Back of head pain

[Mimmee]

For around 30 years I have suffered from occasional flare ups of pain in the back of my head, always on the left side. I have been to numerous doctors, chiropractors, physical therapy, and taken lots of pain meds but nothing helps. The flare up usually starts as a twinge and by the end of 1 wk is full blown pain that lasts another 1 -2 wks. I try heat, ice, rubs, you name it and nothing helps. I believe it is some kind of nerve pain as it is somewhat like shingle pain but no rash. Can you give me some advice or help, Please.

[sylvia987]

You may have what the health professionals call "cervicogenic headache".  That is headache with a neck origin.   Usually the pain starts from the neck joint at the base of the skull and radiate up to the base of the skull, top part of your scalp and perhaps behind the ear and back of eye.  Usually it is one sided, unless you have neck problems on both sides. It is usually aggravated with prolonged computer use and if your head is turned to one side repetitively or for a prolonged period of time. MRI or xray may just show some degeneration. If the above sounds like your problem, then i think you may have cervicogenic headache. You may want to check out www.************.com.sg for more info.

[Mimmee]

I have had an mri several years ago and found nothing. I have a dr appt tomorrow so will see what he has to say. Thanks

[squirtatious]

Have u had an mri of ur brain and cervical regions? I hope u find some answers!!!! *hugs*

[Mimmee]

Thanks for your advice. I believe you both have given me good answers and plan to use both recommendations.

[Mimmee]

Then yes, I do have it. This is one of the things that the physical therapist worked on with me. Needless to say I did not continue the exercises.

[squirtatious]

Poor posture, trauma, inproper body mechanics when lifting...these can all eventually lead to forward head syndrome. I have this and its very painful. Ur head actually shifts forward on ur neck (kinda like turtle head) causing the misalignment and weight shift to cause a numerous variety of issues and pain. Causes loss of lordosis is the cervical region and stabbing pains at the base of the skull and horrid headaches

[Mimmee]

I am not sure what forward head syndrome but think that I do have it as I have gotten older. Would that cause it?

[Mimmee]

I have had xrays and MRI  and no there was no injury 30 yrs ago. First time I thought it was just a "crick" in my neck from sleeping twisted.I am going to ask for the Neurontin and see if that will help.

[squirtatious]

Have u ever been diagnosed with forward head syndrome?

[SLadylani]

I take it you have had XRays, but have you ever seen an orthepedist to have nerve conduction studies? That would be one way to tell for sure if it is nerve related. Can you think back and remember if something happened 30 years ago, some kind of injury? You may also try a nerve specific pain reliever such as Neurontin and see if that's of benefit. Best of luck!

Sara RN