Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion Friends and Family Support Group trying to keep my chin up

Howdy to everyone! Been a few weeks since I been around..been a bit depressed. I was having a lot of pain in my lower back but it has really struck my neck viciously! This is kinda the first time for the neck and I have to say, I am really feeling distracted! Imagine that!! Anyway, may start enbrel soon, we'll see. Verrry nervous about that, scared of injections and I work in a dialysis unit!! any advice for neck pain and stiffness?? Kinda at a loss for words to ask my question...holy cow this is pretty rough right now. Would it be safe to remind myself that "this too shall pass"? Sorry to be whiny, just looking for a friend.

I love reading the things you guys write, this site is very encouraging and I get a lot of chuckles too. I hope I can soon restore myself to my very naughty inner child and a bit more of a cheeful countenance...a little hard when your neck is so stiff your cheeks are stuck in place! (no emoticon for this mood!!)I will keep trying...

In the face of adversity, you've given me a great laugh today. Splendid humor.

I could tell you 'this too shall pass' but first let's talk about that bridge in Brooklyn I have to sell.

There are avenues for anyone sporting the AS delemnia. Have you looked at the NSD forum which has given many their life back (while cutting back on most drugs) or the biologic section which is heading in exciting new ways for treatment?

Stick around and read lots. Great group here that will try to help out anyone who's not sitting on their humor.

Welcome to you and your naughty inner child. Hope the neck eases up and Enbrel can be started soon.

Klem

Oh Gosh THANKS for responding!!! I'm am so tickled that I got a response!!! (it's kinda fun ) thankyou for the info...I was checking that out...that diet stuff is really confusing...and I love to eat EVerything Oh god I don't know if I can LIVE!!! I'll have to find the courage to try it I am feeling a bit better...enough for the naughty one to at least think about resurfacing starting to feel the peaks of deviousness again... Thanks Klem!

Vizreal,

That is the good thing about kickas...

You have over 3500 friends here...lol

Glad you are here,

Lisa

gday Viz
I too have the neck issues but they are subsiding with the Enbrel - it has turned me around inside 4 months.. seriously.

As for neck relief there are a range of exercises - www.nass.co.uk is an excellent source, it has a whole section on exercises. Series I do starts with sitting still, head looking fwd and starting with my right hand on my cheek (face I push against that hand with my jaw for about 10 secs - then do the other side. Then right hand on forehead and push fwd against the hand, hold for 10 etc and so on .. do the back, the sides each for 10 secs a time .. takes about 5mins. Then try tucking your chin against your chest, pulling your chin back in not down - does that make sense ?lol .. do 10 chin-tucks and repeat as often as you can .. i do it when Im driving, sitting .. whenever I think of it .. the Enbrel has alleviated most of my pain/stiffness and whilst needles dont bother me, after a while they bother you either because the relief is life-changing.

all the best huh ..

Patrick

Hi Vizreal,

I hope things are better for you these days, and that you are back to your inner child and cheerful countenance

Cheers and have a great day.

Dino

Hi there
Be aware that this is serious,do not over do the exercises. I did and finished up in a neck brace and have had to wear it for the last 23 years 27/7.I had a trauma to my neck back in 82.and it became unstable and connot be fussed,I had to have a brace. I was on my way to being a paraplegic but ok now .
be lucky me friend and take care
redeye

The neck pain and stiffness is not very pleasant. I find hot showers or heating pads help a little. After a hot shower I try to stretch my neck out as much as possible. Stretching may not help instantaniously but over time it works wonders. I know moving can cause some pain but fight through it and your ROM will come back slowly.

My Two Cents, Scotty...