Pinched nerve is definitely another possibility. Have you been assessed by a spinal specialist?

Mist,

Have you received any physical therapy? I believe that light traction will benefit you. My physical therapist also lightly massaged my upper shoulders/ neck area because of the muscle spasms. Can you get a prescription for PT? Does the heating pad help at all?



I was assessed by a neurologist a similar way. Pressure causing a lot of pain on the bottom of my head. I believe it was something to do with figuring out how much of my pain is related to my neck injury and the muscles leading from the neck up over the head. When I do a lot that area burns like its on fire.

best wishes everyone

Thanks everyone,

I think it just might be a pinched nerve.

Last night was just awful. I couldn't sleep coz of the pain.

Neck, shoulder, arm felt like it was asleep and my fingers felt like they were tingly. My shoulder like I said earlier had muscle spasms.

My massage therapist said the jerking was normal but I think she's nuts.

I don't see any other therapists other than her. She held my head and pulled to straighten out muscles and maybe that's what happened. IDK.

I know I'd rather see my regular therapist as she was the only one available this week. This sucks tho.

Sorry to vent

Hi Kelly,
Your neuro was trying to see if the nerves running over your skull from the back are the source of the pain. I think it is the occipital nerve. Mine did that on my right side where all my pain is. Then he shot the nerve full of lidocaine. I had a vagus nerve response, my blood pressure dropped and I fainted. I came too as my blood pressure stabilized.

It worked short term. I take nortriptyline 50 mg daily to manage chronic pain and headaches. hope this gives some insight.

Laura

Laura,

Welcome to NeuroTalk.

Are you recovering from a concussion?

Or do you just suffer from head aches?

Laura,

Good and interesting information. Though fainting seems scary. I also suspect something wrong in that area when I hit my head. My Neurologist also thinks occipital Neuralgia or something in those nerves. I will be going after all kinds of fun shots for the neck and see if anything works. Right now cervical collar (prescribed by doctor) seems to be helping and after 3 years I have some hope now? Wait to be seen......

Cheers!

Thanks everyone. Sorry I disappeared. I went out of town for 5 days. Flying + PCS = lots of pain and exhaustion. Long week caring from my ill grandmother.

I have tried several of the suggested meds, but was taken off of them when Worker's Comp determined that I'd reached max Med Improvement.

Thanks everyone!

Hello Mark,

Thank you for all your very useful posts.

Yes, I am recovering from a concussion.

I was six weeks into working at a new job in a psych hospital for prisoners when a patient (who was handcuffed) attacked the staff. He leapt into the air kicking and was grabbed by the officers. He kicked me in the head (right frontal side) and right arm.

I was checked out medically then sent to the ER at a local hospital. I was sent home with a prescription for Vicodin and took the next day off. Work. Had a massive headache.

It was Valentine's Day 2012.

In February I was in and out of work; I had headaches but no cat scans or Other tests done.

I had to testify in court at the beginning of March for three days in a row (professional activity.). I noticed my word slippage and at the end of day two had a super massive headache. I was in dreadful pain and had bizarre lucid dreams that night - I finally got up at 4 a.m. And traveled back to my home to see the doctor. This got me in trouble with the judge but that's another tale.

They then diagnosed me with Post-Concussive Syndrome. They said it was a textbook case.

It took six weeks for workers comp to get me into the neurologist; the lesson there is that no one cares about your own health the way you do.

I am currently off work from my hospital job where I am a staff psychologist. I was out for all of March and April. I returned half time in May but by July could not handle increased hours.

What I am grateful for on this website is the discussion about fatigue. No one can seem to understand it except people who suffer from a concussion. Thanks!

Laura in CA