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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Three weeks of neck pain
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Three weeks of neck pain
by Troy__0, May 08, 1999 12:00AM
Posted by Troy on May 08, 1999 at 10:01:22
For the last three weeks, I have been experiencing a dull ache at the base of my skull/top of the neck. At first I thought I had probably just slept wrong or pulled a muscle, but the pain seems to come and go and not really effect the movement of my neck (doesn't feel like the usual stiff neck).
The ache seems to be on either side of my spine, located maybe half way between the spine and the bottom of the ears. Any ideas what could be causing this discomfort? I haven't really had any headaches or any other symptoms, but have noticed a similar pain midway down my back, on the right side. The back pain has been around since October.
Thanks for your input.
Posted by CCF MD mdf on May 08, 1999 at 11:07:31
The most likely explanation is muscle spasm or tension. I wouldn't be surprised if you have some inflammation in your neck (from wear and tear), and the pain and reactive spasms are from that. I have seen people with wear and tear of the spine even in their 20s, though of course it is more common as people get older.
I would see your doctor. A neurologic exam likely will establish that there is no damage to your nervous system. You may not need any tests, especially if treatment is effective soon. Your doctor is likely to give you anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen. Physical therapy can help, too.
If things don't go as expected, then further investigation may be undertaken. But your pattern of pain is quite common, and most of the time the explanation is fairly benign and the treatment is pretty effective.
I hope this helps. CCF MD mdf.
Posted by Jody, PA-C on May 11, 1999 at 22:16:16
Do you sleep with your arms over head...or propped up on the elbow on the couch...or do lots of work extending your arm above your shoulder level, like painting? If so two things are possible: 1. Impingement of one of the Rotator Cuff muscles of the shoulder, or 2. Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, but most likely #1. That is because so many of the nerves passing through the shoulder can become irritated by inflammation in the general vicinity & refer pain toward the neck & cause weakness, or even numbness down into the arm. This is generally easily taken care with gentle physical therapy (PT) with light weights and anti-inflammatories like the Doctor says above. The PT is probably the most beneficial therapy and the easiest to remember & take with you for the rest of your life as a corrective kind of device for yourself. V/R...Jody
Posted by CCF MD.... on May 13, 1999 at 10:40:55
We wish you luck and stand by our recommendation listed above.
