Expert: Dr. Man Tran, Ph.D., D.C., L.Ac. - 6/8/2009

Question
Hello, I need help.  two years ago I awoke one morning with severe tension in  my neck.  I thought it would eventually go away so I waited.  I didnt see any results until about a year later when I finally started trying to fix it my self, as I cant afford a doctor visit.  I have fixed my posture, changed my shoes, I have always stretched regularly (I have always been in good physical condition up until this happened.  The inability to turn my head in any diriction more than a half inch caused me to quit working out alltogether, resulting in about 25 pounds gained!) Even though the pain is almost gone I am still virtually crippled, as I cannot do anything but lay in the floor.  i f I do anything (walk, sit, house work, a small amount of pushups to test my improvement) I find myself getting worse within hours.  Like I said seeing a doctor is not possible.  I am starting to lose my mind, even my grades have slipped do to the fact that I can not sit or stand for very long 30 min tops not to mention the fact that I cannot look down to read a book, I am forced to hold it over my face while laying down, which not only causes problems(I am guessing because I am using my back muscles to hold the books up.), but also triggers my narcolepsy(irrelevant to the issue  I realize, but frustrating none the less!)   My symptoms are as follows,  Awoke to find that entire back hurt, worst pain was in neck(couldnt look in any direction period), I noticed that as it started improving with changes in posture and shoes, it seemed to be sinking down to my lower back causing me to wonder if the lower back is where it originated, as it got better I felt more "loose" and started cracking my back from bottom to top(I have a little routine I am forced to do every hour or so.)  I dont know what caused it, like i said i have always been in good to great shape, virtually indestructable, then one morning two years ago my life flips upside down.  When it was at its worst I litteraly couldnt do ANYTHING without pain and or discomfort.  I think my extraordinary level of patience is waring thin.  Please any help would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you for your time.

Answer
Dear Marc,

From what you have written, I would recommend for you to visit a hospital where it is free (community one).  Have them check your spine.  You need to rule out infection to your spine that can cause pain and stiffness of the neck.  Once this is ruled out, then certain exercise can help.