Neck pain questions about sleeping and treatment

about 2 weeks ago i woke up with severe pain in my neck, i assumed it was from sleeping bad but as the day went on it didnt get better like it has in the past and it continued on at that intensity for over a week

now it has finally lightened up a bit but still painful and slightly stiff

i have some arm weakness when using my right arm alot but not really painful and no tingling it just seems to get tired quicker

the whole time i couldnt take anything but tylenol because i have severe gastric issues gastritis,reflux with hiatal hernia and ibs

i went for an xray and it showed minimal disc spacing at c5-c6 im suppose to go for an mri to get a better view of what could be going on if anything significant like a herniated disc insurance is my hold up at the moment im waiting on approval and there being idiots about it

so the main reasons im posting is im looking for treatment options for pain and infllmation that wont kill my stomach whether it be drug or natural

my other thing is i cant seem to sleep comfortably since this started i wake up in more pain then i have during the day etc

i bought new pillows and no real relief tried 2 different kinds i sleep on my back and my side

i also have to use a pillow wedge due to my reflux and breathing and i think the one i have is garbage and isnt helping matters but i havnt been able to find anything that looks decent and that will be good for all my problems

they say the short wedges might make reflux worse cause you bend at the waist

so any tips,suggestions on any of this would be greatly appreciated

QT_Pye78 said...
Have you tried a heating pad? It always works for me when I sleep on my neck the wrong way (I know this isn't your issue but it sounds like a similiar pain).

have done both hot and cold treatments still have the stiffness no matter what and always some sort of pain

I would ask the Dr. to let you try a muscle relaxer for a bit. Sometimes all it takes it getting the muscle out of its "spasm".

There are numerous ones to try like Flexeril, Robaxin, Skelaxin, Baclofen, or Zanaflex.

As well as keep searching for a great pillow. I have a tempurpedic-like one that is curved for my neck but also a long one that runs from my inner thigh to my feet and then a small one that goes in between my arms so that when I am go on my sides, the entire spine is supported.

There is also treatment with injections like steroids or lidocaine, even light traction, physical therapy or aqua therapy. The great news is that most people are walking around with spine issues and they clear up on their own or with some rounds of therapy/treatment.