Pain in the Neck
January 15, 2009
So for almost a year now, I’ve been suffering from upper back/neck pain…ugh! I feel like an old lady even saying that…sigh! The neck pain isn’t even the worst part, it’s the headaches that result from it. They are not your average everyday headaches. They are the “blinding pain I cannot move without feeling like my head may explode” kind of headaches. The “God help anyone who comes near me” kind.
I am beginning to think it is 95% due to the fact that I have to sit in front of a computer for 8 hours a day, every day. I try really hard to have good posture when I am working but it doesn’t seem to help. I’ve tried moving my computer to a different part of my desk. I’ve tried using a different chair. That does not seem to have helped.
Last summer I tried going to a chiropractor and I did feel better, however I only felt better for a few days and then the pain would come back. If I had an unlimited supply of money, heck, I’d keep going. But since I don’t, it was hard to justify paying $30 per visit when each visit lasted all of 5 minutes.
Since I stopped going to the chiropractor, I have my husband gently crack my back. It does seem to help but the results just don’t last and my husband is getting sick of me asking him to do it every night.
So does anyone have any suggestions? I’ve tried Advil, heating pads, stretching every few minutes, muscle strength exercises and occasional massages.
I’m hoping that once I start nursing, and get away from the desk job, that the neck pain will go away. Mostly because I noticed that my neck did not bother me nearly as much during my 2.5 week break from work over the holidays. I realize that being on my feet all day as a nurse will probably bring about its own set of issues, but for now I’m just looking forward to getting rid of this current pain in the neck…literally!
January 15, 2009 at 12:01 pm
Girl, I’ve had that exact same battle!! And I have to tell you, I left my desk job at the end of August and now only have the neck/upper back pain & headaches if I sleep funny. It is such a relief!!!
I also tried seeing a chiropractor, and it helped so much… but I was going twice a week, and like you said, it got expensive FAST!! Between the money I’m saving from not seeing the chiro, plus not eating out as well as a few other expenses associated with my job, we have hardly noticed the loss of income with me staying home.
Hope you can find relief soon!! In the meantime… maybe try getting up and walking around for a couple minutes every 1/2 hour or so. Maybe that will help some….
January 15, 2009 at 3:24 pm
Yoga may help. Are you also doing the stretch where you sit on a kitchen chair, grab one side of the seat with one hand, and then tilt your head the opposite way to stretch it, holding it for like 30 seconds at a time? When I had back problems due to typing all day at the computer my massage therapist recommended to do that every day a few times per day. I do think you are right though, getting away from your job and into nursing school will help.
January 15, 2009 at 3:57 pm
I have very similar problems. I saw a chiropractor a few times, and their staff showed me some stretches and exercises to keep up with on my own to help correct the misalignments that cause all the tension. I wonder if you could ask for something like that?
January 15, 2009 at 4:11 pm
Hmm, maybe try sitting on a yoga ball at your desk at work? It will make you lower at the computer screen, which might be a better angle for your neck. And it will force you to sit up straight. I’ve also seen a computer program that you can download that pops up every so often to remind you to get up from your desk and stretch. I can’t remember the title of it, but if I do, I’ll email it to you.
January 15, 2009 at 4:29 pm
I get really bad neck pain as well. Looking back I have taken muscle relaxers, gone to chirorpactic, and also tried strecting and heating pads. Everything helped a little but what I believe it really is, is my hormones. I know it sounds funny but my neck does hurt at certain times in my cycle and now that I am getting back to normal with my hormones, the pain is so much less. Good luck!
January 15, 2009 at 4:54 pm
Well, as funny as it sounds, there is a thing called Primary Back Stretch from T-tapp. Don’t let the infomercial-type advertising fool you. Go to the website at T-tapp.com and you will find some forums, plus some exercises that you can try. I have a job where I sit at the computer for 8 hours a day and have done so for 12 year. My husband is getting tired of cracking my back as well. This stretch is the only thing that has relieved my back pain. I do it a few times a day. I was a skeptic but not anymore.
January 15, 2009 at 8:50 pm
I think I could have written that post. I WENT to the chiro today. Our insurance covers until Feb 1st…I’m going again next week and the next. I attribute it to the computer time too..as a writer and all – hard to avoid that.
Just bought a GOOD chair and a tilted laptop desk. We’ll see. Hope you find something that words for you.
January 15, 2009 at 9:37 pm
Kacy – just wanted to tell you that I love my curly hair and that’s why I want our donor to have curly hair. I hated it as a child, but I love it now. I don’t care if it’s not in style! I’d love to see your hair curly! haha.