Pinched nerve in neck

[Hastingsishot]

My poor DH has a pinched nerve in his neck. He has had it for about 3 weeks now in total and is nearly broken by it.

He cannot sleep.

He got a doctors appointment last week by telephone who referred him to a physio who he has a telephone consultation with next week.

The doctor gave no advice other than strong pain killers.

We have bought him a neck brace and an elevation sling (one that stays away from the neck) which definitely gives some relief.

He has been in constant pain killers full doses for 3 weeks now.

We are at a loss of what to do next. He is working at home FT and has to school our daughter too as I work full time away from home.

We are close to breaking. Does anyone have any ideas or tips please?

Oh dear, I feel for him. I had a trapped nerve in my neck about 10 years ago and it hung around for about 6 weeks. It popped when I was trying to open a tightly-closed bottle of Coke

I have no advice but I hope he gets some relief soon.

Try a chiropractor if you can afford it.

I’d be careful with neck brace, there are very few instances when they are advised, particularly if there has been no known trauma or bony injury. As much as it hurts he needs to keep moving.

I had this last year, all the Doctor could do was give me really strong painkillers which didn’t really work & the pain was constant. After about 6 weeks of non stop strong co-codomol & Naproxen. I found an amazing Chiropracter who sorted it out within a couple of weeks, looking back I can’t believe I endured that level of pain for so long! Chiropracters are open in England at the moment, presuming that’s where you are? If you can get a recommendation from someone (as I’ve seen a few over the years who weren’t great!) then it could be the solution? Hope it gets sorted, it’s a horrible thing to have.

Can you afford private physio or a chiropractor? If so, I’d go for it.

I have chronic neck/shoulder issues and had to pay to see a physio before Christmas, but it was worth it. It cost around £45 for an appointment.

I have no experience in the matter, but I am on a cbd oil Facebook page, which is full of stories of how the oil helps with serious pain relief...

Does you husband need an mri to establish where exactly the nerve is pinched?

I would also go for chiropractors as mentioned above.

Wishing your husband a speeding recovery

My poor dad had this and it was awful. Did loads of physio that accomplished fuck all. He then went to a chiropractor and the pain was gone, completely. This was about 15 years ago, and he needs to see his chiropractor maybe 3 or 4 times a year to keep it in check.

@AtleastitsnotMonday

I’d be careful with neck brace, there are very few instances when they are advised, particularly if there has been no known trauma or bony injury. As much as it hurts he needs to keep moving.

This is excellent advice. Not moving painful joints usually causes longer and more severe pain in the long run

I had this a few years ago- the chiropractor totally sorted me out. Definitely worth a try- I found the chiropractor more effective than the physio I was referred to through work.

Both GP and chiropractor recommended ibuprofen. Also, regular gentle movement will help (gently looking left and right as if crossing road, also tilt the head left and right - ear to shoulder. Also looking down in a nodding gentle nodding motion)

the neck brace doesn’t sound like a good idea, but speak to professional.

The chiropractor also recommended alternating between hot and cold compresses - apparently it helps with the inflamed area around the nerve.

Get well soon!

Absolutely find an osteopath and pay to be seen!!!

He doesn't agree with chiropractors apparently, says they are bullshit 🙄🙄

It is a soft neck brace, it gives him quite a lot of relief. I will make sure he discusses it with the physio ASAP.

Is there anyway I can change his minds on chiropractors?

Same here, just surpassed 4 weeks. It really is miserable. Naproxen takes the edge off and lasts most of the night. Cocodamol does too but I can't stand codeine. The nurse practitioner I spoke to said they also give amitriptyline for it if I need it, but I've had that for something else and it knocks me out. Might be worth your DH trying it though as it will help him sleep. I've just booked in with a private physio next week.

Lose the neck brace and do these x 19 every hour. PUSH THROUGH the full range of motion. Where you think it's time to stop, go a bit further.
Every hour. The difference will be clear after the first day.
Amitryptaline to help with replacing for sleep.
But chin tuck EVERY HOUR

Relaxing, not replacing.

Oh. The link.

X10.
Not 19

Im sorry.

Thank you Zoom I will pass the info on.

Delilah I feel for you as it looks so painful. I hope it sorts itself very soon.

Osteopaths work on soft tissue like a physio massage does. In some circumstances they will do manipulation like chiro do.

When I had chronic SPD when pregnant I went in on crutches and came out being able to walk carefully without as the pain was lessened bu so much.

It can be helpful to have an x ray or mri to know exactly what is going on.

Well, if he doesn't agree with chiropractors, I have zero sympathy. What a tool!

I think I can persuade him to see an osteopath, we can afford to see one privately so will encourage him to find a local one tomorrow.

I will also ask him to push for an MRI or X-ray

I had the same thing. Weeks and months of cocodamol and naproxen. Only had relief when I went to a private physio who done a lot of deep tissue massage (bruised like a peach) and released the trapped nerve. The pain went from a 100 down to being quite manageable, further sessions seen it off completely.

Hot water bottles to sleep with if he can!

How does he know it's a pinched nerve? I'd definitely recommend seeing a physio to check him over and offer advice. Personally I wouldn't recommend a chiropractor for neck issues, especially if he hasn't had a scan (but I would recommend them for many other things!).