Question: I have neck problems particularly when lying in bed. However when standing it feels uncomfortable and the feeling is like "buzzing" and sharp pain in the joints that jut out at the base of the neck. I do get pain in shoulders and mid to upper back when I do activities such as cutting vegetables or filing nails! (Generally finer motor skills) When in bed I have to lay on my back because I have degenerative discs in my lower back. I have used a variety of pillows but with little improvement in my neck discomfort. My biggest concern is that when I try to lay on my side to relieve my neck discomfort I suddenly start feeling a very strong throbbing pulse in the back of my neck in the same joint region which throbs down my arms as well. I have to return to my back lying and it takes a few minutes for the throbbing to subside. Is this likely to be nerve or blood related and should I see my doctor. I am a 61 year old female who played field hockey for many years at a high level. Thank you in advance for any comments.

Thank you for your reply. As waiting time for my GP is usually 2 weeks should I try to get an emergency appointment or just wait for the 2 weeks? I am managing the pain and discomfort although the lack of sleep is an issue. I have also taken no time off work although I am only part-time. Could I however stress that the throbbing in my neck is not painful it is just a strong pulse/thumping like sensation that goes through my upper torso and down my arms. The pain when it comes is either sharp on the bone area or a 'heavy' aching pain right across the shoulders and through the neck.