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Severe pain in lower neck and head

I am a 34 year old woman in good health. Recently I was travelling in Mexico and developed a cold and sore throat. Immediately after those symptoms went away (about three weeks ago) I started experiencing a stiff neck, pain/pressure in my ears and a constant headache.

Range of motion in my neck has decreased due to pain and at times, if I turn or life my head quickly I have sharp pains that radiate from the base of my neck, up deep into my skull.

Saw my phsyician a week ago - she says there is some fluid behind my ears but no infection. She also indicated my thyroid was enlarged? (not sure of any relation) She said it was most likely sinus trouble and recommended an antihistamine. Nothing is helping and at this point I am taking Tylenol 3's just to manage the pain.

The headache is not sensitive to noise or light, but I do notice I am squinting because of the pain. I am trying to continue working and regular activities at home but am getting weary of the constant pains, especially in my neck and head.

Any thoughts would be appreciated!
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Avatar universal
Thanks so much for your help, I took this idea to my GP and she is going to send me for some tests. I appreciate your insight. What is interesting is that she thinks it could be related to a motor vehicle accident I was in 5 years ago???? I had a year of physio and alot of soft tissue damage as well as some nerve pinching. The newest symptom is that my tingling fingers are back - do you think that is specific to this condition?

And yes- I also have an ear infection and fluid behind my eardrum.. I get them frequently and she thinks that is where the headache and pressure is coming from. She thinks they are just coincidental to the other issues and probably related to the scuba diving I did in Mexico.

thanks again for your help, BusyMom
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
hi,this could be otitis media along with cervical spondyolosis.Otitis media is collection of fluid which is usually a sequelae to viral infection.Cervical spondylosis is degenerative disease of cervical vertebrae.

Although,headache is associated with otitis media but restriction or pain during neck movement is rarely seen.Otitis media is treated with antibiotics,anti histaminics along with analgesics.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
A month later and I am still having the headaches, neck pain and ear pain. It is not relieved by Robaxacet, Tylenol, Ibuprofen or Antihistamines.

I am out of ideas.... I have seen my doc 4 times now and she just keeps saying my neck is tight but she can't "see" any other symptoms.

The worst is if I am looking down and then lift my head - the pain which is normally just there dully comes up in a flash up through my upper neck and in to my head. Plus, my ears are ringing alot and I am very fatigued.

I cannot imagine how people live with chronic pain and disease when just this is driving me bonkers.... There are some brave people out there!

Thanks!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
A month later and I am still having the headaches, neck pain and ear pain. It is not relieved by Robaxacet, Tylenol, Ibuprofen or Antihistamines.

I am out of ideas.... I have seen my doc 4 times now and she just keeps saying my neck is tight but she can't "see" any other symptoms.

The worst is if I am looking down and then lift my head - the pain which is normally just there dully comes up in a flash up through my upper neck and in to my head. Plus, my ears are ringing alot and I am very fatigued.

I cannot imagine how people live with chronic pain and disease when just this is driving me bonkers.... There are some brave people out there!

Thanks!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
hi,your symptoms are suggestive of meningitis but absence of fever goes against it.

To be on safer side please consult Neurlogist and get MRI,LP etc done to rule out meningeal inflammation.

bye and take care!
Helpful - 0
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