Neck pain - recurring over the last 10 years - refused MRI scan?

[dottytablecloth]

I really don't know where to turn to next with my neck and shoulder pain.

I have had recurring neck and shoulder pain over the last 10 years approximately. I initially went to my GP for treatment but didn't get anywhere.

I have tried Physio, chiropractors but they didn't work for me.

I go for a few weeks, maybe 5, pain free and then I will move awkwardly or make some seemingly small movement (such as a sneeze) and my neck will 'go'. I will be in pain for weeks when this happens.

The only thing that gives me relief is going to a manipulative therapist. This treatment is extremely painful at the time but it's over quickly. It feels as though they are popping whatever is out back into place. It will take a few days but I will generally feel ok after this treatment.

However, many people have warned me about the damage this treatment could be doing as the therapists are not doctors or medically qualified at all really. However without this option I would have no quality of life.

I went back to my doctor recently as I was in so much pain and she referred me for an MRI scan. I went for the initial X-ray before it and they refused to do the MRI scan as they said there was nothing wrong with me!

I'm really at a loss as to what to do.

Any advice?

Have you tried an osteopath?

Well, I'd start by going back to the doctor and asking WTF's going on. What on earth did that X-ray show that they were so sure that the MRI wouldn't show anything more? The only good reason I can imagine for them to cancel the MRI is that they'd already diagnosed the cause. That information should have been passed back to your GP, so go back and demand to know what you're meant to do.

You don't explain much about the pain. Is it symmetric, both arms? How far down your arms? Any pins and needles, or numbness with it? How's your range of motion? Do certain activities make it worse? How's your posture? Do you work? Spend time hunched over a desk? Do any exercise? What type of painkillers help (eg: anti-inflamatories/nerve-pain meds)?

I get neck pain associated with psoriatic arthritis and nerve impingement. Hands-on treatments do help short-term, but the only sustained relief is from sticking to a programme of rehab exercises for my neck, shoulders and thoracic spine. If I slack on them for a day or two, it comes back. If I do them religiously, I can keep it to 20% or below. The way I see it, an osteopath/chiropractor/physio can temporarily realign your joints, but if your muscles aren't trained to hold them in the right place, they just go straight back to the wrong position.

If you haven't had much luck with physio in the past, it could just be that the ones you saw didn't really understand your problem. Push your doctor for a proper diagnosis, and for proper treatment.

Is there anything going on in your mouth that could be causing it?

DS1's fabulous orthodontist is also an osteopath. He says that many aches and pains can have their origins in the mouth.

eg Do you grind your teeth? Have you had braces? Do you have over/underbite etc

Dotty, a Rolfing practitioner also know as structural integration can realign your muscles with cartilage and fascia -a much much deeper work than Physio or chiro.
The work allows your body to realign in it's natural space. I had a 10 session series around 3 years ago for severe LHS body imbalance and stiffness and pain throughout my pelvis. I had deprecated pubic symphysis joint and SI joint weakness during pregnancy. NHS wanted to pin and plate me. I wouldn't have that and had the Rolfing done instead.
Miracle workers. I could lie on my side to sleep pain free and eventually after a few sessions could walk relatively pain free too-results are that after my 10 sessions (different parts of the body are worked on at each session) I could walk for many miles pain free, it's turned my life around.
Also-I've never had shoulder or back spasms since I had the treatment.
Please look into this doctors don't have all the answers I'm afraid, ime.

Autocorrect!!!!! *separated pubic symphysis

My understanding is that x rays are to check bones are where they should be and not damaged and MRI scans are more for the soft tissue, ligaments and tendons. I know when I've had referrals for my dodgy knees, it's always been x ray first then MRI if it doesn't show anything.

Think I'd be going back to the GP and letting him/her know that the pain's still there so can he talk you through the x ray results and agree a way forward. If the x ray didn't show anything, the next step should be an MRI. There may be a wait but if you can get onto the list then you should get an appointment. You need to be strong and insist on more help.

Another option in the meantime may be acupuncture? Some like it, some say it's a load of tosh however it could work for you?