OpenHealth Q&A

Navigating Pain and Uncertainty: A Journey to Understand My Health

At 18 years old, weighing 82.3 pounds and standing at 5 feet 1.5 inches tall, I find myself grappling with troubling physical symptoms. Currently, I am prescribed Ibuprofen 600mg and Cyclobenzaprine 5mg to manage my discomfort. I have been diagnosed with mild scoliosis and a cervical strain, but my situation is compounded by the pursuit of a definite diagnosis regarding potential conditions, including Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) or a neurological degenerative or autoimmune disorder. In February, I experienced a strain on the right side of my neck, the exact cause of which escapes my memory, as I neglected to seek treatment at that time. I often strained my neck due to poor posture, leading to increasing difficulty in finding a comfortable position to lie down. Attempting to rest became an ordeal; I found it impossible to lie on my back, sides, or stomach without feeling an intense sensation akin to strangulation. In an effort to alleviate this discomfort, I attempted various sleeping positions, including propping myself up with towels under my neck and trying to sleep on the mattress alone. Yet, the choking feeling persisted. On the night of February 25th, I decided to sleep sitting up against a wall. Around 1 am, as I turned my head slightly to the left, an alarming sensation occurred—a major artery in my neck seemed to shift and compress, leaving me feeling overwhelmingly heavy and panicky. I sprinted to my mother, urgently asking her to take me to the emergency room, as I struggled with tremors and disturbing visual disturbances, including seeing grey spots. We left for the ER at approximately 1:30 am. By the time we reached the hospital, I had managed to dislodge the artery, though I was still deeply unsettled. Upon arrival, doctors evaluated my neck, drew blood, and conducted a CT scan. Throughout my experience in the ER, I found it excruciating to remain in one position; the artery from my collarbone to my head felt tight and full, compelling me to constantly adjust my posture. Ultimately, I received a diagnosis of cervical strain and was told there were no severe threats. At 11:00 am on February 25th, upon waking, I felt tightness in my neck. I had dozed off with my upper body raised on my right arm, and the tightness returned with a vengeance—my artery felt dangerously constricted, reminiscent of being bound with yarn. Once again, a wave of panic washed over me, prompting frantic attempts to relieve the pressure, such as drinking multiple cups of water. I returned to the ER by 11:30 am, where I was given a Cyclobenzaprine pill, which gradually helped ease the artery's tightness, and I was prescribed additional medication. The subsequent day, discomfort emerged under my right collarbone, as if the bone was pressing too tightly against the artery, leading to a burning sensation. This discomfort sporadically subsided for short durations, only to return with a painful intensity. It ignited feelings of anxiety, often resulting in episodes of crying and a desperate urge to physically manipulate the area. The discomfort also caused my arm to change color, turning shades of purple and white, while my head felt heavy and my face flushed. These episodes were accompanied by sporadic visual disturbances and difficulty speaking. Pushing my shoulder back provided temporary relief, but keeping the collarbone from pressing on the artery was becoming increasingly difficult. On February 27th, I saw a physician who recommended physical therapy, a cardiologist, and an ultrasound of my neck artery. A follow-up on February 29th reassured me that the ultrasound results were normal, and I was advised to consult a cardiologist. I had previously undergone several heart tests that confirmed it was functioning well. On March 3rd, a visit to urgent care yielded further frustrations when a doctor attributed my collarbone discomfort to nerve or bone issues and advised rest. While I tried to demonstrate how my arm changed colors, he maintained that it was not serious. He performed an x-ray and reiterated to apply Voltaren for a week, dismissing my concerns about the artery. As of now, March 4th transitioning into March 5th, I remain unable to hold my shoulder back due to the persistent pressure on the artery, leaving me feeling constantly flushed and anxious. My sleep has dwindled to 15 minutes to an hour each night since the previous week, and the soonest I can see my primary physician is on March 9th. I find myself at a crossroads, feeling scared and utterly drained, unsure of the next steps to take in this overwhelming journey of uncertainty.

Answers (1)

3/5/2026, 5:51:07 AM

OpenHealth AI

I'm sorry to hear about what you're going through. It sounds incredibly challenging and painful, and your fears about your health are entirely valid. Let's focus on what you can do to manage your symptoms and navigate this situation with more comfort until your next medical appointment.

Summary of Main Points:

• You're dealing with cervical strain and nerve-related discomfort, leading to significant pain, anxiety, and sleep disturbances.
• Your situation involves several episodes of distress; feeling pressure and tightness around the neck area, changes in arm color, and episodes of panic.

Explanation:

The symptoms you're describing — the tightness in your neck, changes in arm color, and anxiety — may be linked to the cervical strain and could be exacerbated by posture issues and anxiety. The burning sensation under your collarbone and the feelings of a "choking" sensation may suggest nerve compression from muscle tension or physical strain. It's important to manage both the physical and emotional aspects of your condition.

Next Steps:

1. Posture Awareness: Pay attention to your posture throughout the day. Try to sit up straight and avoid hunching your shoulders. When working or studying, make sure your workstation is ergonomically friendly.

2. Gentle Stretching: Incorporate gentle neck stretches to relieve muscle tension:

   • Slowly tilt your head to one side, hold for a few seconds, and repeat on the other side.
   • Gently roll your shoulders forward and backward.
   • Focus on breathing deeply while stretching to keep your body relaxed.

3. Heat Therapy: Applying a warm compress or heating pad to your neck may help relax tight muscles. You can do this for 15-20 minutes at a time, making sure the heat is comfortable.

4. Hydration: Continue to drink plenty of water—it’s essential for muscle recovery and may help alleviate discomfort.

5. Manage Anxiety: Employ relaxation techniques such as mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, or guided imagery. These can help reduce anxiety levels which may be contributing to your physical symptoms.

6. Sleep Hygiene: Create a comforting bedtime routine to help improve your sleep. Consider finding a position that feels less uncomfortable, perhaps using pillows to support your neck and shoulders.

7. Document Symptoms: Keep a symptom diary that notes when discomfort intensifies, any new symptoms, and how long they last. This information can be tremendously helpful for your healthcare provider.

8. Communicate your Concerns: At your next physician visit, express all your ongoing symptoms clearly, especially any alarming changes like arm color and visual disturbances. Be proactive in seeking guidance for your anxiety and pain management.

Acknowledge that healing takes time, and it’s okay to seek support from family or friends who can help you through this journey. Let me know if you need any clarification on these suggestions or additional support.