Headaches worse months after a hit to head

[arkmomof3]

Six months ago I was hit in the back of the head, and probably received a concussion.  For a month after, I was dizzy and nautious and all I wanted to do was lay down and sleep.  I never went to the doctor, but did talk to a doctor friend after the fact and from what I explained he said I probably had a concussion.  Since then I have had bad headaches, starting at the base of my neck, up the back of my head and then a migraine (migraines are not new to me, but they are different now)  I started goin to a chiropractor about a month ago, 4 days a week.  In the x-ray he took everything seem to have shifted to the right.  It is a slow process, but I was beginning to have some hope of feeling better.  He went out of town, and the 5th day of no treatment, my neck started stiffening, and I had a bad migraine, now 7 days with no treatment and I feel like I did 6 months ago.  I have missed 2 days of work, I cant sleep, if I lay down and put any pressure on my head I get a shooting pain from the point where pressure is placed.  I am dizzy, nautious, and very uncomfortable, my head hurts to the point of tears, there is so much pressure!...is this normal?

[arkmomof3]

Thank you for your answer.  I am already sleeping with a towell rolled under my neck, that is the only way I get any sleep at all.  I was afraid someone would say  that I needed to get an MRI, but I have no insurance.  Was really hoping it would not be necessary.  Now another week and a half has passed since my original post and I have not noticed any improvement.  Should I be using heat or cold?  Heat feels good, but I feel like I should be using cold.

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi!

No, it is not normal to have stiff neck and headaches. In all probability you had a spinal nerve injury or compression when you hit your head. X-rays often are inconclusive. MRI of the head and neck region is a better option.

The treatment is to remove the compression. You have to discuss the best treatment option with a neurologist, which can range from medication to physiotherapy to traction, cervical collars or even surgery. You can learn a few exercises from a physical therapist that you can do daily. Use a hard bed to sleep. Avoid using pillows. Roll a towel and place it under your neck while sleeping on the back and between head and shoulder when lying on the side. Initially this will be uncomfortable but with time the acupressure will work. Use an analgesic cream or spray. Anti-inflammatory drugs help.

Please consult your PCP for primary examination followed by proper referral. Take care!