Migraine Headaches Support Group

Does anyone here feel that neck pain can cause or intensify your headaches?

Particularly headaches starting in the occipital area (top of neck / bottom of head).

last month I had many days where my neck was either very stiff, sore or in pain. My neck felt almost locked in position on some days until "popped" it. I know this is not good to do. I have arthritis in my neck and Fibromyalgia so unless I get near daily exercise, my neck locks up.

thank you,

MJ

yes i notice that with my neck pain, my headaches intensify.. i use cold packs on my neck/back of head to help ease the pain. i even carry cold packs to work!

my chiropracter uses "cold laser treatments" on the back of my neck and even on my head.... those are AWESOME!!~!~ that and the ultrasound wand!

Actually, I've wondered about the connection. Does the headache cause the neck pain or does the neck pain cause the headache? I try so much to block out the pain, I don't notice until they are both very intense. Then I can't remember which one occurred first! But they do seem to go hand in hand.

I admire you for being able to exercise with fibro. I get very frustrated because I was always very active. Now it doesn't take much for me to end up in bed writhing in pain. Maybe because fibro isn't the only issue? I don't know.

I try to do some yoga each evening and once I get acclimated to this elevation I hope to do lots of other activities so I can be outdoors. I've had a few ski resorts offer comp trips since I write reviews and my family really wants to go. I'm fairly sure I will die. And then there is all the other outdoors stuff here--kayaking, horseback riding, hiking, biking...

We just went shopping yesterday for winter clothes for the kids and I was in so much pain by the time we got home I wasn't sure I could get into the house. So I have a feeling all the others will not work well for me.

I feel the neck pain intensifies my headaches. Alot of time the shooting pain at the base of my head brings on a headache.

Kardie

Brandi Jo, what are cold laser treatments?

KAT, thank you for the admiration. I went swimming yesterday (felt great in the pool and followed the 50% principle - i.e. do half of what you think you can.) Now I'm as stiff as a surf board and need another flexirel.

Kardie, were you diagnosed with occipital neuralgia?

Here's a link: http://headaches.about.com/od/essentialinfosheets/a/ occip_neuralgia.htm

I'm hoping to start swimming soon. That is one thing I think would be very helpful since it is low impact and a bit easier for the body to handle--even with health issues.

We are considering a gym membership. I'm fairly sure I won't be able to work out with weight like I used to, but if I can use the pool I'll be a happy camper.

gratefulmj,

No I've never been diagnosed with occipital neuralgia. Actually I haven't asked the Dr. about it. We've had such a mess with our Dr's or lack of them that I only deal with my meds and trying to keep my migrains in check so I don't get another seizure.

I read the link thanks! I get a shooting pain at the base of my neck sometimes from the slightest movement, several times a day and after a bad one I might not get it again for a month or so. I tryed to talk to the Neuro about it last time I saw him but he only wanted to talk about anything related to the seizure I had in '07.

I do want to find out more about it though and what it might be. I've had different people on MD suggest it might be o.n. I used to get it maybe once a year real bad but in the last year I get it alot.

Kardie

to be honest i dont really know what cold laser treatments are.. LOL.. all i know is he places these sticker like things on my head and neck, and attached to them are these cords... and every once in a while you will fill a little tingle... i guess he places the stickers on somet rigger points and then lets the laser do the rest.. it just releases all the tension and everything. when i get up i feel like mush! its awesome! i love it! i will look up the treatments and try to find a more "clinical" explaination.

Kardi, that's aweful that your neuro won't talk to you about O.N. It maybe time to find a headache specialist or at least somebody who will give you the attention and respect you deserve.

I hope you feel better soon.

Thank you Brandi Jo, I will look into it.

How long does the treatment benefit last?

Post edited by: gratefulmj, at: 10/08/2009 12:49 PM