I know how y'all feel! My neck is the worst for me & is fused now!! I cn't look up, down or side to side, so ... I no longer can drive. I'm constantly trying to hold my head 'up' & it really hurts & gets me down at times!!! I could be worse tho, I try to remember that! Somedays it seems impossible, but ... we have to keep moving forward my friends!! I really do try my best, but ... someXs it's just so exhausting...!!! I had a busy day again today, so ... I shall say goodnight. Enjoy...😊

KatJSassaman I think we're AS neck twins. I can truly relate. My neck is doing the same things you're describing.
My neck, and low back are running side by side when it comes down to the pain.
The pass 2weeks has been the worst pain and discomfort I've experienced since being diagnosed. Sleeping with my airplane pillow doesn't help at all.

Cervical AS dominates my life, too. The active inflammation is almost constant, except during some rare hours. The crimped spinal cord neurologically impacts my heart, lungs, eyes and ears as well as the brain stem. Feels like fireworks or zingers, flashes of electricity, with spasms of tendons/muscles. I did get use to the mild to moderate symptoms. But, the severe times are fatiguing and debilitating of my concentration, focus, and awareness of others. My cervical laminoplasty surgery, open-gate method, enabled improved heart rhythm and lung function, as well as returned me to limited walking.

The severe symptoms makes ECG mobile devices (ECG watches or Kardia 6L) show wiggly lines that makes Cardiologists cringe and use 12 lead adhesive pads to stop the bulk of "neurological artifacts." So, anyone wanting to monitor their own ECG, use a wired lead device if you have Cervical AS.

Just finished cleaning the outdoor wild bird houses for the breeding season. Had to make sure they where cleaned thoroughly because of the severe bird flu season we just experienced. Glad I can now do some meaningful simple chores again!

The extra warmth might be nice in winter, but, the underlying issues require good care. Wishing you some better days ahead to enjoy life.

Short answer to your question is yes, it is more common than many know. This website gives us a chance to learn from others what helps us cope, improves quality of life, connects us with good resources. Most especially, persons like you make us know we are alone.

Thank you for your open, direct question!

I had severe neck pain for 1 year and no insurance so didn't take any meds. It was horrible. As soon as I got insurance I called my family dr and Rheumatologist. My family dr sent me to physical therapy and within 5 days I didn't feel like my head was going to fall off my neck. I had a 40 minute massage of the neck and between the shoulder blades. I had 0 to little pain in my neck for 4 weeks. I continued pt until I couldn't afford the gas to get there then I got a referral from my family dr to see a DO who specializes in manipulation therapy. After the 1st session which did not hurt at all I was pain free for 10 minutes. I went back a couple weeks later but it only lasted 5 minutes with no pain. I continue to do the stretches pt gave me. Seems to be helping. I have done the stretches for the neck since November. Simple 2 minute stretches that really work. Pt is a great resource.

Every little bit helps