Pain in neck, shoulder and arm

[mnc879]

I'm one of the most stubborn people I know, never ever go to the doctor, which is silly I know, just makes me anxious being there so tend not to go unless I really have to!
However, the last 4 months or so pains in my neck have slowly been getting worse, started off a dull pain but now can only turn my head so far without it being V painful, pain has now moved to shoulder, down whole arm and into my hand, muscles feel very weak and grip on my hand isn't great now either, can't open bottles, jars etc, struggle to lift my DD because of it too..
Any ideas on what I could do to help, maybe exercises or anything? know I need to bite the bullet and go to GP but really scares me so will try and avoid it right to the last minute

Sounds similar to when I get a trapped nerve, nipped by one of my ribs.

GP first to check it's nothing sinister then an osteopath!

I have something similar also a trapped nerve. Not much you can do really, lots of time and patience. Physio therapy might be a good option. If it gets real painful go on Amitryptyline

I had the same symptoms from a trampoline injury that was diagnosed as whiplash. Took lots of Physio to put it right.
Have you recently had a sudden jolt to explain this?

You may be able to self refer to nhs physiotherapy .
Look on your gp website.
But go to gp as well

What pain relief helps?

I do think after 4 months you should at least talk to your GP, give the poor doc a chance to help you!

No been absolutely no injury to explain this..will make an appointment asap, had in my head that it was some kind of arthiritis, as just feels stiff and achy, is starting to affect me in day to day life and with work too so need to do something

Only taken paracetamol which doesn't help really at all, not really one for taking pills

Sounds like a trapped nerve. I had this last year and lasted for months. I self diagnosed as also never go to the GP and eventually it did go away. The best advise is probably to see your GP. I doubt it’s something sinister.

Does it feel like a burning pain, like and electrical current going down from neck to hand - this would nod to a trapped nerve..
Alternate between heat and cold packs, take ibuprofen if you can and try and get seen by a physio.

No chester, more like a achy stiff joint kind of pain..

I saw a physiotherapist yesterday for similar pain. I finally went as it's painful to turn my head fully when driving. Turns out trying to improve my swimming technique was bad for me and I'd overstretched my shoulder and deltoid. Feel much better after being beaten up treated by her and have been given some exercises to help.

Likely to be far less scary than you fear, OP.

You need to go and be examined by your GP properly to see exactly what the nerve involvement is. Physio may be the best option for you if the GP is happy. If there is something concerning in your examination you may need to see a specialist and get an MRI of your neck. Someone may send you for an X-ray which will more than likely show some degeneration - wear and tear (because they all do) but it is a non specific test so pretty pointless and in my area the x-ray department wouldn’t do it.

But it boils down to you need a proper examination so make an appointment.

Is it pain more in the shoulder radiating out to neck/arm? Arm feels heavy and clumsy and moving it hurts and feels stiff. It could be a frozen shoulder.
Definitely try and get a GP appointment even if it's just for peace of mind