Neurologist | Neurology Questions Neurologist

Neck pain with bowel movement?

I am having sharp lower neck pain, but only with bowel movements. I am fused c4 to c7 which was 2 different surgeries.

Female | 51 years old
Complaint duration: Month or so
Medications: Tizanadine Lyrica Adderall
Conditions: Fibermyalgia osteoarthritis myofacial.

2 Answers

Could be due to valsalva maneuver intra-thoracic pressure increase which may be worth a call to your spine surgeon.

Thank you,

James Reid MD
Applying pressure with bowel movement does increase spinal pressure resulting in your neck pain. Therefore make sure that her stools are soft so you do not have to apply a lot of pressure. Prunes and a lot of fiber containing foods will help.