Sharp pain in back of head.

[Japp]

Hi,

The other day I was in the gym and was trying to push out another rep, and I suddenly felt this stabbing pain in the back of my head. I stopped, but it continued to hurt for about another 15 minutes. I finished my workout and the next day felt the same stabbing pain when I lifted anything heavy. Later on after the workout I have been having dull headaches as well. The pain is quite extreme and I can barely work out. Its the lower back of my head, not too far from my ear and is sensitive to touch. It doesn't feel like there is a bump though. I have been taking creatine for a while, but never had a problem. I just recently started taking GNC's Mega Men Sports Multivitamin. Any ideas?

Thanks

[Japp]

After seeing the doctor, she claims that my pain is because of a pinched nerve in the neck. I was prescribed Ibuprofen for the pain.

[Benjammin]

I have gotten this after bench pressing and i first got it while swimming.  I was taking short breaths and i eventually felt a throbbing pain similar to what you have.  Although mine was not sensative to touch.  
If you find out what is going on please let me know becuase I too am curious to what this is.

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

Yes, do get an immediate consult. Headaches associated with straining may not always need urgent attention but they do need further evaluation especially if they are new onset headaches.Exertional or exercise headaches are also part of your differentials. However, it is best to be thoroughly assessed by a physician first before any of these headache types are given as a diagnosis.

Do keep us posted with regards to your physician's advice.

[Japp]

I have only taken Tylenol, but that doesn't do much at all for me. I am not aware of any family stroke history. I actually visted the gym again today and lasted about 3 minutes before my head felt like it was going to explode again. I plan on going to the doctor immediately when I wake up. Thanks for your help.

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

The pain must have been caused by the strenuous exercises. When you perform the exercises, I believe you have been straining. I suggest that you have this assessed promptly by a neurologist since straining increases blood flow to the brain and there are some instances when this may cause headaches. It is best to have this assessed earlier.A complete neurological examination is necessary for further reference.

Also, musculoskeletal or arthritic pains may also be considered in your case. At this point, I do not think the creatinine or the vitamins have contributed to the pain.

Have you started taking pain relievers for the pain?

Get a primary consult done to exclude an  intracranial involvement.

Are you hypertensive?

Any significant history of stroke in the family?