Horrible neck and shoulder pain! Affecting my taper.

[[Lo...]]

Before I head off to the doctor or worse, assume it's something really serious, just wanted opinions on muscle pain.

 

Strained my neck and back lifting weights last week (only 5 lb weights but a lot of reps) as I decided to "try" to regain some muscle tone. Did this lifting for two consecutive days. Then, 48 hours later,  I woke with severe muscle pain in my neck on the right side. Tried ice, heat, massager, TENS unit, stretching and no relief. It has since knotted up in my shoulder, radiated to my upper back, neck (both sides) and has been relentless!! I'm waking in the middle of the night completely locked up for over a week now. 

 

One day it will feel like it's finally easing up a little bit only to be worse again the next day. Granted, my body involuntarily tenses up often!  However, the pain is so bad that I have to use the massager as soon as I wake just to be able to move! It's THAT bad! It loosens it up but still remains stiff and sore and then off and on pain ensues! It will be two weeks on Wednesday!

 

Muscle issues became a problem in abdominal area (tight muscles there affecting taking a deep breath) along with a bout of tendinitis in wrist (resolved), after I went below 1.25 mgs.

 

Is muscle pain issues common with taper? I'm losing my mind as I'm not able to function due to pain, stiffness, and limited mobility! This is truly affecting my taper as I'm afraid to keep reducing when I already can't sleep due to pain! Ugh!

 

 

Lori

[[Gu...]]

That is a great question as I myself and many other folks I know complain of right neck and shoulder pain. I really wonder if it is benzo related. Following

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When I was C/T many years ago, I had horrific neck and shoulder pain which caused violent headaches. It is common with Benzo withdrawl. I reinstated and then started a taper. Every time I  would cut, the pain would come back. I finally started getting massage which helped tremendously. I had to hold the taper due to life's stressors. Once I stabilized the pain subsided. I am once again starting to taper doing the DLMT, so I hope that helps. I still get massage to this day as I am prone to the neck and should pain, especially on the right side. I work as an RN for many years and believe lifting patients contributed. I do have scar tissue on the right shoulder.  I have to be very careful doing anything strenuous with my upper body. Went kayaking 2 weeks ago and was in severe pain on the right side. I use heat, massage and Terminator Pain Patches which really help. You can get them online. I also play bass guitar and have to be very careful as that will cause the pain. GABA helps relax, so as we taper off the muscles rebel and tighten up. I sure hope this helps. I can tell you that it will pass.

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The Levator Scapulae muscle is the main one that causes so many problems. There are many articles about it. Also, I bought an electric heating pad by Sunbeam which is designed with flaps to to fit the back of the neck and it wraps over the back and shoulders. It has 5 settings. It has really helped me. I have tried cold, but that will cause the muscles to tense up more. The only time I use cold is right after a massage. I really can relate to your pain. It is frustrating as the activities I enjoy doing involve my upper body. I also am a a cyclist and the pain stops me from doing that. I love doing that as it really helps my mind and body. Again, this will pass. You just have be careful while withdrawing.

[[Lo...]]

Thanks, everyone!

 

I truly appreciate each of you for taking the time to respond. Another morning of crazy pain! I guess I really aggravated my already compromised and weak muscles.

 

I ordered the Sunbeam Neck Wrap Heating Pad. Let's hope it helps!

 

Again, thank you!

 

Lori

[[mo...]]

Hi it’s definitelf benzo related. I had terrible neck and shoulder pain when I got below .125. I used heating pads. I still get it off and on at this extremely low dose. I’m used to it now but know it will subside once I’m healed. The benzos act as a muscle relaxer so our muscles are learning to relax on their own. It helps me to know what’s causing the symptom. Are bodies are doing what they’re supposed to and we’re healing it just doesn’t feel like it.

[[Fp...]]

I had the same thing late in my taper. Heating pad and Ibuprofen helped. It gradually faded away. For me, it was pretty consistent for a couple of months. It does get better.

[[la...]]

I had this severely early on in my acute phase. It was excruciating and the neck spasm lasted weeks. I literally couldn't even turn my neck without experiencing terrible pain. I tried everything and unfortunately nothing helped.

 

My neck has continued to be slightly stiff throughout my taper. But MUCH less severe. I had limited function at my worst, and I am fully functional now. I wish I was able to offer some sort of comfort, but I have not had luck with OTC pain relief, massage, stretching, heat, cold, CBD oil, etc.

 

I had a spasm in hamstring as well for several weeks. It finally went away only to be replaced by a new spasm around my thoracic spine.

This is the strangest experience I have ever had in my life. What a rollercoaster.

 

Hang in there.