Joint hypermobility disorders :

Neck problems - - Posted by SL99 (SL99), 2 September 2003

Hiya Odd Bods,

I know it's a little off topic, but I'm having increased problem with my neck. I've always had problems with it due to the laxity if the ligaments and joints, something that was aggravated by a riding accident in 1994 when I was nearly paralysed by a dislocated C3 vertebrae. Ever since I've had pain and mobility problems and often end wearing a collar, having weakness in my arms because of nerve pressure and/or needing manipulation to realign things.  

But recently I've had an increase in the pain and discomfort which is at times completely overwhelming and also the frequency of it such attacks. It starts as a dull ache, then progresses to a horrible pain an feeling of things being unstable or "out" in my neck. It makes me feel quite disorientated and light headed some times too. I end up having to manipulate my neck until it lets of sickening clunk, more like a dislocation reduction noise than a regular joint cracking, which shakes my whole body and leave me feeling slightly stunned. I then get a warm, tingling sensation in my neck and throat and find it difficult to swallow for a few minutes too.  

This is happening several times a day now and is starting to scare me somewhat, especially as last week when I sneezed it clunked loudly and I was left with a numb face and unable to talk for 10-15 minutes. I know I need to tell someone about this but I'm just so frightened and fed up as I'm already seeing so many specialists for other joints and I'm terrified about what this current issue will mean in the way of possible treatment or control. I really don't need this right now.  

I'm sorry for this little moan but I just needed to get my fears off my chest and ask if anyone had anything similar happen or advice in this area? Thanks for listening and caring guys. Thinking of you and always here for you all.

Love and hugs....Jo
xxx
Posted by Shazinoz (Shazinoz), 2 September 2003

Jo,
I can understand why you are scared but I think you really need to see someone and possibly a neurologist as well (for the nerve problems), I have read on the EDS board (CEDA) that there are a few with this sort of problems and a couple have had neck fusions and othersurgeries to fix it (with GREAT results). If this is now affecting you so badly (and with the past injury on top that part of your neck will be a LOT weaker (as you already know)) I have some neck problems also and have to stop going to a chiropractor as part of this (and a few other reasons) as when he used to crack my neck i used to feel VERY VERY odd and get scared, I am guessing this was my bodys way of saying "Don't do that!". I too get lightheaed and I suffer from Migraines and more as well and although I do NOT have a collar sometimes I think I need one and I end up in bed with a pillow or pillows packed around my head and neck to keep it still (this HELPS A LOT). I am guessing this is when my nekc is subluxed and I then usually see my ostopath and massage therapists to try to release it and put things back. I know this isn't really a help Jo, But you need to let one of your current specialists (one you trust the most and like the best and who is the most helpful) know that this is going on as youdon't want PERMANENT nerve damage and if you were left with the inability to speack after relocating your neck I personally think you should contact someone ASAP. I know you don't want to have to deal with more and I truly wish you didn't either but as you do then you really really need to get this checked ASAP.
Sharon  
Posted by Helen_uk (Helen uk), 12 September 2003

Hi jo
I have a similar problem with my c2 I had an mri scan because I had alot of ear ache but it wasnt my ear it was my neck.
I have it manipulated and periodic maintenance physio on it but mainly it has settled down since I stopped swimming frontcrawl turning to breathe really made it worse sometimes it still catches me unawair and I feel dissie or sick and it gives me pain but its not too bad now but I do have to be carefull and it is very mobile as apposed to jo publics normal neck.
it affetcs my jaw to making it click and grate and si somtimes very sore,
Chat more with me about it if you want.
Love H xxx

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