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wpack333
USA
5 Posts |
 Posted - 11/13/2014 : 14:05:17
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I have recently discovered this board and am very interested to get some thoughts from members.
For four months or so I have had "muscle knots" in my neck. I have three knots in my neck, all of them are on the right side. The knots are hard. They are located near the spinal cord. One is at the base of the skull, one is about an inch below my skull and the other one is on my shoulder. The one on my shoulder has been there at least two years but hadn't been causing pain. I had a CT scan done last month and everything came back normal. I have tried massage, chiropractor, muscle relaxers and physical therapy and seen no improvement. NSAID's seem to provide temporary pain reduction but nothing more. I also have another knot in my right calf, it has been there five months. The pain from this knot comes and goes.
It does seem that stress increases the pain but the size of the knots is constant. I do think about the knots often even though I know this doesn't help the situation. I should mention that I have had a knot in my shoulder for several years, it used to bother me a lot but not so much in the past year, though the knot is still there.
I am 36, married and have two kids. Over the past 3-4 years we have had a number of medical issues in our family that has added a considerable amount of stress. Prior to the neck pain I was having "gout attacks" every 3-4 months that would make it difficult to walk for 3-5 days. My uric acid level was tested at 8.2. Since I started Allopurinol in Jun, 2014 I have had no more attacks and my uric acid level is now 5.2.
I am 6-0, 165 lb's, healthy and don't drink.
Any thoughts are appreciated. |
Edited by - wpack333 on 11/13/2014 14:08:53 |
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andy64tms
USA
589 Posts |
Posted - 11/14/2014 : 15:52:18
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Hi wpack333,
I hate to see a new poster going down the page without an answer. I am a fellow neck pain suffer, I call mine Charlie!
You could have TMS but the decision to for you to accept this is founded on TMS theory. Dr Sarno, the founder of this theory, has books and even videos. Have you studied any of them? Utube also has has quick and easy to watch videos: Type in TMS / Sarno and you are on your way to recovery and understanding.
Welcome
Andy
Past TMS Experience in 2000, with success.
Charlie Horse on neck for 20 years, is almost gone.
Books:
Healing Back Pain
Unlearn your Pain
The Great Pain Deception |
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Dave
USA
1864 Posts |
Posted - 11/14/2014 : 17:26:50
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Your symptoms are consistent with TMS, as well as the manner in which you characterize them. You mentioned "knot" nine times in your message with specific details about their location. This indicates you clearly associate the pain with structural issues.
It is also unusual that you had gout, considering you are physically fit (which implies a healthy diet), do not drink and (I assume) have no kidney disease.
"Knots" are likely trigger points that are targets of the TMS process. Many TMS patients have similar trigger points.
I suggest you read Dr. Sarno's Healing Back Pain or The Mindbody Connection. I have a feeling it will resonate with you, and hopefully start you on the path to relief. |
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Peregrinus
250 Posts |
Posted - 11/15/2014 : 06:18:03
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quote:
Originally posted by wpack333
Prior to the neck pain I was having "gout attacks" every 3-4 months that would make it difficult to walk for 3-5 days. My uric acid level was tested at 8.2. Since I started Allopurinol in Jun, 2014 I have had no more attacks and my uric acid level is now 5.2.
Packman:
Why did you wait so long before getting on allopurinol? I'd be questioning the competence of your physicians.
If left untreated gout is an insidious disease that manifests in many ways. If you are able to find a good rheumatologist I would inquire about the relationship between gout and "muscle knots".
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Dave
USA
1864 Posts |
Posted - 11/16/2014 : 09:57:23
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quote:
Originally posted by Peregrinus
Why did you wait so long before getting on allopurinol? I'd be questioning the competence of your physicians...
I would not jump to such a conclusion. Perhaps his physicians could not find any clinical evidence to diagnose gout in a 36 year old with a healthy lifestyle, and therefore chose a more conservative treatment plan than rushing to prescribe medication that may or may not be helpful. (In some cases, allopurinol can actually make things worse.)
I assume a thorough work-up was done to rule out kidney disease and analysis of his diet was performed to ensure it was not related to certain foods or supplements. If this is not the case, then I would question the competence of the physicians.
The important thing is to have thorough medical tests to rule out any serious disease or illness that could be causing the symptoms before treating them as TMS. |
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andy64tms
USA
589 Posts |
Posted - 11/16/2014 : 11:26:12
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Hi All,
Here by lies one of the pitfalls of cyber communication, “assumptions”. I assumed the gout attacks were sporadic and not serious enough to send him packing to a Dr. until Jun 2014. I also assumed he may have been without medical insurance due to his age. Both these assumptions were based on my own reality, gout in my big toe (excessive drinking), and my son’s reluctance to get medical insurance. Even though both these issues are now resolved they were securely planted in my subconscious.
Wpack, I also see you have the qualities of someone who is really willing to rule out the physical, unlike many who come here in pain for a quick fix and are not willing to change or do the work. Well done.
Wpack, being on this board has really helped me deal with my sister in laws PNP cancer, as well as my wife’s replacement knee surgery last week. I recommend you stay. How about a small bio on your user profile?
Hi Pere, Dave
Andy
Past TMS Experience in 2000, with success.
Charlie Horse on neck for 20 years, is almost gone.
Books:
Healing Back Pain
Unlearn your Pain
The Great Pain Deception |
Edited by - andy64tms on 11/16/2014 11:36:04 |
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wpack333
USA
5 Posts |
Posted - 11/16/2014 : 18:14:50
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I appreciate all of you replies. I had 3-4 episodes over a 2 year period where I had significant foot pain upon waking up. I didn't fit the normal gout description, it was in my ankle, there was no visible inflammation and I was only 36, didn't drink and not overweight. My primary dr tested my uric acid level and it was 8.2 so he put me on allopurinol. That was in June. My UC level is now around 5 and I have had no more issues so far with the foot pain.
I could go to a rheumatologist if the "knots" could be related to the gout, I have never thought much about that. I have tried to rule out as many physical issues as possible, I am not looking for a quick fix. The question I have is how far do I go to rule out issues. Some of my doctors have thought the "knots" or whatever they are will just go away. I guess my biggest frustration is that despite getting a CT and MRI no one has been able to say for sure if it is muscular or something else?
quote:
Originally posted by Dave
quote:
Originally posted by Peregrinus
Why did you wait so long before getting on allopurinol? I'd be questioning the competence of your physicians...
I would not jump to such a conclusion. Perhaps his physicians could not find any clinical evidence to diagnose gout in a 36 year old with a healthy lifestyle, and therefore chose a more conservative treatment plan than rushing to prescribe medication that may or may not be helpful. (In some cases, allopurinol can actually make things worse.)
I assume a thorough work-up was done to rule out kidney disease and analysis of his diet was performed to ensure it was not related to certain foods or supplements. If this is not the case, then I would question the competence of the physicians.
The important thing is to have thorough medical tests to rule out any serious disease or illness that could be causing the symptoms before treating them as TMS.
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andy64tms
USA
589 Posts |
Posted - 11/16/2014 : 20:03:38
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Hi wpack333,
I think your frustration is part of the TMS dilemma we all have to resolve for ourselves! You have done due diligence with tests with good results of “normal”, but you are still frustrated. I was too when the Dr looking at my x-rays said my neck muscle spasm was “involuntary”. When I concluded that the word involuntary could also mean unexplainable I knew it was TMS. It’s no coincidence that most of TMS issues are of the unexplainable category.
As Dave said, and I agree “Healing Back Pain” is the book for you. It happens to be the only book I needed in 2000 for my recovery. That was before this forum and before Al Gore invented the Internet.
PS. In this book it will be explained that massage, chiropractor, muscle relaxers and physical therapy are temporary fixes and should be avoided. I’ll let the book explain.
Andy
Past TMS Experience in 2000, with success.
Charlie Horse on neck for 20 years, is almost gone.
Books:
Healing Back Pain
Unlearn your Pain
The Great Pain Deception |
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Peregrinus
250 Posts |
Posted - 11/17/2014 : 11:58:18
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quote:
Originally posted by Dave
I would not jump to such a conclusion. Perhaps his physicians could not find any clinical evidence to diagnose gout in a 36 year old with a healthy lifestyle,
Uric acid = 8.2 is a positive diagnosis for gout. |
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Peregrinus
250 Posts |
Posted - 11/17/2014 : 12:12:15
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quote:
Originally posted by wpack333
I could go to a rheumatologist if the "knots" could be related to the gout, I have never thought much about that.
You should read the biographies of those who died from gout such as Dickens and Franklin. They suffered from a myriad of symptoms.
By the way, kidney failure is the most common complication.
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andy64tms
USA
589 Posts |
Posted - 11/17/2014 : 15:53:08
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Hi wpack333,
I personally would very be fearful of consulting the archives of Franklin and Dickens for information, did they not live in the semi-dark ages? My ph levels of 5.0, 5.5 and 6.0 has been deemed by my doctor as OK also.
If reading biographies is too time consuming, you could go to this link:
http://gouteducation.org/patient/what-is-gout/gout-triggers/
Note, we should google,..at times, as it gives us important key words to discuss with doctors during their precious 10 minutes of time! Taking medical advice from cyber doctors is dangerous, print this list out and go and see the doctor who prescribed you.
Pere, did you ever get your ticker issue resolved, did you ever find a good cardio guy, or were you able to lower your blood pressure with TMS technology?
Good luck
Andy
Past TMS Experience in 2000, with success.
Charlie Horse on neck for 20 years, is almost gone.
Books:
Healing Back Pain
Unlearn your Pain
The Great Pain Deception |
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Peregrinus
250 Posts |
Posted - 11/17/2014 : 16:22:54
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quote:
Originally posted by andy64tms
Pere, did you ever get your ticker issue resolved, did you ever find a good cardio guy, or were you able to lower your blood pressure with TMS technology?
Andy:
My blood pressure is still all over the place. I recently went through an episode where I was being prescribed one medication to lower my BP and one to raise it! Some time ago you suggested to me that I should just forget about my BP for a while and stop taking readings two or three times a day. I followed your advice and haven't had a high reading (taken by others) since.
It sounds like you have had your hands full during the last year or so. I wish you the best!
Peregrinus
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wpack333
USA
5 Posts |
Posted - 11/17/2014 : 17:00:41
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eregrines- thanks for your response. My uric acid level is way down and my understanding is that te gout is under control. I know several people who have it under control as well and they lead normal lives. If left unchecked I am sure it could have awful consequences but thankfully I was diagnosed.
quote:
Originally posted by Peregrinus
quote:
Originally posted by wpack333
I could go to a rheumatologist if the "knots" could be related to the gout, I have never thought much about that.
You should read the biographies of those who died from gout such as Dickens and Franklin. They suffered from a myriad of symptoms.
By the way, kidney failure is the most common complication.
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wpack333
USA
5 Posts |
Posted - 11/17/2014 : 17:03:11
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Andy- I think my final appointment will be with a rheumatologist as it was my primary doctor who originally diagnosed me. Since I am having these "knots" it may make sense to go to a specialist to make sure they are not related to the gout. If not, at that point I would've ruled out most anything serious then can begin to treat as TMS.
quote:
Originally posted by andy64tms
Hi wpack333,
I personally would very be fearful of consulting the archives of Franklin and Dickens for information, did they not live in the semi-dark ages? My ph levels of 5.0, 5.5 and 6.0 has been deemed by my doctor as OK also.
If reading biographies is too time consuming, you could go to this link:
http://gouteducation.org/patient/what-is-gout/gout-triggers/
Note, we should google,..at times, as it gives us important key words to discuss with doctors during their precious 10 minutes of time! Taking medical advice from cyber doctors is dangerous, print this list out and go and see the doctor who prescribed you.
Pere, did you ever get your ticker issue resolved, did you ever find a good cardio guy, or were you able to lower your blood pressure with TMS technology?
Good luck
Andy
Past TMS Experience in 2000, with success.
Charlie Horse on neck for 20 years, is almost gone.
Books:
Healing Back Pain
Unlearn your Pain
The Great Pain Deception
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andy64tms
USA
589 Posts |
Posted - 11/17/2014 : 19:24:49
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Hi wpack333,
Sounds very proactive. I would make notes before and after any meeting with doctors. Without them I find myself forgetting what was said. The TMS personality wants you to forget.
There are loads of options for recovery from “Do It yourself therapies” upwards. Howard Schubiner introduces TMS in the attached videos:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLtPiOVVJ-U&list=PL_7q3BuM1zHSQyLXdEKST20SaCyS7bZqv
He has a book with a built in education program, and I believe helps with the program offered by TMS Wiki:
http://www.tmswiki.org/ppd/The_Tension_Myositis_Syndrome_Wiki
Good Luck
Andy
Past TMS Experience in 2000, with success.
Charlie Horse on neck for 20 years, is almost gone.
Books:
Healing Back Pain
Unlearn your Pain
The Great Pain Deception |
Edited by - andy64tms on 11/17/2014 19:32:05 |
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Does this sound like possible TMS?
