To want some sort of drug that will relax the muscles in my neck??

[Stugs]

I keep having headaches and migraines and the muscles in my neck and shoulders are permanently rock hard. If I try and rotate my head a lot I get dizzy and faint.

I had this before 10 years ago after whiplash and the physio couldn't treat me as I kept fainting when she tried to manipulate my neck. I had an MRI scan which showed the top of my spine was straight not curved? Which apparently puts more strain on the surrounding muscles.

Would valium help?? Is there anything over the counter that helps?

Syndol with the Doxylamine in is the one.

That and sleeping on no or one, thin, pillow (according to the neurologist that treated me).

I had low back pain and headaches and amytriplyline worked for me. But I do think it is addictive. (??Neuroplastic pain)

I then developed neck and shoulder muscular pain stiffness.

I went to a chiro- they made no improvement to the low back but sorted the shoulder and the neck.

Heat patches are really good too

My friend was prescribed diazepam for a neck spasm/ constricture

Don't underestimate the power of heat...consistently applied via a wheat bag etc.

Botox is the best muscle relaxant ime; with baclofen to help as the Botox wears off. I’ve asked for diazepam for really painful situations (mainly having to sit for hours on chairs with no neck support like in A & E), but they won’t give it to me! 😟

Osteopath. I see one regularly due to bad back and painful tense neck/shoulders. Far more effective and less invasive than chiropractor or acupuncture.

I was prescribed diazepam for my neck muscle spasms and attendant excruciating pain. The only other thing that worked was standing under a warm shower - but that was plainly not practical for living a normal life.

Please do, I’m another one who’s extremely curious.

I’m sad to hear that so many have similar problems but I’ve got some great tips from this thread (except for those who clearly don’t know what migraines are, well lucky them is all I can say) and I feel a lot less alone!

The only thing that's helped me long term is lifting weights and building muscle. I've had neck and shoulder pain for years. So bad it was making me physically sick when it was really bad.
6 months ago I started with really experienced pt once a week along with joining a gym too. I've tried before without a pt and failed & hurt myself. But I learnt so much in the 10 weeks course and now ho a few times a week and work out by myself. I very occasionally get a bit of pain but nothing like before.

Had the same issue after chemo tried all the drugs the only thing that worked was acupuncture and massage

Wet cupping helps me. I'm terrible for carrying tension in my shoulders.

Can I ask what your weight regime is? I have hand weights and my neck seemed to get worse even using simple lifts.

You can get the original syndol, it was withdrawn for a few years, but it's being made again, it's just out of stock everywhere at the mo (which happens from time to time). I bought a packet a couple of months ago.

It's been absolutely brilliant. I am sad but strangely comforted that so many people are in the same boat.

I tried toperimate but it made me so ill! It’s horses for courses isn’t it. so many diff suggestions and options to try though so I’m not giving up! Which pillow do you recommend as I’ve tried so many: thanks !

No idea if something like this would be any good but the ad popped up on my Facebook after I saw the thread.

Actually OP, I forgot to mention TENS, I've found it helpful. Might be worth a go.

The pillow I use was recommended by a physio, it's this one: https://www.sisseluk.com/sissel-soft-plus-orthopaedic-pillow
You can tuck your shoulder up under the section that gently stretches your neck. So comfy.

@QuitRunningForThatRunawayBus thank you so much, I missed that!
@Daughtersandbristolian yes I hear you about topiramate, it took me a month or so to settle with it and find the right dose but initially it really scrambled my thoughts 🤪

That is a lot to spend if its not the most comfy thing ever. Tens machine is a good shout and in fact that got me through three births and I think I have one somewhere!

I get this from stress. Wentvto a chiro as was getting nerve pain in my face, he said get never seen such a swollen rigid neck his whole career. But he did that neck crick thing, scared me so much I never went back. I also wake myself up gnashing my teeth. One of which I've just cracked. Even in my sleep my muscles tense and I wake up aching . Only thing helps me is exercise and medidation.

It is expensive yes, but lasts for years and decreases my pain, so worth it for me. It might be cheaper on other sites. I ended up with this one after a physio lent me several to try out.

Hope the TENS machine helps when you find it.

The shiatsu massager is here!

It's really hardcore! A proper hard massage. It feels lovely but there's a bit of my neck which is far too painful so I've currently got it on my upper back. Dd has her eye on it already 🤨

So glad it’s helped! I told my teen DS I’m now an ‘influencer’ because I encouraged someone online to buy a product. He laughed and laughed 🤣

@Stugs many thanks

Go easy with it as it can make things ache the next day. Start off little and often on the lowest setting with heat option on. Glad you like it 😊