3 talk. First and 2nd was different meds.

Manual traction PT or self traction-most effective; mechanical PT puts in traction unit; inversion table or board - caused minor bilateral hip and knee pain and soreness for a day or two, especially without whirlpool or shower. (knees and hips were not my problem :eek::eek::eek:) Stuck to it too, just modified as needed - ended up being less time then it wasn't no fun no more. :D:D:D

I have 4 bulging discs in lumbar, so I know back pain very well. Back pain is miserable pain :mad::( -and if there was a crybaby smilie I'd have to pick it.

Don't give up even though those others attempts didn't work. Just don't expect things to happen quick. It takes time for irritated nerve pain to calm down, muscles to mend and build back up.

I had to give up a lot after the injections, just to take the pain down a notch or two more so I could regroup. There was no set plan that worked. I just kept trying different things as I could. Still, I can get out of whack pretty easy but I rebound a lot better.

I hope we all can gain a step or two up. :hug:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Av8rgirl (Post 492097)

Hi Karebear -

I am so sorry for your pain and the ordeal you've been through. I wish you the best. You have come to a wonderful place for support. I hope you return or are at least reading the posts.

Sounds like we are in the same boat with some of the problems you've been through. I was dx'd with CRPS w/secondary frozen shoulder. Fortunately the PT who is managing my care knows that ice is the worst therapy for CRPS and we only use heat.

Ice maybe good for the frozen shoulder but it will do more damage for the CRPS so I stay away from it.

I've had several nerve blocks which, as you have found out, wear off after a period of time. I've had several in the sympathetic nerve plexus that have helped, but the pain has returned. I've had two in the C3/C4 - in through the back of my neck and one through the front. The one through the front gave me more relief than the one through the back. That was just worthless!

I am scheduled to see the neurosurgeon tomorrow afternoon to find out options for the C3/C4 pain. It has gotten worse and the PM doc is at a loss as to what to do. Pain meds aren't even touching the pain.

PT is helping with the frozen shoulder to keep it from completely freezing and I've had a couple of steroid injections to help with the pain.

I wish you luck with your pain and situation. Keep in touch. :hug: