Struggling with Chronic Neck and Shoulder Discomfort for Years
At 32 years old, I'm a woman grappling with persistent pain in my neck and shoulders that has plagued me since my high school days—roughly 12 years. There hasn’t been any clear injury to trigger this discomfort; I’ve never been involved in car accidents, nor do I engage in physically demanding sports or activities. My job is a typical 9-to-5 office position that doesn't involve heavy lifting or physical exertion. Currently, I'm on Zoloft (100 mg) for managing generalized anxiety and panic attacks, and I also take an iron supplement to address anemia. In the past, when I wasn’t medicated, I faced panic attacks that caused my shoulders to tense up. Thankfully, after five years on Zoloft, my anxiety significantly decreased. Not long ago, I visited an orthopedist who conducted an MRI. The findings revealed "military neck" (cervical lordosis) along with bulging discs at C3-C4 and C5-C6. Additionally, canal stenosis at C7-T1 and a vertebral body hemangioma at T1 were discovered. Despite this, the orthopedist concluded that surgery wasn't necessary, preferring instead to refer me for physical therapy and pain management. Here’s a summary of the treatments I've explored: 1. Participated in two full rounds of physical therapy over 14 weeks (28 sessions). The regimen included neck stretches such as chin tucks and lateral stretching, as well as shoulder strengthening exercises with weights and resistance bands. Although I’ve maintained these exercises at home, the benefits remain minimal. 2. Received therapeutic massages at least twice monthly, sometimes increasing to three or four sessions per month. These sessions provide temporary relief for about a day or two. 3. Took Naproxen as directed by my primary care physician, up to a total of 1000 milligrams daily, with little improvement noted. 4. Tried muscle relaxants (Cyclobenzaprine) which proved ineffective for me. 5. Underwent a cervical epidural injection which offered brief respite, but soon the pain returned. 6. Recently began neck decompression therapy based on my pain management physician's advice; however, it’s too soon for me to determine its effectiveness. Despite these efforts, I continuously endure significant pain every day. I use a specialized cervical neck pillow while sleeping, yet I often wake up still in discomfort. Both my orthopedist and primary care doctor have largely dismissed my concerns since surgery isn't on the table. My primary care doctor has simply suggested that I continue taking Naproxen. The discomfort is sharply focused on the sides of my neck, directly between my shoulder blades and in the fleshy areas above my clavicle. It feels overwhelming to think that this might be a lasting issue without a clear path to relief.
Answers (1)
9/14/2025, 5:20:44 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about your long-standing neck and shoulder discomfort. It sounds frustrating and exhausting to deal with persistent pain for so many years. Here’s a summary of the main points and some actionable steps you can consider.
Main Points:
You have chronic neck and shoulder pain, diagnosed with cervical lordosis and bulging discs, but ongoing efforts for relief have not yielded significant results. It's important to explore holistic and supportive approaches since traditional therapies haven't brought lasting relief.
Explanation:
Chronic neck and shoulder discomfort can stem from several factors, including muscle tension, posture issues, or structural changes in the spine. Even without a clear injury, ongoing tension can create a cycle of pain. The findings from your MRI may contribute to discomfort, but non-surgical approaches like physical therapy and pain management are often the first steps before considering surgery.
Actionable Steps:
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Re-evaluate Physical Therapy: Since you've already completed a couple of rounds with limited success, you might want to consider a different physical therapist who specializes in chronic pain management or has experience with holistic methods such as myofascial release or dry needling.
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Posture and Ergonomics: Examine your workstation setup to ensure that it supports proper posture. Keep your computer screen at eye level and avoid holding your phone between your shoulder and ear. Frequent breaks to stretch and change positions will also help reduce strain.
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Regular Stretching and Exercise: Apart from physical therapy exercises, consider incorporating yoga or pilates, which can enhance flexibility, strength, and body awareness, potentially providing more consistent relief.
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Mind-Body Approaches: Techniques such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, or stress management classes can help with muscle tension associated with anxiety and improve overall pain perception.
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Pain Management Alternatives: Since you've experienced only temporary relief from injections, consider discussing options like acupuncture or TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation), which some patients find beneficial for chronic pain.
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Chiropractic Care: If you haven't tried it yet, a reputable chiropractor may assist with spinal alignment issues. Just ensure they are well-informed about your cervical condition and the current treatments you're undergoing.
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Sleep Hygiene: Continually assess your sleep environment. In addition to your cervical pillow, ensuring your mattress supports spinal alignment is critical. Avoid sleeping positions that strain your neck; side sleeping with a neck-support pillow might be preferable.
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Keep a Pain Diary: Document your pain patterns, including daily activities, sleep quality, and treatments used. This can help identify triggers and effective relief strategies.
It’s essential to remain persistent in seeking solutions that work for you. If you continue to encounter resistance from your current healthcare providers, don't hesitate to seek a second opinion or a multidisciplinary approach involving pain specialists. You're not alone in this, and with continued exploration, relief can potentially be found.
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