Is this Occipital Neuralgia?

[osokin]

I’m very healthy and physically active, but whenever I do any kind of moderate-to-heavy repetitive exercises – especially upper body push/pull types such as push-ups, chin-ups, dips, etc – I find that when the activity reaches a certain intensity it will trigger a throbbing ache at the base of my scalp.

The locus of the pain seems to be in the muscle about an inch or more to the right (sometimes left) of C1, though the throbbing pain will extend to the temples as well. Please note one important fact about this pain: The intense throbbing only lasts about a minute or so, provided the exertion that triggered it is stopped immediately.

After the initial “attack” of throbbing pain subsides, I’m left with a mild headache for a few hours at most, and minor stiffness/soreness in the neck for another day.  During the acute, throbbing phase of the attack, I can reach back and feel some swelling at the base of the scalp just to the right (or left) of the spine. Massaging there is uncomfortable, though at times it has helped to ease the pain overall.

I’ve been to a G.P., who had no idea as to what could be causing the attacks. I’ve also been to a chiroprator, who took X-rays that reveal some thickening of C1 and C2, and straightening of the cervical spine.  He said that these factors *could* be contributing to my exertion headaches, but he did not seem at all confident that they were actually causing these headaches.

If my understanding is correct, most of my symptoms would indicate Occipital Neuralgia, except the duration of the attack in my case is too short.

[CCF-Neuro-M.D.-CS]

Your description of the pain would not indicate occipital neuralgia. This is typically a severe lacinating or stabbing pain. However these could represent a form a cervicogenic migraine. These are migraine like headaches which are triggered by abnormalities within the cervical spine or musculature. The swelling you are feeling may be a muscle spasm. The other thought is that these simply are tension type headaches. I would recommend seeing a neurologist who can perform a neurologic examination and take a detailed headache history. Based on this a treatment program can be recommended. If the pain persists after this, then a consultation at a headache center would be recommended. If you are in the area, the Cleveland Clinic has a great center.

[osokin]

I forgot to mention that I'm 37, male, and have never had any head or neck trauma that I'm aware of. In addition, I've rarely gotten headaches in my life (my mother has suffered from migraines her whole life), before these exertional headaches began in 1999.

Peter

[nyyoga]

I had an MRI that indicates I have a herniated disc in my c3 c4 region of my vertebrae  that is causing heat and a lot of discomfort in the back of my head and scalp.  My head feels like it is constantly on fire.  I have been using ice packs to cool my head down but that is only a temporary fix to a constant problem.

It started on Dec 29th when I had a yoga injury from a shoulder stand. For a week, I had a stiff neck and could not move left to right but otherwise felt fine.  Now it is several weeks later, I can move my neck and head, but have lost strength mobilty,in my right hand and arm with intervals of numbness.  My hand and arm feels like it is improving a bit each day but the pain and heat on the top of my head has not lessened.

I am starting physical therapy but I am not certain if that would help the pain and heat on my head.  Please advise how I should proceed.

[jamie22]

osokin,
I have the exact same problem!  It started for me when I did the bench press at the gym one week ago, after doing my reps I did one negative (bring down weight as slowly as possible, and the spotter lifts it off).  Once the weight was off of me a huge throb started at the base of my skull.  

It doesn't hurt throughout the day except for occassional mild soreness or headaches, but I have been unable to do the bench press since (and doing some other exercises causes pain also).  I mentioned it to the trainer at the gym; he said it sounds like a nerve problem caused by the excessive pressure caused by doing negatives and not breathing properly.  He said I should see a doctor about it.  My appointment is on Tuesday so I have no professional opinion yet.

I researched the internet and occipital neuralgia sounded right on to me, as well.  The site http://www.yourpaininstitute.com/-occip.html coincides with how the pain started, and what it feels like.

I joined this forum because of your posting, osokin, because I am in the same boat.  I hope us the best, so we can get back to the gym!

[jamie22]

I didn't go to the gym for 2 weeks, and now everything is fine.  Try that!