Stiff neck and tension headaches - advice please

[Chickadee]

As mentioned in previous threads I have lots of problems with my neck following surgeries.

However, over the past six months one thing has got a lot worse - stiff neck leading to tension headaches.

I still do the stretching exercises given to my by physio everyday (several times a day in fact) but lately they don't seem to be helping.

The stiff neck (in this instance) is actually the muscles just at the base of your skull and they will seize up and feel rock hard and this then leads to the most horrendous tension headache that can lsat several days.

It is seriously awful and Nurofen tension headache tablets hardly make a dent in it.

Can anyone suggest anything?

I am going to GP on Friday and if anyone has any ideas I could discuss them then.

Thanks.

[sqad617]

chickadee....difficult problem.

Before accepting the diagnosis of "tension headaches" would ask for a cervical MRI scan and take it from there.

[coccinelle]

Have you tried seeing an osteopath, not just any old osteopath but one who has been recommended? If not, ask about, they can do wonders within 1 or 2 sessions.

[Chickadee]

Hi Sqad

I've never really had a diagnosis of tension headaches as such.

But because of the original ongoing problem with my neck (thyroid cancer) I do undergo scans. I had a PET scan last year for example. They found an ovarian cyst with that so I think anything fishy in my neck would definitely have been found.

But as they have got so much worse and more frequent over the last six months do you think I should ask for tests?

[sqad617]

chick.....I would have thougt that a cervical MRI would be more appropriate in your case than a PET scan, but I would certainly suggest it to your GP.

[Chickadee]

Thanks sqad, you certainly are a star!!!

I think the PET scan was to check if there was any progression of the disease.

I will discuss with my GP.

[leggysreturn]

could the stiff neck be down to a viagra tablet getting stuck there?

[Chickadee]

thanks leggy I needed a laugh (groan!!)

[IWillRule]

********************************************************************
********** hope you get better soon! *********************
********************************************************************

[IWillRule]

^^^ It worked well in here. :( Now it looks really cr@ppy.

[Whoever]

You don't say what kind of work you do, but could it be caused by poor posture .i.e. seated too long at a desk or a computer.? If medical tests do not find anything as a trigger cause, I would suggest some regular massage or the help of an osteopath. Muscles anywhere in the body can stiffen and tighten and often we're not conscious that it's happening. if you've got a partner who can really squeeze, massage and relax these muscles it will probably help more than a painkiller which is only helping to mediate the problem rather than resolve it in the first place.