Kristin,

Welcome to NeuroTalk.

It sure sounds to me like you have suffered an upper neck injury. Some call them a Subtle Neck Injury because they do not show on imaging.

They require a special type of gentle treatment. Some get help from NUCCA or Atlas Orthogonal Chiropractors. Some PTs know how to gently mobilize the upper neck. It is more of a whiplash injury with a concussion component.

Range of motion exercises are often the worst treatment until the C-1 and C-2 alignments correct and the ligaments strengthen. It takes a lot of work, especially self-discipline to maintain good posture during rest and sleep.

You don't say where the stabbing pain and pressure is. If you have tenderness at the boney area behind the ears, that usually indicates upper cervical injury.