Dear seanie,
I put an alert in Google because I have frozen shoulder and now wonder if I have diabetes as it lead me to you and this site and It can be linked to diabetes. I don't seem to have all of the known symptoms though. Do you think you might have frozen shoulder coming? It does seems to pull the arm into the socket and that seems to tear at the neck and shoulder muscles. Just my theory
Like you I do have terrific pain of the neck and shoulders but both sides. You are right, computer work really does not help with neck and shoulder pain however properly you try to sit. Self massage doesn't seem to work because you will need your shoulder, arm and back muscles relaxed.
Can you ask a friend to gently massage those areas. My daughter does mine whilst I guide her verbally "up a bit" etc. I sit on a chair (clothes on ) and it really helps temporarily.
Do demand of your doctor a referral to a physio. Mine has been slow to send me to a consultant surgeon (due cut backs) and so I will have to go privately to a shoulder surgeon for 'manipulation under anaesthetic', but GPs always seem eager to refer me for physio.
Better still, see if you can see an osteopath, because they manipulate gently. My experience of NHS physios is that they are always in a hurry, they only manipulate/massage for a short time and then give you exercises to do at home. Google in NHS physio, osteopothy & Acupuncture - I am amazed to have found out that local to me they are asking for rerferalls to this new service and state that they have short waiting lists...I'm very pleased and can't wait to go and what's more, its free!
Battery operated massagers seem to inflame my neck and shoulder pain. Ten's might well help.
I get the ear pain too.
Try this: Lie on your back on the floor/mat. Feet on the floor and knees bent and relax. Cradle the back of your head with clasped fingers and gently lengthen your neck for a minute. Let go and stay relaxed for 5 mins. Do this 3 times a day. It works a treat for me but is temporary.
Get your GP referring for you.
I wish you well and do hope you get the right help and some good amount of pain relief.
Yours, Highinsteps.
seanie said:
Several years as a Type 2 Diabetic (medicated with Pills). Had a lot of neck and shoulder pain (always right side) over last 12-18 months. Had all the Xrays and scans where nothing shows. Doctor isnt particularly taking it further forward. The pain comes and goes some months and last usually a couple of weeks. Could put it down to Diabetes or maybe Computer work (posture). Not sure if any similar persons on here but desperate to establish if there are any self massage or other approaches I could take. Take enough pills with the Diabetes so dont want to continue popping 6-8 painkillers per day. Is there a battery operated massager or whatever I could but from the hight street?. Would like to share possible similar experiences to both ease the pain and drill down issue to see if it relates to diabetes. Making my life tiring and not enjoyable when this pain comes. Right now the pain is more neck than shoulder but could be different another week (more shoulder than neck) and always right side. If I could find a massager (high street) It may help get some sleep at nights. Help please. Am trying to convince doctor to get some physio checks but that seemingly may need for me to sign up private etc but that incurs cost that may be beyond my funds. So painful as if a muscle is trying to rip itself away from base of skull connection. Also triggers ear pain maybe as a side affect. Any help/advise so appreciated. Thankyou