Neck pain

Hi SpecRad

• I'm pretty much in the same boat. Left tonsil and 1 lymph node treated with chemo and radiotherapy, but treatment to both sides. No surgery. Finished treatment end of October last year. I have mild lymphoedema. My neck has become increasingly stiff over the last 2- 3 months. My left shoulder is stiff too although I did have a frozen shoulder before (was just getting better at the start of treatment, ironically)
• CNS thinks its after effects of radiotherapy.  Its flipping miserable though. She's sending me some exercises to do, then referring me to physio if they don't work.
• Sorry you're suffering too  but glad it's not just me

I'm sorry to read this. It sounds like it's going to get worse before it (hopefully) gets better. When it was just swelling and stiffness I could manage it but it's quite difficult woth the pain added to the mix. My job is very physical and I really hope it doesn't affect things too much. I've only been back 2 months. 

I might self-refer to physio as we can get it through work. Maybe starting sooner rather than later will have a positive effect.

I hope you get some relief soon. 

Hi

yes i get lots of pain in my neck!!! Limited movement too. 
i had surgery including neck dissection December and im about 4 months post radiotherapy. 
i asked to see a physio, she gives my tight areas a good massage and i have a number of exercises to do. It helps immediately after the massage but soon returns. Only had 2 sessions with her so early days. 
i feel if i sit up for any length of time, i need to rest my head as it all feels very heavy. I have pain all over neck, i got a microwave oat bag too which sort of helps but i get a lot of hot flushes since the radiotherapy and with the warm weather, i find fond tge oat bag too hot. 
i pinpoint where the worst pain is with the thumb on my opposite hand the give it a good press and massage using moisturiser. The physio i saw specialises in head and neck stuff too! 
Elaine

Hi Elaine,

I'm yet to see a physio but I see you had surgery. I'm led to believe that the neck pain is different for surgical patients and physio is more readily available. 

I saw my consultant last week and he explained that non-surgical patients can develop a muscular fibrosis as a late effect from the RT and botox may be an option!

However, I work at the hospital so I've been advised to self-refer to physio in the meantime.

I hope your pain eases in time.

Cx

Hi

Wouldn't say mine's bad but I have to stretch jaw and neck at least daily to keep it at bay 16 month post treatment, I notice if I miss a day. I have a cushion for neck on longer journeys and support head with more pillows at night. Only surgery was tonsillectomy, so my stiffness comes from the CT/RT, possibly also my arthritis. 

Gill

Hi SpecRad, I am 6 months post treatment for hpv+ tongue cancer. I also had chemo (2) and radio (30). I have a stiff neck and shoulder. I am having physio and awaiting to have my first appointment with the Lymphoedema nurse. The pain is manageable, just glad to be alive tbh.