Pain in neck from lying on belly for radiation

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sufi
sufi Member Posts: 8
edited January 2015 in Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After

I completed simulation and start treatment on Monday. Turning my head to side and lying on my belly causes pain in my neck. I have arthritis in my neck and a tendency to develop neck muscle spasms that can freeze my neck. I am concerned that my neck will freeze on me during the course of treatment. I had chosen the 6 week course of treatment, because I felt the more gradual dose would be better for my body. However, with my neck concern, I have opted to doing it in 4 weeks.

I know I could switch to radiation lying on my back if necessary. So, it wouldn't be the end of the world if my neck froze on me.

Just wondering if anyone else has faced this challenge. Haven't found that anyone has written about this anywhere.

Thanks

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  • BayouBabe
    BayouBabe Member Posts: 2,221
    edited January 2015

    I had radiation on my back. I have severe degenerative disc disease in my neck and spine. I also have fused discs in my neck, as well as a plate and screws. Rads caused me many issues with my neck, spine, and left arm during treatment. I insisted and fought for PT during treatment. No one wanted to be the one to prescribe PT, as they wanted proof that their treatment was what was causing my issues. Ugh! I had dealt with my neck and spine issues for years prior to BC and rads, and knew darn well they were making my pain and range of motion worse during treatment. So I fought for PT and won. I also insisted on not being left in position on the rads table any longer than necessary. Techs knew to not lalygag when I was on the table. Be assertive, ask for PT, and stretch/PT exercises regularly. Good luck.

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  • Cowgirl13
    Cowgirl13 Member Posts: 1,936
    edited January 2015

    I was on my back for my radiation. I manage chronic pain in my neck--there's no way I could have radiation lying on my stomach. I think its important not to reinjure your neck. Good Luck!

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  • sufi
    sufi Member Posts: 8
    edited January 2015

    Tnank you both so much for your replies. I spoke to an excellent physical therapist whose name I got from a local breast cancer support group. Just speaking to her was very helpful. I will see her tomorrow. I got an order for PT today, although it was a tiny bit of a struggle but not too bad. Also, I figured out some self-talk that is helping me relax my neck more, so all in all I'm feeling more hopeful. Thanks again!


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  • BayouBabe
    BayouBabe Member Posts: 2,221
    edited January 2015

    Good luck sufi! Fingers crossed that you make it theough rads smoothly and have no added issues with your neck. Take care

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  • sufi
    sufi Member Posts: 8
    edited January 2015

    Thanks again for your replies. I wanted to follow up to say I am doing better this week. Saw the physical therapist and she referred me to person for cranial sacral massage. It released so much of pressure that had built up in my neck. I will continue with her and am feeling like I can get through this!!

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  • BayouBabe
    BayouBabe Member Posts: 2,221
    edited January 2015

    So glad to hear you are doing well sufi. The right PT therapist can be magical. Hang in there and hope you continue to do well

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  • mqt64
    mqt64 Member Posts: 103
    edited January 2015

    Hi.  I start rads on Monday on my belly.  I have disc problems with my neck too. Do you have the option of looking down keeping your neck straight?  I found that most comfortable.  Then I could pretend I was getting a massage.  Whatever it takes to get through.  Good luck sufi and I'll be watching to see how it goes. 

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