Trigger points in neck

[kpbos]

About a year ago I started experiencing neck pain which would come and go every few days. Soon afterwards I noticed some large trigger points along the sides of the neck which eventually became as hard as rock. I've gone to massage therapists, went to my old chiropractor a few times, as well as trigger point acupuncturists and have used the Theracane extensively on my neck to combat this. All the while, more and more trigger points in the neck have developed, and I keep feeling like I'm getting worse. The tension from these trigger points has extended into my face and head and my ability to concentrate on anything else is minimal at best. I spend about half the day rubbing my neck. I'm at a loss as for what to do about this. I do practice some relaxation everyday, though often it is before bed and I fall asleep during it. Other times, the tension is so much that I can't sit or lie still to practice any relaxation. I recently began seeing a new acupuncturist, and I've been able to get 1-2 days of relief after a visit, but the tension and knots come roaring back. Clonazepam helps as well, though I don't want to take it every day (even though my therapist says this is safe). The best thing I can think of is to continue seeing this acupuncturist and to step-up my relaxation practice, it just takes up so much of my time and money that I often feel burdened by it.

[webslave]

Do you use a keyboard a lot?

[kpbos]

Yeah I do spend a lot of time at the computer.

[webslave]

Thought so. I have the same problem. Make sure you are sitting in the correct position exactly, or you will get hand, arm, shoulder, neck problems.

[ramana]

Webslave
Though your posting is correct - the problem that I forsee is that people with pelvic pain cannot be seated in such a position. I for example developed neck and shoulder pain but I don't think I could have avoided it other than taking leave from work or finding a way to be off the computer. If we can find an arrangment on positions that can be used by people with pelvic pain that would be a real help e.g something like using zero gravity

[kpbos]

Yeah I think that's how this problem developed, it is difficult to maintain correct seated posture with the sensitive pelvis, therefore I hunch over at the computer to take some pressure off the pelvis.

[ramana]

And zero gravity is the exact opposite. I lean back and then have to bring the neck forwards to look at the laptop. The arms are also not in neutral position. All this I knew and was trying to adjust my workplace but the damage was far faster than I could anticipate. I have some ideas (I am out of job because of this and necessity is the mother of inventions) but need someone else to brainstorm. I can't think clearly anyway.
If you look at the figure that webslave posted and imagine leaning back. Then
a) hands move up - which means shoulder out of neutral position.
b) eyes move towards the ceiling which means the monitor has to be projected from above
c) You rest on your tailbone which means eventually lower back issues (if you already don't have them).

For (a). the hands can be pushed down by the sides if you have a completely split keyboard. There is one ( I forget the name) but only available in US and I didn't bring it with me.
For (c) - move to lower back forum once the pelvic is ok. I can't find any answers to this except keep on shifting positions.
If you hunch forward
a) hands move further down - shoulder comes forward. So keep shoulders back
b) neck strains forward. No way you can avoid it
(b) is where I got really stuck in this case and therefore went to zero gravity.

[webslave]

I still suggest using the correct sitting position and using an excellent modified latex pillow to take the pressure off the perineum. That's been the best for me. I developed severe trigger points in my shoulders when I raised my arms to get to the keyboard.

[ramana]

Webslave
What kind of modified latex pillow - is it the donut style? That stopped helping me. I will be very happy to get back to sitting if I can. How did you manage to remove the trigger points? My diagnosis has been bursitis and cervical spondylolysis. I have been using the Theracane on the shoulder.

[webslave]

You can cut a latex cushion to form a U shape that acts like a donut cushion.

For your shoulder and back, have you tried ice packs? They helped me when nothing else would (I had/have lower back pain from a damaged disc, frozen shoulders from calcific tendonitis, etc). Ice pack applied for 10 mins a few times a day does wonders. Muscle spasm requires heat, but inflamed nerves and nerve pain requires cold.