neck/shoulder pain from trigger points?

[colleen]

Hi everyone,

For about three weeks, I've had almost constant discomfort/stiffness on the left side of my neck, upper back and shoulder.  I think it started after I drove for a while.  Sometimes it is just stiffness and tightness, but other times the pain is pretty significant and I can't turn my head and neck without pain.  I'm using moist heat, Tylenol and stretches with temporary relief.  My doctor also gave me a prescription of Soma to relax my muscles, but I'm trying to stay away from that since I took one and didn't like the side effects.  I have anxiety/stress disorder and know that the tension wreaks havoc on your muscles, but the longer the symptoms stick around, the harder it is to keep my anxiety in check.  It's a vicious cycle!

Anyway, I'm just looking for feedback from anyone who has experienced something similar.

Thanks for your help!

Colleen 

[rujoking]

I get that in the left side of my neck/shoulder A LOT!  It is definitely tension from the anxiety for me.  I use Therma-care heat patches and they work really well for me - the patches actually heat up and last about 8 hours (you wear them under your clothes) I feel your pain!