Intense Neck Headaches that wake me in the night

[riannenrings]

Every few months or so i wake from neck headaches that are so intense i almost cannot take it. the pain is an incredibly intense solid pain in my lower neck, right at the base of my shoulders. sitting up almost always makes it immediately better, but this results in me needing to be awake for hours in the middle of the night and disrupts my REM sleep.. i assume that it is caused by bad posture because it seems to stem from the middle of my back. I usually take a shower and then lay down with the towel wrapped around my head to keep my neck at a slight angle which eventually lets me fall back asleep.. After the neck pain has finally subsided (when i wake up in the AM the neck pain is usually pretty much gone), i have a dull lurking pain not only in my neck, but now in my head overall.  I do neck stretches every day. Has anyone else experienced anything like this?? My doctor has no idea what the reason for such intense pain is. .. any suggestions or guesses would be greatly appreciated. im 25 and am in good health. thanks

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
How are you? What laboratory tests were done already? Pain at the back of head or neck that intensifies on movement may be caused by inflammation of the blood vessels of the head or bony changes in the structures of the neck. Anti-inflammatory drugs or muscle relaxants may help provide relief. However, it is best that you have this checked by your doctor for proper evaluation. Imaging studies such as x-ray or CT scan may be indicated. Take care and do keep us posted.

[mbnad]

Have you seen an orthopedics specialist for this or just your general practitioner?  I have severe migraines with strange aura and they are irritated by some back injuries that were confirmed by MRIs.  The injuries are minor and I do special exercises for them daily taught to me by a physical therapist to help - basic stretches do nothing for me.  The location of my injuries are in the neck and between the shoulder blades but I feel it more in my arm and hand.  If I don't do the exercises daily I do see an increase in migraine attacks and severity.
I hope this helps a little :)