Very bad neck pain, possibly misdiagnosed as cervical dystonia

Posted by freidbs @freidbs, Sep 20 9:03am

Hello after I do 2 walks in a row or more on 2 different days I have tense neck muscles which cause serious pain and I will for sure wake up on the 2nd night with an incredible whey seems like a headache but it's the neck muscles in a tight, almost spasm. Already had 50 units of botox type A in the neck however they have only stopped the intense spasms but not the pain. Seeing a neurologist in 2 weeks. Have to dose myself with anti inflammatory medication and robaxin to ease it. Every time I see a doctor I get a different opinion on what to do and who to see from biokinetisist (spelling) to neurologist. Has anyone else had this type of thing and what was the most effective treatment? The walks are only about 9000 steps on a flat promenade. I'm hoping the neuro will help me. Thanks in advance

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azsusie66 | @azsusie66 | Sep 20 12:08pm

Have you had an MRI? I waited for many years before I got one. Two surgeries later, I’m better.

laura1970 | @laura1970 | Sep 20 2:08pm

I have cervical dystonia also. Mine is secondary to large nexk surgery. Botox works well but i also had a large soaking tub installed. I use it every day with epson salt and it works great! If thumis ia not feasible for you tou coukd try alternating heat and ice (20 minutes every 2 hours as able) i also find lting down a few times a day really helped. The neck muscles hold up the head which is heavy (i think like 11 pounds). So lying down gives these muscles a well deserved break

freidbs | @freidbs | Sep 21 7:39am

In reply to @azsusie66 "Have you had an MRI? I waited for many years before I got one. Two surgeries..." + (show)

I think the neuro will probably order one so I wait until the 30th

freidbs | @freidbs | Sep 21 7:40am

In reply to @azsusie66 "Have you had an MRI? I waited for many years before I got one. Two surgeries..." + (show)

But I'm very nervous to have surgery it will be a last resort

freidbs | @freidbs | Sep 21 7:41am

In reply to @laura1970 "I have cervical dystonia also. Mine is secondary to large nexk surgery. Botox works well but..." + (show)

Lying down is the best. I have not tried the hot /cold combination I just massage my neck with arnica /voltaren gel. It's the headaches at night they wake me up that are the worst!

@seekinginfo | @nrd1 | Sep 21 10:42pm

@freidbs -
Start a strengthening program to work back and shoulder muscles and any strengthening to your core.

Try to not keep head in a downwards posture for too long, looking at screens etc….

Avoid any doctor who offers to “chase the pain” with injections or surgery. Most (not all) doctors are dumb when it comes to the musculature referred pain affects on the head/neck.

freidbs | @freidbs | Sep 22 3:31am

Yeah thank you I refuse to get caught in some expensive medical trap, I really do think the answer is posture correction, see how I'm walking and how to fix my gait /posture etc.

admiralflip1951 | @admiralflip1951 | Sep 23 12:12am

Epidural every 90 days into the neck spine. At First it lasts 60 to 75 days, I've been having it done for over a year.
The STEROID BUNDLE wears off in 45 days!
Now it has moved to my shoulders.
John Kelley

Any suggestions