Neck

Question

Dear TAI Experts: I'm a 39 yr old female suffering from chronic thoracic spine pain flare ups, with stiff neck muscles and golf ball size knots both on the sides of my neck, and in the area between neck & shoulders & between my shoulder blades. I have to apply direct heavy pressure on the painful knots in order for them to even slightly soften. These flare ups come anywhere from twice a yr to seven times per yr. They have been occurring since I was a teen, but the symptoms have become more intense. It lasts anywhere from 4 days to 2 wks. During the flare up, I also feel fevery but usually don't actually have a fever. I get weak & tired & often develop a fever blister in conjunction with the flare up. My back makes crackling noises (thoracic region) with the slightest movement. I was diagnosed with scoliosis as a child. I've always described this as a "sickness in my back." I'm bed bound when these occur. I get a tingling feeling along the spine too. Please tell me what you think. I no longer have insurance & cannot afford all the diagnostic tests, which are more than nine thousand to pay out of pocket. Fibromyalgia? Arthritis? Lupus? I'm otherwise healthy. Height/weight proportionate. No meds, allergies, injuries. I'm a vegetarian, though I get protein from soy products. I don't drink milk. Could this be a problem? Maybe if I had a starting point as to which tests to eliminate at least. I'm desperate for help. Any advise would be greatly appreciated! ... read more »

Question

Dear TAI Experts: I have been experiencing neck pain associated with a cracking sound when I move my head. It comes and goes. It all began with a bad sinus infection two years ago. I have had MRIs (2) done, which showed infection. Antibiotics were given; infection cleared. I have had 2 sinus surgeries to clear sinuses. MRI/CAT are good. I feel every time I begin to get a sinus infection my neck begins the cracking sound. ENT does not see the connection. Nasal Passages are clear however in AM post nasal drip shows light discoloration. I have been on several series of antibiotics in past couples years I am trying to allow my body to fight any infection on its own. Recent episode has been approx 2wks. I welcome any recommendations. ... read more »

Question

Dear TAI Experts: I hit my head on the floor of the ocean when I dove. I felt my neck crunch and pop several times all at once. From the base of the back of my skull all the way down through my chest it was throbbing with pain. My chest is the most sore. It aches front and back. Wondering what kind of damage I potentially caused. The doctor is not really an option for me. ... read more »

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Dear TAI Experts: I have this swelling at the base of my neck on both sides and my upper back. Does not hurt, but it is not going away with ibuprophen, ice, or biofreeze? What can be causing it? ... read more »

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Dear TAI Experts: For the past month I have had neck pain. It is difficult to turn my head to the left, I can't get my chin to my shoulder, and it is also difficult to try and touch my chin to my chest. It hurts right at the top of my neck to the left of my spine and right at the top of my left shoulder near the shoulder blade. Any ideas of what it may be or what type of Dr. I need to see? Thank you (I am 31/ female/ mother of 4 and moderately active) I cannot be sure when or how I might have hurt myself. ... read more »