Does anyone else have neck issues along with Chiari? I have constant swelling around my neck ( mostly at the back of my neck and the left side). I met a neurosurgeon recently who ordered a Cine MRI. My MRI came out control with some restricted flow. My doctor isn't too worried and says that I don't need surgery. But my neck is still out of control ( from the past 2 months!). It constantly hurts, swells and is just so painful. My neurosurgeon hasn't helped much and I am not sure where to go from there!
The NS didn't say what was causing the swelling? Is it muscular or a lymph node? I would seek a second opinion honestly as that's always a good idea no matter what.
Anglyn, the NS wasn’t very helpful. I have met two NS in the last two months and they don’t even think it’s Chiari related. I have been referred to a neurologist now.let’s see how that goes!
Dnair,
I agree to seek a second opinion but with a Chiari specialist. You need to know why your neck is swelling …I would be concerned for lymph nodes or vertebrael instability.
Jenn
Thanks Jenn,
I have met up with two neurosurgeons ( supposedly Chiari specialists). They weren't too concerned with my neck issue saying that it might take care of itself. It's been two months and now I am a bit concerned. The swelling gets better and then the faintest of triggers brings it back on. I never had any neck issues till now so all this is bewildering. I am meeting a neurologist ( they still have to get me in) soon and hope that would help.
From what I know it doesn't feel like swollen lymph nodes ( I tried touching the spots, they are tender but the lymph nodes aren't pronounced). I could have accidentally hurt my neck muscles a while back and perhaps it's just then coupled with the already existing Chiari related stiffness. Either ways, I need to figure out a way to get it under control. Has anyone tried acupuncture? or anything else for neck pain. I am almost giving up on the doctors here! ( Sorry for the rant, I have been in so much pain of late!)
jcdemar said:
Dnair,
I agree to seek a second opinion but with a Chiari specialist. You need to know why your neck is swelling ....I would be concerned for lymph nodes or vertebrael instability.
Jenn
Don’t give up. Have you tried Arnical gel? It’s OTC and many of us have had some luck with that. Also chelated magnesium supplements can be helpful with muscle issues. Keep moving forward till you get the help you need.
hi dnair I have swelling in my neck but it is on the right side and bad neck pain in the back sometimes it hurts so bad the back of my head hurts my neurologist said itsjust muscle spasms I have to disagree I now how my body should feel and I think it is something else that they are missing it has ben like this every since I had my decompression surgery