neck pain, near syncopy (blackout) during mild training

[p_sandalz]

Hiya - any comments would be much appreciated.  I'm not sure this question is in the most suitable part of these forums, but couldn't think where else to put it!  Also - it's all a bit wordy:

A couple of years ago, I started developing 'odd' sensations in my head.  They weren't really classic pain per se, but rather a real discomfort with some great or mild tingling and occasional pounding hearbeat in my head.  Such strong pounding that my whole head felt as though it were moving, and my vision seemed to jump.  This was put down as a being related to my anxiety problems, but I was never convinced by this suggestion, and always thought that perhaps something was going on with my spine / blood supply to my head etc. etc.  I didn't pursue it becuase the feelings have gradually abated, albeit with flare ups, which seem to come on for no reason I can think of.

Lately however, after two years of injury and other random health problems, I thought I'd get back into some weights and climbing etc. to help regain my former strength.  But I just can't do it:  On only mild exertion, say 14lb barbells, fifty reps I get to a point where I come over all weak (not in my arms - they could do another fifty) and my whole head starts to heat up.  I have to stop as I am on the point of passing out - I can feel it; my vision darkens etc.  Not just this, but I get a terrible ache in my neck, beneath the skull to the rear in two columns either side of my spine.  It's not good!  It leaves me feeling 'odd' and unwell for quite some time after.  Repeat - this is on MILD exertion. Thanks.

[ajayvsrelic]

I thought it was tumor at first, i had this throbbing pain for nearly 4 years now. It gets really serious. I started working out doing bodybuilding during college times. 2 years went fine, halfway between the first year of Uni i started to get this throbbing pain behind my head, i use to brush it off thinking it will go away, its just stress. But as time went by it got worse and worse. It feels like an evil hand digging your brain out. After 2 years i told my doctor to x-ray, the result? Everything looks fine, they didnt see any problem. I knew it was to do with me working out, i tested to see if i stop going gym will the pain stop? Guess what, it did stop. It seems like all the heavy bench press and weight lifting i was doing strained my neck very badly. Last time when the pain came, i decided to see how far it can go, boy it went extreme, i couldn't think, it was so Nasty, throbbing like crazy and eventually the headache spread everywhere around my head and my jaw went tight and i vomited. I take NUROFEN Express (Pain killer) pills and it works for me, it eases and relaxes the pain. Funny thing is after taking the pain killer the pain would not come back anymore until the next time i physically do something that would stress my neck muscle etc.

Some ideas and advice that i picked up along the way that may help anyone; The neck muscle gets connected all the way up to the skull, there are various nerves at the base of the neck like wires sending signals to the brain, to relax this area if you go swimming or even in your bath tub just let your body/head float (obviously take deep breath or device that may help u breath underwater) and just float, let go of any tension. Your neck works out everyday because of gravity and weight. No.2 i am looking into other traditional medicine methods e.g. Wet Hijama/Cupping therapy practiced by the Chinese and Muslims. It is a detox program that helps rid of toxic waste in your body by using cups that create negative pressure. It helps blood circulation and better healing. Anyways if anyone comes up with any solution please share with all of us.

Kind Regards

Jay

[Dr Vinod]

With your history of injuries do not take symptoms lightly, consult a neurologist for any serious trouble. Take care!

[Rico1968]

Mine are just quick jolts, pinches or zaps that last only about 1/2 a second and hit the base of my skull. Following that 1/2 second zap, there's a 1/2 second of vertigo. I'm glad the whole event lasts only a full second, because if it were any longer, it would incapacitate me.

My history in a nutshell: former rugby player with a history of concussions (even a few seizures) and long time (18 years) bodybuiler and weightlifter. I've been living with fractures to cervical vertabrae C5 and C6 for about 12-15 years, most likely from a hit in rugby.

I've been getting these zaps randomly for a few months now, and they sometimes come on during workouts, but not always. I have a high threshold to pain and don't complain about injuries until they're really serious. I'm the ultimate anti-hypochondriac, but I know that this zap feeling I get just isn't right.

[JRR373]

So it looks like I'm just screwed huh?  I never had this problem before but the other day I was finishing a set of pull ups and pushing really hard then all of a sudden the base of my skull where it would meet my spine started throbbing.  Now it does it whenever I do pushups or even light workouts.  I just had another one five minutes ago and from a guy who never gets headaches this is just miserable. I had a really bad ski fall where I hit my head going about 40 miles an hour two months ago but nothing seemed to come of it.  This is awful though.  Anything to do besides drink heavily?  Should I see a doctor?

[hopkin]

ya me too. i was in basketball and i got a pain in my neck. my vision was also fuzzy. i didnt get any headaches though. i thought it was just me and its something that happens when you are out of shape, dehydrated, or not getting enough oxygen.

[WnAnC]

I have had an issue with the base of my skull for around 3 years. I have went to doctor after doctor, I had nose surgery, dental surgery,put on anti anxiety pills and most of the time the doctor would say it was stress related and tried giving me different meds. I googled and googled the'base of skull pain' issue I was having until I finally came across a forum with a guy that had the same issue, he was simply grinding his teeth at night (it is called bruxism). It lead me to a 'NTI device' that has completely cleared my headaches. (these headaches were at the base of my skull, I couldnt think properly my head/neck at that area was always sore and inflammed)   I seriously thought I was dying or something.. I almost gave up on the whole thing. But through my own research I was able to cure my headaches.. unbelievable!  I am PAIN FREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

To do your own research, google 'trapezoidal  muscle base of skull' or something like that. That is the muscle that gets over worked from you grinding your teeth at night. (if you have this issue)

Most dentists can make the NTI device but it expensive (like $500) To make sure that this is your issue, buy a mouthgaurd from the sports section at walmart for 3 dollars and sleep with it for 1-4 days. if your headaches completely dissapear, then you should go for the NTI!!!!!!!!!!1

The reason I wrote this entire Comment is because it litterally saved my life! NO MORE HEADACHES FOR ME!!!!!!!!!!!!1   YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY