To a be baffled by this doctor's appointment?

[QuestionableMouse]

Went yesterday because my neck and shoulder have been hurting. I'd made a list of symptoms that the doctor read. To cut a long story short, she examined me and told me I have very congested sinuses. No explanation for the pain in my neck/shoulder. She advised me to buy something called sinus rinse... I've just checked and it's £16.

I'm honestly confused... I don't understand how congested sinuses could be making my neck hurt! AIBU to feel like this?

That's unexpected, but isn't it worth a go? Your doctor has recommended it so I'd listen to her. I think you could diy instead of paying £16. Pre made saline is cheap. www.m.webmd.com/allergies/ss/slideshow-nasal-irrigation

What was on the list of symptoms? Could it have been something on there that made her think that?

If you're in pain you can tense up and it can cause pain elsewhere, so in theory it's possible. Worth a try for a week?

was there anything on your 'list of symptoms' that's could have been to do with your sinuses? How many symptoms were on your list?

I can help
I have suffered this
Ok so when you sinuses are swollen and full of liquid they slightly cause an imbalance of how you carry the weight of your head, being slightly unbalanced.
You might not notice at first but eventually your neck and upper back muscles get sore and tense for compensating for the unbalance causes by the sinuses.
You treating the sinuses is great because some people will just target the muscles but it is the sinuses to blame
Hope it helps

This is a random tip, but it works! If you have an electric toothbrush, switch it on and massage the sinus areas on your face with it. It makes your eyes water, but moves congestion a treat!!

I always get confused by this. People asking for an experts help, then getting random people on the internet to confirm if its ok.

Is it the price that 's the problem?

If she thought the rinse was necessary, why didn't she prescribe it?

Probably cheaper to use a hot water bottle on your shoulder and then a cold one (alternately). Also a massage with arnica oil is brilliant.

Why didn't you ask the doctor to explain in further detail?

In my experience doctors will recommend something and tell you to get it from the chemist without mentioning the cost. I suppose they are hoping you buy and keep NHS costs down. If cost a real problem then maybe phone and ask for prescription?

Steam is good for clearing sinuses, either a cheap facial steamer from argos or a saucepan of hot water and towel over head/sitting in bathroom with shower running. If not maybe ring back and ask for a prescription.

May I recommend the neti pot - you can get on ebay/Amazon for a few pounds and then make up your own saline solution (boiled water and salt). Really helps clear sinuses.

Doctors might not know the costs of stuff from chemists and it can vary greatly. I normally buy supermarket paracetamol. It costs 20p for 16. I picked up a packet at the chemists last week and it cost 5 quid for 32. If I didn't have the worst period pain at the time I would have refused and gone to asda. But couldn't face the drive.

You can make your own sinus rinse (Google netti pots and nasal douching). But I've always struggled so bought some Neil med sinus rinse and reuse the bottle with hone made solution. Works nicely. Asked my doc about it and she couldn't find a way to prescribe it on her computer system it just didn't come up as an option.

I've no idea how it links to your shoulders though. Why didn't you ask at the time?

I should have asked but she wasn't very easy to talk to and I tend to get a bit flustered.

I just added pinch of sea salt and a pinch of bicarbonate of soda to a mug of warm water. Then flush it up your nose with a syringe. It should come down the back of your throat.

3-4 times a day.

Worked better than anything the Dr gave me.

It was the Dr's suggestion.

Things can hurt in funny places.
Dd1 once had shoulder pain, turned out to be severe pneumonia.
Bil once was in agony on the end of his nose. Turned out to be a tooth abscess.

transferred pain is common - she did well to think laterally with it. Try it and see - you can find u tube videos on sinus massage as well works really well to relive the ache from it as well as drain them.

when you have a tooth out you can get something called dry socket - it can be similar for sinuses

A fellow sufferer that has lost significant sense of smell as a result of untreated sinusitis

My BIL swears by them. Give it a go - it may not be the full solution but it's def worth a try!

I wonder why so many people are discounting Evergreen's post. I think she has given a very full and understandable response and it sounds like she's a HCP. I note you haven't commented OP. - do you not think it sounds a reasonable explanation.

If I had muscle/joint pain, I'd say it was 100% reasonable but I don't think that's what I have.

I'm trying the sinus rinses so hopefully it'll work. :)