They also said it couldn't be work related because its normally associated with a impact on the neck..... I woke up with it and cannot remember a time that I've been hit or hurt in this area!

I have from c5-c7 issues with my neck and for years managed to get by with muscle relaxants anti-inflammatory and Lyrica for nerve pain and I take a strong pain med Oxycontin but it's mainly for lower back pain but it does also help my neck. I'm surprised they don't have you on any medication to help you through until you get the MRI.

I have never had an MRI on my neck though the x-ray shows a moderate stenosis and protrusion. I also have left elbow and forearm pain and weakness but have done well seeing a Physiotherapist for gentle manual traction. inferential treatments and ultrasound treatments and no MRI yet unless symptoms don't go away.

Its good you're feeling better and hope you continue to improve with time. It really depends on what your Dr. says but in my case I was sent to PT and given meds and don't need surgery. I hope you find out more and have a good Dr. to help.

I hope you would get some kind of insurance or medicare or SSDI benefits to help if you don't have insurance benefits at work or your husband. i hope you won't need surgery and if offered get a second opinion or so.

You may want to keep a journal on how the pain and limitations are affecting your day to day life so the Drs have a better idea on how to treat you..Best wishes and keep us posted how you're doing. Charry

PS Also alternate heat and ice for 15-30 minutes several times a day for the pain and see which one or both works best for you in the meantime while you're waiting. Take care.

Thanks for replying....I feel like a sook after reading other peoples pain but I just must have a lower tolerance to pain *sooky sooky la la me!!! I couldn't imagine putting up with pain for the next year and unfortunately as I work, I really should of had Private health cover but felt as I was young, healthy, it wasn't worth the money.... Gee whiz....big mistake. They did give me endep then followed by Oxycotin but I got sick from both of these so they decided that panadine forte was the next alternative. Its like I'm eating lollies. So are you saying that the pain might ease or am I just used to the pain? And the thought of a steroid injection is terrifying but happy to go that way if thats what they think. In the last month I've slept only one night a week (pure exhaustion allows this). This time 5 weeks ago I had not a worry in the world.....now I feel like absolute crap!

They also gave me Mobic in the beginning but never gave me a repeat. I really should start finding out what each tablet is actually helping hey!

I have to take a sleeping pill or I would be up every hour or so with pain. I hope your pain gets managed soon. I can't really say if it will go away but have had a nice break at times from neck pain but my back pain never eases up.. Charry

Donna, My symptoms started suddenly too last October...literally woke up with it in my left foot one morning and over a few days spread to both feet, legs and then arms and hands. After 2 neurosurgeon appts. I just now have my surgery scheduled for C5-6,6-7 ACDF surgery. My wonderful neurosurgeon confirmed that my symptoms are typical and common with my problem, myelopathy, and I felt so much better after my 1st appt. with him. My symptoms can vary from day to day with the pains, pins/needles, stabbing pains, numbness/tingling can be anywhere, shoulder and arm/hand, foot/toe pain, yeah, it makes a person feel crazy. Hang in there and I hope you can get a definite diagnosis to your problem.

It is great (in a strange way!) to read of someone else who has pain that spreads to both feet, legs and arms and hands. I have that too, and my symptoms also vary from day to day, even hour to hour. I also get frequent headaches and even get pains around my mid back/chest area.

We can be crazy together!!

I don't have surgery scheduled, but I think it will come!

and welcome!

I don't have surgery experiences on the neck to share, but can certainly sympathise with cervical pain, and those awful aching arms.

There are many members who have had surgery, and probably all of us can understand the effects of living with spinal problems.

Hi Donna! Did you used to get headaches, or stiff neck prior to the ER incident? I had no idea I had a cervical spine problem until 6 months before my surgery. In the past, I had some strange headaches, dizziness, shoulder pain, stiff neck, etc. but never knew it was coming from the spine.

I have been reading plenty on the topic of spine disease and apparently it can just present itself out of no where. My horrible pain didn't really come on until I ended up in the ER. I wish you luck and hope you get some relief soon!