I would also be very interested in the replies to this post. I have neck pains as well as other body aches. Rituxan has caused quite a bit of pain, but hopefully it is temporary. PCP has said that he thought a lot of pain was from the muscles trying to compensate for the weakness and putting a strain on them, which is an indirect result of mg rather than the mg causing the pain directly.

When MG was at its worst for me, back in June and July, I had trouble holding my head up--and got very tired and sore neck pains. I also had chewing and swallowing difficulties. Mestinon, helped a lot, but I still felt like I should get a basket to carry my head around in sometimes!

Remembering my years of working at a computer and the advice given to me there by the ergonomics folks, I adapted a couple of ways.

While working at a computer or most any sitting activityt, first you make sure your head is held straight above you shoulders. People have a tendency to lean into their computer, book or whatever, making the neck support the 20 lb bowling ball (your head) in an uncomfortable neck straining position. Keep it straight up.

Next, I used my recliner, so I could sit back with my head resting, fully supported, in semi-reclining position, my laptop computer or book at a level where my head was fully supported. In the car, I also did more head support with a rest/pillow and the seat reclined more (I wasn't driving much then). Whenever I took a break, I went to the recliner where my head was supported. I took a lot of breaks!

It really didn't go away until I was quite far into prednisone and my whole MG symptom range started improving. Now, I still use the recliner for reading and computer work, but I don't notice the neck problems anymore.
Good Luck!

Before my heavy dose Mestinon and thymectomy,I wouldsaythat I felt like my head was going to fall off my shoulders. I was betterfor awhile, but the chewing,swallowing problem came back. I had ivig last week and my chew/swallow is good.

I have been using one of those traveling pillows for when I am at home thinking of getting one for work they can laugh all they want at work but I am going to be comfortable. Like you I use a computer also. They have taken me off prednisone now I am waiting for the cellcept to do it's thing. I have been on mestinon for a while now. From my understanding at the Doctors so far I am on my own till that happens. Thank you for your thoughts.

I wore a neck brace for a long time. It really help. a foam kind. I felt so much better with it.

Ditto, I have a neck brace I have used in the past. Sit in a Wing back or recliner when ever possible . I have discovered any ford vehicle positions me forward because I am short in the seat for the way the back is curved. I can't tolerate driving without neck strain/ weakness unless I put a pillow, coat or something to raise me higher in the seat past the spot. I used to get horrible headaches from trapezius muscle neck strain. Now I do muscle releases and this keeps away the pain, watch my posture to avoid added strain from my heavy head, take more medication, but I agree the pain is probably strain from weak muscles a by product of MG.

I know I have a hard time at work if someone comes up to me while I am sitting and I have to look up at them for a while. My neck starts giving out. I try and avoid these situations.
Annette

A few months ago my neck started hurting, did the usual putting something behind it ,trying to relax shoulder muscles,tramadol,et.
Nothing worked. The pain went down into my shoulder. I went ER.
X-rays showed no problem. Dr. Gave me cortosteroid sp pills which scared my husband. I do not have an addictive personality ( he does)
So he gave me one pill and hid the rest. The pill helped and I've only used half 3times. Since then my neck always feels like it is really going to HURT so I put icy/hot Rollin on it every night and a rolled Jo
Towel when I sleep. I like the ides of a soft neck brace. Think iwill get one. (or find the pills) LOL Karin

I have had extreme neck pain for 20 years. Actually about the same time that I can remember having MG symptoms. 12 years ago I was dx with fibromyalgia in my neck. I use capsaicin patches or better yet the liquid (it goes farther/less expensive to use) It is hot, but it doesn't seem to bother me any other way. By the end of the day, the pain is gone. I always use a soft neck pillow, even at night. Barbel

I have osteo and rheumatoid arthritis. But I also have constant muscle pain. Especially when my MG is worse. I have noticed that holding my head up or down in any position for an extended period of time makes my neck hurt. I think we forget that it takes a lot of work by muscles to hold our head up, sit up straight and do a host of other everyday activities. I have noticed that riding a scooter when traveling or even shopping at the store can really make my neck hurt from looking up all the time.
Kimber

I have neck pain and weakness every single day now. I can't chew very long either. The problem is I eat too much ice cream now because it's easier and it feels good. :) I told my neuro about the neck pain and weakness and he looked at me confused and said he didn't know what that would be, but didn't look further into it.

I have fibro, arthritis meiners disease etc and I forget I have these things. I suppose the first two could also cause the pain.

Before my thymectomy, I ached constantly. My neck, my arms and my legs. I would say MG does cause pain. The worse it got, the more mestinon I took. Now I only take mestinon timespan at night. If I forget it or if I'm seriously stressed or fighting an infection, those aches come back. Not as bad, but they aren't completely gone either. I'm still hoping! Rest, rest, rest! That's the best thing you can do for yourself.

I have had pain in my neck for over twenty years.I wear a neck brace when every my muscle are weak and I have a problem holding my head up. My Neurologist says it's the weakness in my neck, the pain is from the strain of trying to hold my head up. I have learn to deal with it. The doctors can't tell us what we feel. God bless.Cabbage7