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I am a software engineer and have worked long hours. As a result, I believe, I suffer from arm pain.

I have gone through various doctors and have been misdiagnosed with some arm problem (can't remember the technical name) that looked like Carpel Tunnel Syndrome. Eventually I got other medical opinions and received other diagnostics.

Now, I have two doctors agreeing that I have Cervical Radiculitis - swelling of a root nerve around the neck area. I am being currently treated for this condition.

My neck pain travels down to my arm and my back (mainly the left side). The prescription medicine that are now working for me are: Neurontin (for nerve pain) and Baclofen (a muscle relaxant). I also wear the Lidoderm patches on the back.

Other things that work for me are wearing a soft cervical collar. I also use a pillow or couch cushion to support my lower back when I'm driving.

Using the muscle relaxant helps so I can fall asleep faster and sleep better. Tossing and turning on the bed are frequent and sometimes I can't find a position to use for sleeping. But after a while, I can rest better, with aid of the medicine or tea, and I wake up more relaxed.

Other things that help is not using the computer at home excessively and taking breaks at work. At work, I try to take a break every 20-30 minutes when possible.

To summarize these are the things I use to cope with my neck/back/shoulder pain:

o Use prescribed medicine (muscle relaxant and nerve main meds).
See what works best.

o Talk to your doctor to find out what therapies or prescription can
work best for you.

o Wear Lidoderm patch

o Use cushion on lower back while driving

o Minimize computer use or sitting down for a long time

o Stand up or stretch once in a while after sitting down for a long time

o Use soft cervical collar for neck pain

Much more can be said. For now, I hope these ideas can help if you suffer from back, neck and shoulder pain.

Learn more about this author, Enrique R..
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