and now my neck hurts
 

I have DDD, spinal stenosis, spondylothesis, neuropathy in hips and legs. Those are only some of my health problems as I have a genetic disease called factor five leiden which causes blood clots, osteoporosis and COPD. The DDD is in all lumbar discs with the exception of one semi-healthy disc. Recently went to a orthopedic surgeon who told me he doesn't understand why I am in pain after looking at x-rays that his office took but did not even look at a recent MRI that I had brought to the appointment. I go to a pain management clinic and am now taking the highest level of Percocet that is manufactured. I don't know where I am going from here. I'm currently having headaches and they seem to start with my neck and shoulders. They did a CAT scan of my head and it was normal. I think the discs have now started to disintegrate in my cervical area and the pain from a pinched nerve is causing the headaches but no one will listen to me. I have no orthopedist, but do have a neurosurgeon who told me I was beyond help with my spine because of both being on constant blood thinners and the osteoporosis. I'm at a loss as to who to see next, or if I should find someone else who can help me. Anyone have suggestions?

Hi Mooglie, welcome.

This type of headache is called cervicogenic in case you want to read up on it. Some of the articles will have sections on treatment options.

There's a fair chance that arthritis may be a factor in the headaches. This would/should have shown up on cervical x-rays. Muscle spasm can also be a factor.

I get cervicogenic headaches from similar cervical issues as yours. There are a number of things that may help—I don't know if you've tried them or not:

• physical therapy
• meditation
• biofeedback
• massage—particularly myofascial trigger point massage
• TENS

Your pain management doctor should be familiar with these, and probably more. If your x-rays do show arthritis, I don't know if a rheumatologist might have any ideas or not.

Doc