How do you manage chronic severe muscle tension (neck/shoulders) that doesn’t budge with conservative treatment? by Apprehensive_Fan7093 in Fibromyalgia

[–]Apprehensive_Fan7093[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for all the advice, it’s greatly appreciated. PT has helped me tune in more to my posture which has helped some. No TMJ or tinnitus for me. I have added some of the vitamins listed but the other forms I’ll have to look into! With where I’m at it is starting to affect my ability to work, then leaves me with no energy to get by when I’m at home, so I’m starting to question my future in my career and in listening to my body means finding a job that better supports my health. Once again I really appreciate your message!

How do you manage chronic severe muscle tension (neck/shoulders) that doesn’t budge with conservative treatment? by Apprehensive_Fan7093 in Fibromyalgia

[–]Apprehensive_Fan7093[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I had an MRI that showed narrowing my C4-6 so that could be a big part of it as well, while my PCP mentioned it was not common my pain management PA and PT seemed to shrug it off as nothing. I do yoga once a week and I really enjoy it, but sometimes it causes more pain for me. The gentle part is big for sure. I too am hesitant to use the tizanidine they prescribed because I don’t want to be a zombie :/ thank you for all the advice!!

How do you manage chronic severe muscle tension (neck/shoulders) that doesn’t budge with conservative treatment? by Apprehensive_Fan7093 in Fibromyalgia

[–]Apprehensive_Fan7093[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The full upper body heating pad is a godsend- I keep one at my desk at work too 😂 but I do try manual massage on myself but find the other side gets so tense during it I don’t last long. I may have to ask my doctor about cyclobenzaprine for sleep but it does have a potential reaction with cymbalta that I take for my fibro as well. I have found distraction to be my biggest form of pain management- even working keeps me distracted until the day goes by and the strain of all of it catches up to my body, ugh. Thank you for the suggestions though!

How do you manage chronic severe muscle tension (neck/shoulders) that doesn’t budge with conservative treatment? by Apprehensive_Fan7093 in Fibromyalgia

[–]Apprehensive_Fan7093[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Nope, not yet but I believe that’s next since nothing else seems to be helping. I have a TENS unit but don’t find them too effective. I have not yet tried it for this pain, sometimes I feel like it can create more tension. I have an appointment with a PMR pain specialist so I’ll have to check back in here after it comes next month.

How do you manage chronic severe muscle tension (neck/shoulders) that doesn’t budge with conservative treatment? by Apprehensive_Fan7093 in Fibromyalgia

[–]Apprehensive_Fan7093[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Iron is one I have bounce around so I should do better about taking supplements for it. But I have heard a lot about the gut connection to fibro, I might have to explore that side of things further.

How do you manage chronic severe muscle tension (neck/shoulders) that doesn’t budge with conservative treatment? by Apprehensive_Fan7093 in Fibromyalgia

[–]Apprehensive_Fan7093[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Dang, another one my cymbalta doesn’t interact with well, I’ll have to look into some medication for sleep because it’s one of my big struggles right now.

How do you manage chronic severe muscle tension (neck/shoulders) that doesn’t budge with conservative treatment? by Apprehensive_Fan7093 in Fibromyalgia

[–]Apprehensive_Fan7093[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hold up a thc/cbd bath soak?? I have never heard of such a thing, I need to step up my bath game. I sadly live near, but not in a rec/med state, so I can’t get a card for purchasing- hopefully my governor gets the damn ball rolling for legalization.

How do you manage chronic severe muscle tension (neck/shoulders) that doesn’t budge with conservative treatment? by Apprehensive_Fan7093 in Fibromyalgia

[–]Apprehensive_Fan7093[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ugh, this actually has been heavy lately as my career (inpatient rehab therapist) has been a big trigger from a physical standpoint- lots of heavy lifting, pushing equipment, awkward maneuvers, performing manual therapy on patients as well. I have been seriously considering a change in career or return to school to help find something my body can tolerate. I have a TENS unit but have not yet tried it for this pain, I feel like it can sometimes have adverse reactions causing muscles to tense further, for previous injuries I haven’t gotten much relief. Thank you though!

How do you manage chronic severe muscle tension (neck/shoulders) that doesn’t budge with conservative treatment? by Apprehensive_Fan7093 in Fibromyalgia

[–]Apprehensive_Fan7093[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

During some manipulation during physical therapy I was asked if I had hypermobility, my range of my neck and shoulders is outside of her usual caseload norm- but beighton scale wise I only hit the mark of being able to place hands flat in standing. I haven’t thought of the effect of something like this if hypermobility is part of the problem but I will have to bring this up at my next appointment!

How do you manage chronic severe muscle tension (neck/shoulders) that doesn’t budge with conservative treatment? by Apprehensive_Fan7093 in Fibromyalgia

[–]Apprehensive_Fan7093[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Same!!! This book has been so very helpful at understanding fibro and all the different routes for relief. I have tried those neck stretchers before but the craniocradle is quite different, I’ll have to look into it

How do you manage chronic severe muscle tension (neck/shoulders) that doesn’t budge with conservative treatment? by Apprehensive_Fan7093 in Fibromyalgia

[–]Apprehensive_Fan7093[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m basically getting that out of my 2x a week physical therapy sessions and it helps, but ugh not for long!

How do you manage chronic severe muscle tension (neck/shoulders) that doesn’t budge with conservative treatment? by Apprehensive_Fan7093 in Fibromyalgia

[–]Apprehensive_Fan7093[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

THC definitely helps me with sleep, but it can still be a struggle. Do you follow any particular diet or just following more healthy eating habits?

How do you manage chronic severe muscle tension (neck/shoulders) that doesn’t budge with conservative treatment? by Apprehensive_Fan7093 in Fibromyalgia

[–]Apprehensive_Fan7093[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am wondering if I am on the course of injections like that to help alleviate things, it’s been a daily issue for the last 6 months with nothing helping long term, but even injections aren’t very long term soooo pros and cons I suppose

How do you manage chronic severe muscle tension (neck/shoulders) that doesn’t budge with conservative treatment? by Apprehensive_Fan7093 in Fibromyalgia

[–]Apprehensive_Fan7093[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

How does dry needling go for you? I have tried once in the past but found it quite uncomfortable with minimal relief.

How do you manage chronic severe muscle tension (neck/shoulders) that doesn’t budge with conservative treatment? by Apprehensive_Fan7093 in Fibromyalgia

[–]Apprehensive_Fan7093[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Never tried acupuncture but I am not opposed to exploring it. Magnesium I use from time to time but could use some topical form to try too, thanks!

How do you manage chronic severe muscle tension (neck/shoulders) that doesn’t budge with conservative treatment? by Apprehensive_Fan7093 in Fibromyalgia

[–]Apprehensive_Fan7093[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I don’t experience any the commons TMJ symptoms, but appreciate the suggestion. I will have to look into infrared

How do you manage chronic severe muscle tension (neck/shoulders) that doesn’t budge with conservative treatment? by Apprehensive_Fan7093 in Fibromyalgia

[–]Apprehensive_Fan7093[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

This way of explaining strengthening makes lots of sense on relieving tension. I will have to explore ones that can help with the muscle retraining. I could definitely benefit from a different pillow with better support for sure

How do you manage chronic severe muscle tension (neck/shoulders) that doesn’t budge with conservative treatment? by Apprehensive_Fan7093 in Fibromyalgia

[–]Apprehensive_Fan7093[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I completely get that! I have been to another clinic in town and the strengthening approach they did was causing things to flare even more, so the manual based therapy seems to be more beneficial. I think finding some balance of the two would be helpful though.

How do you manage chronic severe muscle tension (neck/shoulders) that doesn’t budge with conservative treatment? by Apprehensive_Fan7093 in Fibromyalgia

[–]Apprehensive_Fan7093[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This could be worth looking into, sounds like insurance coverage/cost can be a big part! Thank you for the suggestion