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

[TinaS1971]

I am a nurse and I suggest the same have your doctor request mri it is more definitive then a ct scan and will show more, Sounds like possible disc bulge or bulges!
Good luck to you and Blessings!!!

[Cash01]

My suggestion would be for your doctor to request a Ct scan and mri which may show bulging discs! Hope this helps!