neck pain... *ouch*

[*ULA*]

merry meet and i come to you all for help!

i've had horrible neck problems/soreness for at least a year and i've seen tons of doctors.. i've gotten some muscle relaxers that knock me out for like.. two days.. and am still trying to find a doctor who can actually help!

it's basically just sore, sometimes stabbing pains in my neck. i know that seeking pro. help is first and foremost, but in the meantime are there any herbal solutions to ease the pain? perhaps a mild herbal muscle relaxer?

any help would be muchly appreciated.
*ouch*

BB~ ULA

[Earth Walker]

:D Have you seen a Chiropractor yet? They are good
for fixing your type of problem. :)

[*ULA*]

..but am figuring out all sorts of fun healthcare info. first.

so until i can see one, i was just looking for a time-me-over-recipe! :)

[Lavender]

I collect old folk remedies. Here's a couple for aching muscles. Before using anything, you should do the "patch" test first. That's to put a dab on inner skin of your forearm & put a bandaid over it for 24 hours. If there's no reaction, the remedy is safe for you to use.

Liniment for aching muscles:
2 ounces of powdered goldenseal
1 quart rubbing alcohol
Mix together & let sit for 2 weeks, shake everyday. Use by massaging on sore muscles.

Massage oil for sore muscles:
1 tsp of cayenne pepper
2 ounces of olive oil
Mix together & massage on sore muscles.

This next recipe is the one I like the best. I have a son that plays soccer & husband that is a letter carrier - sore muscles are a daily occurence in this household. It does take a bit of prep work but is very effective.

Place 2 ounces of comfrey roots and 2 ounces of arnica flowers in a glass jar. Fill with 2 cups of olive oil. The traditional way is to let it sit in the sun for 2 weeks. If you're in a hurry, you can place the jar with the lid loosely tighten in a hot water bath. Simmer for 3-4 hours, strain out herbs & keep the oil. To make the salve, add 1 table spoon of grated unbleached beeswax to 5 table spoon of your infused oil. Heat in a hot water bath until wax is melted. Add to the mixture 8 drops of peppermint EO, 6 drops ginger EO, 4 drops black pepper EO.

Hope this helps.

-Wildchild

[ruthie]

Buchman's Herbal Medicine offers Peppermint (in both tea form and a mash applied to the effected area) as a relief from muscle spasms or cramps. Thanking you for the chance to look it up as it apparently is also good for sinus problems, which I am suffering at the moment. Luckily, I have peppermint tea in the kitchen!

[*ULA*]

thank you all thank you all! my neck thanks you all!

i will have to try these... :)

blessed be - ULA

[sherry]

I agree, a chiropractor would be my next step they always do wonders with matters of the spine

I have had back surgery in the army. Now a chiropractor tells me it could have been avoided just wish they had allowed me then !!

several of the nurses I have worked with, also see one on a regular basis to get adjusted. It does wonders!!
and what the heck it cant hurt to be lined up makes everything alot better

[MistOfTheSea86]

It is said ULA that Wiccans can channel great energy, maybe you could try to focus that energy and heal your neck?? Just a new person suggestion

MistOfTheSea86

[Zygomatica]

Hi Ula,

I am sorry you are in pain. Just another suggestion, an Osteopathic physician can help too.

I hope you find relief soon!

Zygo
(future Osteopathic doc) :D

[idusty88]

If you are like me then tension gets you in the neck. Being aware of this can help. Find the source of the tension and try to resolve it.
Also, years ago, I often awoke with neck pain. I eventually discovered that I was sleeping with my head at a bad angle. I figured out that I had to keep my shoulders off the pillow and roll the pillow up a bit under my neck to keep my head level.
One more thing that helps me is to do slow stretches for my neck muscles and shoulder rolls.

[idusty88]

Originally posted by MistOfTheSea86
It is said ULA that Wiccans can channel great energy, maybe you could try to focus that energy and heal your neck?? Just a new person suggestion

MistOfTheSea86

IMO a pagan/wiccan path denotes self-reliance; meaning gather information, apply logic and intuition, then follow the chosen course of action employing all appropriate tools and methods, and making necessary adjustments based on results and intuition.
To rely first and foremost on psychic energy in all situations would not only be draining, but just as inappropriate as a doctor who wields a scalpel, or throws a pill, at any and every malady (spoken with a kind note in the voice).
For this situation, energy use would be appropriate if channeled by someone giving a massage to the afflicted area. Also, energy could be channeled through a visualization exercise aimed at promoting health and ease for the neck.

[*ULA*]

...and a future doc on the board to boot!!
Merry Meet all Neophytes.. this is a great spot, enjoy.

And thank you again...

Ula

[gogogeorgia]

If all else fails, maybe you could try a physiotherapist, one that is specifially trained in craniosacral massage. If its accumilated stress on you neck, you may want to try seeing someone about posture training.

Try the craniosacral massage if you want, if not at least you'll find it very relaxing!

Best of luck, I read your post because I currently have neck pain - lots of pleasant advice.

You could also try changing your pillow. There's a pillow called the Shangri-la BUCKWHEAT pillow, it's supposed to work wonders.

Sweet Dreams!

[gogogeorgia]

I was quite concerned about you after reading your post,a nd was not able to sleep - you neck was in my thoughts...

you said your pain was cronic? Have you had an x-ray done. I know that most folk often hope that things will go away, or that there is a natural remedy, but it could be calcification, or degenerative, an x-ray would be albe to reveal that.

Also, what activities do you do? Do you spend a lot of time hunched over? Bent, crouched in the garden where you head hangs, or packing kids around, is you computer screen placed really high, keyboard low.

Take a mental catalog of these things and see if you can avoid any of the above or better the position of you neck during some of these activities.

Also - I've heard that neck pain is also a viral infection?

Best wishes, and I truly hope that you are well, if not now, then VERy soon!

Georgia