Does anyone with problems at C5 C6 C7 and C8 also have stabbing pain in the forearms?? Got any quick fixes for the next two weeks??

I cannot go get an epidural until I finish this clinical trial that I'm in (after April 6th).

I'm ready to rip the darn things off and throw them in the dumpster The only thing that helps is to lay down in bed -- either with or without my foam flea collar. It seems that being upright is stressing the neck. I can't spend the next two weeks in bed.

Thanks.

Barb

Moose,

The only things I can offer at the moment are anti-inflammatories, pain meds if you have them, and heat or ice alternately on your neck. I have had two cervical fusions so I know the pain you are speaking of. You can try Biofreeze as well for your neck and arms. You can get it a spa or a physical therapist or even online. It really doesn't do much other than to sink in and help with the pain a little. A cervical pillow might help. Other than that, all I can say is take Tylenol or Motrin/Ibuprofen. Those microwave "bed buddy" things help too as it is moist heat. I feel for you, I know this kind of pain!

Thanks, Kathy.

I already take the ibuprofen for the spinal arthritis. That works real great :NOT:

I DO have a cherry bed buddy - a blue teddy bear with cherry husks that you heat up in the microwave. This'll be the first time that I get to try him (her??). That should take me on a memory lane trip to my favorite brown teddy bear when I was kid

Thanks

Barb

Moose,

LOL! I know, I know taking meds like Ibuprofen is like eating candy.

It is hard to wait for those injections. I am sitting here right now with something going on in my upper back and arms. Tomorrow I see my PM thank goodness! I doubt if I will get an injection. I just need his help in figuring this out.

Anyway, if the heat isn't helping and sometimes it doesn't. Try ice on the back of your neck and a pain med of any kind. Leave the ice on for about 20 minutes otherwise you will numb your whole head. Just kidding. But applying it too long isn't wise; same thing with the moist heat. Just alternate. That always helped me even if not the greatest, just to get by.

Hang in there. Oh, and really get some Biofreeze. To me that stuff is the greatest. It cools everything off so that I can at least get some sleep!