Does anyone know if stress can be the cause of a pain in the neck?

[earlgrey]

I can hardly move it, but no point in drs appointment if that's what it is. Had it for the last week. Ta.

Definitely. When you're stressed your muscles tighten, especially in the shoulders & neck. However, there's loads of other reasons (trapped nerve, muscles tears etc). Go and see your GP - if it is stress, he can help you with that too

yes
have a really really hot shower, then get into bed nd sty warm
have a massage.
stress is usully the cuse of neck ache with me.

Yes, I get a really stiff neck and shoulders when I'm stressed. I take Syndol which you can buy over the counter and they're brill. Give them about 20 minutes and you feel them working. A word of warning though, if you do try them, only take 1, not 2 the first time, as they can really zonk you out.

Thanks for all this. I took some Diazepam this afternoon - which makes me tired anyway - would you avoid the Syndol for the moment? I'll get some in anyway though.xx

my DH gets this all the time, painkillers and hot baths seem to help a bit but last time he had to go to the chiropracter (sp??)

I wouldn't take the two together but not for any reason other than I wouldn't know if you could, or if there are any interactions between the two. I'd get advice from a pharmacist, Earlgrey.

I wouldn't bother going to the GP - apart from recommending pain killers, they will probably also consider something like physiotherapy, for which you will wait weeks for an appointment.

Go and see either an osteopath or someone who does sports massage (if you have a gym locally there maybe someone who can help). The osteopath will always do soft tissue massage first, and will then deal with any underlying problem - I get this a lot, and it's often bones at the top of my spine and neck that need to be freed up. The muscles start to overcompensate for the bone problem, and then get really stiff and sore.

A sports massage is much better for this condition than an ordinary massage (although that would be better than nothing if you're stressed!), because it works really deeply. It's not especially comfortable at the time but will really sort out any knots and tension.

Hope you get it sorted soon - I really know what it's like and how tiresome it can be.

long-term look at pilates or yoga so you can work on your posture to stop it happening again

I get this a lot.

My advice would be - syndol as it contains a muscle relaxent as well as painkillers (sufermum is right though about only taking one as it will knock you out).

Sort out your pillows/bed - they can make it a lot worse. MAke sure your neck is as flat as possible when lying down and not at an angle (i.e. shoulders on bed and head upright - this can make it worse). I have a shaped pillow that makes things easier.

GO and see a sports masseur/osteopathist (sp?) as they will be able to treat problem whereas gp will probably just send you home with painkillers.

Be careful when sitting that you are upright and not slouched as this will make it worse.

Try adn do some relaxation excerises lying on the floor and concentrate on relaxing the muscles - this can help.

Mine's bad at mo and causes migraines as well so going to lie down now.

Hi

I had servere pain in the neck and found I had a trapped nerve. 4 acgonising treatments from the physio worked a treat. A bit expensive but worthwhile.