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I have been to the emergency room twice in the last 3 weeks for the same problem. I have for as long as I can remember had problems with chronic neck and shoulder pain, sometimes causing severe headaches and vomiting. I was in a car accident about 14 years ago and assumed all this time, when my neck flares up (usually stress, or activity induced) that it is a direct result of that old injury. But it is now getting progressively worse. The hospital has given me flexeril, percocet, and Lortabs. All give temporary relief, for a lil while. It used to be that the muscles would loosen and I'd be ok til the next time. That is not the case. This is the worst it's ever been. The medicine provides relief, but I have to take more than I'm supposed to and as soon as it wears off the problem is just as bad, if not even getting worse.
The DR in the emergency room did no tests. Just provided medicine to pacify me. THe pain generates from the base of my neck up to my head and down through my shoulder blades. Now radiating to my chest and arm. It's a aching, burining, constant tight sensation. It's mostly on the right side, but through the pain with my tensing up, it has become more systemic. I do not have any insurance, and don't have a regular DR at the moment. The pain at this point is about unbearable. I am taking the percocet and flexeril but they aren't providing much relief. I am a lil scared at this point because it is so bad, and I'm wondering if something has been overlooked. What should I do. The DR said I needed an MRI but did not give me one. What could this severe pain be caused from. I can feel the knots and lumps in the muscles. The bump at the base of my neck is also larger than most people. I have in the past been tested for thyroid problems and did not have any. I was tested for rheumatoid arthritis and do not have it. Years ago a DR diagnosed me with fibromyalgia, but that is a controversial diagnosis as well. I am only 33 and this is affecting my; life traumatically.. personally.. professionally.. an just the quality of lilfe3 in general. I don't want to live my whole life in this pain.

Optional Information:
Female , Age: 33

Already Tried:
Ibuprofen. Lortab. Percocet. Flexeril. Klonopin. Emergency room.

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Status: Closed Value: $8

First, I would suggest that you NOT go to the emergency department for chronic pain. The emergency department is NOT set up to be able to follow a chronic condition. Each shift there is a different doctor, and they are busy with multiple different things (Lacerations, fractures, chest pain, abdominal pain, vomitting, urinary tract infections etc.)

You need to be evaluated by a chronic pain management specialist. Most hospitals or communities have at least one physician with expertise in the management of chronic pain.

There are a number of medications, physical therapy, biofeedback, non-narcotic medications etc. which are effective.

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Reply to Family Physician's Post: I understand that philosophy fully. However, I do not at the present time carry health insurance. Every DR I have called to seek treatment want's upwards of $150 up front to see me. The Emergency room 'runs a tab' persay... and when my ins. becomes effective it is my understanding they will cover up to 3 months back bills. I cannot afford to go to a regular DR at the present time and spend out of pocket cash I do not have. Especially when this condition is causing me ot miss work and lose pay.

My concern is at this point, What might be causing the problem. I can't tip my head back to drink from a cup. I can't turn my head to face right. I can't tip my head sideways. I can only bend it forward and a lil to the left, and even then it's with a great deal of pain. For the last 6 days, I can't turn over in bed without sharp pains radiating through my back, neck, chest, and arm.

At this point the pain has me feeling nauseous, and shaking uncontrollably. I can I think pinpoint exactly where the problem first generates. And have to Doctor's. The spot at teh base of my neck where the pain generates.. is almost numb. I can poke my fingernail there and can't feel it.

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