stiff neck

Physical therapy may help stiff neck

April 15, 2010 By Dr. Gott

DEAR DR. GOTT: Since last June, I have experienced tight neck muscles that make it a problem to sleep and drive my car. I’ve tried everything except acupuncture. My doctor is unconcerned. I’m 70 and in good health. I exercise three or four times a week on a stationary bike, garden and walk. Can you help me?

DEAR READER: There are 33 vertebrae in the spine, seven of which are in the neck. The neck holds up your head, which, on average, weighs about 10 pounds. With poor posture, even a few centimeters of poorly distributed weight can place an enormous burden on the neck muscles. So muscles tighten up as a defense mechanism and cause pain. Other than posture, other possible causes are osteoarthritis of the neck, fibromyalgia, polymyalgia rheumatica and hypothyroidism.
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Stiff neck has many causes

March 27, 2010 By Dr. Gott

DEAR DR. GOTT: Since June of last year, I have experienced a very tight neck that makes sleeping and driving difficult. My doctor seems unconcerned but did recommend a physical therapist. While massage feels good, it does not take the pain away, nor does it make it any easier to turn my head. My left side is tighter than my right and throbs when I lie down, turning into an all-head-involved headache.

If you have any insight or direction as to what I need to do, I would be grateful. I have tried everything except acupuncture, which I think I will do next.

By the way, I am 70 years old and in excellent health otherwise. I do take amlodipine besylate for blood pressure, vitamins C and D, calcium, red yeast rice for cholesterol-lowering properties, glucosamine, MSM and an 81-milligram aspirin. Plus, I have been on OsteoValin for a year as a substitute for Fosamax, which I took for five years. I need help.
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Filed Under: Daily Column, Leading Letter Tagged With: neck pain, neck stiffness, sore neck, stiff neck, tight neck, tight neck muscles

Disclaimer: All information contained herein is the opinion and view of the writer. It is intended to provide helpful and informative material on the subjects addressed and is not meant to malign any pharmaceutical company, organization, religion, ethnic group, or individual. Readers should consult their personal physicians or specialists before adopting any of the recommendations or drawing inference from information contained herein. The writer specifically disclaims all responsibility for any liability, loss, risk -- personal or otherwise -- incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, from the use and application of any material provided.

Physical therapy may help stiff neck

Stiff neck has many causes

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