[BlueJay49]

Hi people

I am a 49 year old male who was diagnosed with cervical arthritis with a bone spur at the C-4 and C-5 level about 4 years ago. I was also in an automobile accident at about this same time. I've also had Tourette's Syndrome since I was a child and have frequent (and sometimes violent) head/neck tics (which probably doesn't help matters).

Anyway, I don't know if these are "flare-ups" or if they even have anything to do with arthritis which is why I am posting here today - to see if anyone else can relate to these symptoms.

When I get these flare-ups (if that's what they are). I tend to get random aches and pains in various parts of my body (sometimes they are debilitating) . A few years ago the pain was in the back of my neck with lots of pain, soreness, inflammation and crunching sounds when I'd turn my head. After a period of feeling pretty good, I had another bout but this time the pain was in my upper back (on the right side) and I ended up in the ER. Sometimes after being in a certain postion for too long, if I suddenly turn my head, I can feel/hear a clicking sound and then the pain shoots through my neck.

After another period of feeling good and trying to get on with life, I now find myself with yet another bout of this which has lasted for 4-5 days so far. It started with pain in the back of my head near the base of my skull (on the right side where one of the occipital nerves are located). This pain would get worse when I moved my head. The pain eventually spread down the back/right side of my neck all the way into my right shoulder blade and sometimes it affects both arms. Sometimes the pain crosses over into the front of my neck/throat where I get little aches and other sensations. Soemtimes it feels like my right ear is starting to ache or I get an "icy-hot" feeling that occurs in my neck, shoulders or upper-back. Other times I become sensitive to the cold. I'm guessing that this is all a combination of symptoms, referred pain and/or inflammation(?).

Anyway, I've had all kinds of tests, seen lots of different specialists, etc, and almost everything always seems to come back "normal". I've been using Ben-Gay for the pain lately but that's about it.

Could someone please shed some light on this and also tell me if you can relate to any (or all) of this and perhaps share your own experience a little bit?. It's really got me freaked out and I just don't know what to do anymore.

Thanks so much, BlueJay

[missbelle]

Hi BLUEJAY;
I have arthritis which is generalized meaning it is in every joint. I already had back surgery and two hip replacements and this fall with have two knee replacements. I get flares too and also have cervical arthritis. Sometimes my flares do last a few days and all I do is take more tyenol and a nap.My cervical arthrtis can cause severe neck pain and arms that go numb.

I have read a lot about different foods etc that cause pain but it really does not apply to me. I eat tomatoes etc and have no symptoms other then my normal ones so I don't take much stock in what foods cause arthritis. I definately know though that when the barometer drops that I feel much more pain. You may notice that as well with your neck

Bengay etc does not work because all that is about the muscles and my pain is really in the joints and all that stuff does not seem to help. Hot showers help me but you can't stay in a shower forever either otherwise you look like a prune..LOL . Some people use heating pads. I think they are too much trouble. I do love the sun though as it makes my joints feel so good. Massage would help but thats expensive unless you have a significant other. Since its just me and two old cats in residence ..well no massage for me

You have to find what works and sometimes its just about practicing acceptance as sometimes nothing works. It can get frustrating. I usually volunteer at a senior center two days a week and that helps and I draw and paint. Both those things get me out of my head. I am also taking sign language so for me keeping busy is my solution to pain!!!!!

Feel free to message me if you are having a bad day

[BlueJay49]

Thanks so much for your reply. Sounds like you live a very full and active life and do not let arthritis get you down. Good for you!. I find that it always helps to have a hobby or any type of distraction to keep you busy and your mind off of the pain. I find that chatting, posting and doing other computer-related things keeps me sane most of the time.

Yes, the Ben-Gay seems to have a very limited affect. Also, I tried a small bite of a Tylenol and got no relief from that (I'm kind of wary about taking meds so I didn't take as much as I should have). I have heard a lot of really good things about Aleve but have been somewhat apprehensive about trying it because it is an nsaid and the side affects on the warning label sound kind of scary. Have you ever tried it and had good results?.

[Leed]

Hi BlueJay ~ I assume you've had an MRI and that's how you were diagnosed. I hope that's how anyway!!

Does heat ever help your neck? Have you tried a heating pad? It might help -- I'm not sure, but I know heat seems to ease arthritis although IF there's inflammation in there you do NOT want heat, as heat draws blood to the heated area and that causes MORE inflammation & pain & swelling. ICE reduces the swelling and inflammation and pain, so that would be what you should use. Wrap the ice in a towel as you don't want to use ice directly on the skin of course. I learned this in "back school" which my neurosurgeon sent me to after my surgeries.

Also, when it flares up, why not get a cervical collar -- you can get them at any pharmacy and they aren't very expensive. They REALLY work to help the neck "heal" and helps keep your neck stable. By keeping your neck in the collar, it gives it time to rest so the inflammation can heal and you aren't constantly irritating the area. I use mine alot as I have a herniation in there, and it flares up alot. The collar really helps! I also have arthritis in the neck & back.

I wish you the very best. Keep us posted on how you're doing. Hugs, Lee