6 weeks ago I had surgery on my lower spine. I am doing well from that. 1 week ago I was in a car accident and have whiplash to my neck & thoracic. I had pain in my arms and I feel a bit bruised. I am going for an MRI this Saturday. My question is, I am having a neuropathy flare. I have not had one in 3 years like this. It's in upper and lower body & face and all over basically. I am wondering if shaking my spine up did this. I am in pain and taking Mersyndol & Voltaren as needed. I just am wondering if this is a logical cause?

Thank you,
Aussie

Yes, flares I think come from the increase in inflammatory cytokines released in response to trauma.

Once this calms down, the flare should too.

Really? Thank goodness!!!!!!!!!!
I have been in so much pain the last 3 days. The flare just started 3-4 days ago and the accident was on Monday the 14th. I was ok the day after the accident, but with each subsequent day my back & neck were hurting more and more and then.... the neuropathy flare. I thought it had to do with my spine. But then I was trying to figure out how neck pain could also make my feet burn. That's when I realised I was having a PN flare.

I will be having an MRI on saturday and I am hopeful I am ok, and no more spine issues. Thank you very much for your response.

Aussie

It is common to have generalized myalgias for a couple weeks after MVA. Your body endures forces that are not naturally occuring any where else. MRI will help rule out compressive radiculopathy for various reasons and should be done when experiencing extremity pain.

Antioxidants may help with this flare.

200mg a day of Grapeseed extract is one. A quality high performance curcumin is another choice, but more expensive.

Vitamins C and E may help. There are studies showing from Britain done on ankle and wrist surgery and trauma patients that 500mg to 1000mg a day of Vit C prevented RSD from developing.
This is a hopeful thing, and may work for other trauma situations too. (wrist and ankle have many nerves clustered there)

I am so sorry for the accident on top of all you face. My pain doctor for pain and healing also suggested vitamin c as Mrs D stated. I hope you feel better

As we all know the major problem with having PN (especially wide body distribution) is that if you do hurt a limb or your back it's very hard to tell what is pre-existing and what is new. The water is muddy. Lucky for me I have not had a PN flare in 3 years so I know something is wrong. The voltaren calms the flare down.

The fact that the Voltaren works, points to inflammatory response in your PN too.

Please consider using some supplements that reduce inflammation naturally... like grapeseed extract, or curcumin etc.

Very sorry to hear about your recent whiplash - on top of everything else you've had. I was once advised that when taking higher amounts of Vitamin C to make sure and drink plenty of water.

Whiplash can be wicked, but think positively. Was in an auto accident years ago and had the same injuries as you - C-spine and T-spine. With treatment and therapy, the pain did go away.

Best wishes,

Sheltiemom

Would you share this experience with me Sheltie? I am confused as to what I should expect. I will write exactly what has occured.