Severe neck pain during interviews?

[InquilineKea]

I have issues with severe chronic neck pain and while I'm trying to find means to address it (by correcting my posture), it's going to be a very long road before my neck starts to recover.

What should I do if I have that sort of issue during an interview? It's not debilitating, but it does often mean that I have to sit in somewhat awkward positions (with my head tilted back)

Maybe wearing an ice pack pre-interview could help? Is it also ever helpful to tell them that I might have those issues?

Edited January 27, 2012 by InquilineKea

[fuzzylogician]

Ask a doctor about ways to alleviate or prevent the pain. None of us can tell you if an ice pack will help or not.

Don't tell interviewers anything in advance, but do explain if your condition forces you to sit in an unusual position.

Edited January 27, 2012 by fuzzylogician

[InquilineKea]

I'll try, but doctors in general aren't the best people to talk to for pain management (I've come across this issue for other forms of discomfort too - the doctor was clueless but one person's solution [that I only found through Quora] actually worked really well).

Edited January 27, 2012 by InquilineKea

[LCBucky]

I have a chronic back and neck pain issue. I am going to be having surgery within the next year, but until then I am forced to find a way to manage my pain. There is such a doctor called a "Pain Specialist" who works with patients to manage their pain. I'd recommend looking into that. It has helped significantly (and most insurance companies cover your visits....assuming the pain is 'real')

[InquilineKea]

Wow - thanks so much for the advice.

Do you know what type of surgery you're going to get? I am considering surgery as a last-resort option, but I've heard that it could go wrong too.

[LCBucky]

Not sure exactly what I will end up getting in terms of surgery. I have another appointment this Tuesday with a surgeon to discuss it. I'll have a better idea then.

I'm a little uneasy about it though because you're exactly right, things could go wrong. We'll see what I find out on Tuesday.

[InquilineKea]

Ah okay I see. Good luck! And please keep me updated.