Chronic neck pain flare up - swelling and so much pain

[crappens]

I've had chronic neck pain since a whiplash injury 20 years ago. It flares up fairly regularly. This time I've noticed swelling in the back of my neck where the pain is. It's been six days now. I've been using Voltarol max strength and taking cocodamol but it's not touching the pain. Can't get a GP appointment or even an e consult - my local practice is ridiculously understaffed right now.
I don't really know what the point of the post is but I hate living with chronic pain.

Sorry to hear you’re in so much pain. Maybe try a bag of frozen peas on it for 20 mins. Keep trying your GP, hope you get seen. You could also try a private physio if you can’t get your gp, they will know if there’s anything serious going on with the swelling. I’ve had pain in my neck for 1.5 years now, in pain every day and night and it’s very depressing sometimes on bad days so I know how you feel. Hope you get some help soon.

Really sorry to hear you're suffering so much, it sounds awful. The GP situation is dire in many places. Do they ask you to phone the surgery or is it online? At our practice they will often ask if it's urgent, as they have a couple slots set aside for the urgent case, I think. You'd be within your rights to say yes, it is urgent if your surgery has this system.

Have you ever been referred to a specialist regarding your pain? Not sure what kind of specialist I'm referring to, just someone other than a GP. Have you had x-rays, scans, etc, to find out exactly what's going on with your back/neck?

Really hope you manage to get some help.

@Woofie7 please could you share the link to the cloud pillow you recommend? So many options on Amazon. Thank you

Have you rang 111? They will ensure you get prioritised for qn appointment.

See a physio?