Neck and Shoulder Pain

Hi, Girls. I'm new to this site. Just had my surgery on 5/20/09. So far, I feel great -- no pain to speak of other than serious pain in my neck and shoulders. Has anyone else experienced this? Does anyone have any suggestions for relief other than pain meds? How long does this misery generally last? Thanks, and speedy recovery to all!

Oclocal,

I know exactly what you mean. I had my surgery 3-31-09, and am feeling great -- except I also had head, neck and shoulder pain. It's getting better now. I found that taking magnesium really helps. I take 500 mg a day. Although, the first few weeks I was taking Ibuprofen, etc. I finally decided that I would research for a better solution. Seems to work for me. Good luck.

Thanks, so much, for your response and suggestion. It's comforting to know that someone else has experienced this (I thought, perhaps, it was just some crazy, personal "quirk")! I'll look into the magnesium.

I got lots and lots of shoulder massages from my daughter and partner. They both got hand cramps from trying to help relieve my pain so much. I have fibromyalgia so I think the position they put you in for the surgery can exacerbate a syndrome like that. Anyway, the massages helped alot. They kept them fairly gentle until I could handle it a little stronger.

I spoke with my doctor's office and I think you may be right. They tell me that, during surgery, they had to keep my head tipped way back -- I suppose to keep my airway open. I think, having my head in that position for so long (a 3-1/2 hour procedure) really did a number on my neck! Thanks for your input and support!

I got the same thing, they told me it was because of gas. I got the same thing when I had my tubes tied a year ago. They fill your stomache with gas so they can get to things, and for some reason it will hurt up in your shoulder/neck...it does get better ina a day or so

Yeah -- been down that road myself, when I had my tubes "tied" 24 years ago after my son was born. My doctor, however, thinks it's "too far out" after my surgery to be feeling the effects of the gas. Instead, he thinks the way the anesthesiologist positioned my head (tipped way back) during my 3-1/2 hour surgery is the reason my neck is so painful. (They have to keep your airway open.) I'm 55 years old and have a touch of arthritis in my neck as it is. This sure didn't help any! Thanks for your input. Wish you well!