Intense Neck Discomfort
Age: 30, Gender: Female, Height: 5'3", Weight: 200 lbs, Ethnicity: Caucasian Greetings, I’m reaching out in hopes of finding some guidance. I’ve seen numerous healthcare professionals, yet none seem to pinpoint the issue plaguing me. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and began treatment for it at the age of 24. However, the discomfort I’m experiencing now is unlike anything I've ever felt. At the beginning of February, I experienced numbness in my right hand that persisted for several days, although it did not last a full week. After consulting my primary care physician, she suspected it might be linked to carpal or cubital tunnel syndrome and referred me to a specialist focusing on orthopedic hand and arm conditions. I underwent an EMG, which yielded normal results, dismissing those possibilities. In recent months, I’ve been suffering from pain in my neck and upper back that radiates to the base of my skull and clavicles. I visited a spinal specialist who offered no substantial assistance, merely suggesting physical therapy as a remedy. During my session at physical therapy just yesterday, the therapist assessed my flexibility and range of motion. When I mentioned that certain movements caused pain, he applied pressure to my head and queried whether it hurt. It did, particularly in my facial area (bottom jaw and dental nerves) and collarbones. He subsequently laid me down and began to gently stretch my neck, which intensified the pain at the back of my head. He shifted to massaging my head, and shortly thereafter, I experienced vertigo accompanied by a migraine and blurred vision. I was so incapacitated that I needed to call my partner to drive me home. Since that episode, the pain has escalated significantly, and I’ve been experiencing nausea as well. Last night, I struggled to sleep, managing only two hours, and have been unable to fall back asleep since. Here’s a summary of the troubling symptoms I’m facing: - Pain during swallowing, felt on the outside of my neck - Frequent fizzy sensations in my neck - High-pitched ringing in my ears (I usually have low-pitched tinnitus) - Persistent headache - Severe neck pain when sitting or lying down, exacerbated by head movement - Discomfort in my collarbones and lower jaw - Sensitivity to light and noise - Tension in my jaw that I consciously need to relax - Occasional bouts of vertigo and dizziness - Nausea, with frequent belching (I fear vomiting, so I tend to resist it) - Difficulty in breathing, accompanied by shortness of breath - Trouble initiating and maintaining sleep There has been no preceding injury or accident. I visited the emergency room where a CT scan was conducted, revealing no issues, and they discharged me with a prescription for a steroid pack. I'm hesitant to return to the hospital as I doubt they will provide any effective help, yet I feel utterly miserable. I worry that my concerns are being dismissed and that adequate support may never arrive.
Answers (1)
4/3/2025, 11:20:59 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about the tremendous discomfort and distress you’re experiencing. Your symptoms suggest a complex interplay of issues, especially considering your history with fibromyalgia and the recent escalation in neck pain and neurological symptoms.
Key Points:
- You are dealing with significant neck pain that radiates and is accompanied by other troubling symptoms like vertigo, nausea, and sleep disturbances.
- Previous medical evaluations, including CT scans and EMGs, have not led to a definitive diagnosis, leaving you feeling dismissed.
Explanation:
The issues you describe, including severe neck pain, headaches, and other neurological symptoms, could stem from several underlying problems. Chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia can sometimes complicate the diagnosis of new symptoms. The combination of vertigo, nausea, and symptoms in your head and neck may indicate a neurological or vascular issue, inflammation, or even muscle tension affecting nearby structures.
Next Steps:
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Document Your Symptoms: Keep a daily log of your symptoms, noting their severity, duration, and any triggers or alleviating factors. This record can be useful for future medical consultations.
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Rest and Recovery: Prioritize rest and avoid activities that increase your neck pain. Ice or heat can help relieve muscular tension; use whichever feels better.
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Gentle Neck Exercises: Engage in gentle neck exercises that focus on maintaining mobilization without straining (e.g., slow neck turns, tilts). Consult online resources or therapists specializing in neck pain for guided routines.
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Practice Relaxation Techniques: Since tension in your jaw and neck seems prominent, consider stress-reducing practices like deep breathing, meditation, or gentle yoga. These can help reduce overall muscle tension and may alleviate some pain.
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Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Maintaining hydration and a balanced diet can support overall health and potentially improve your symptoms. Avoiding foods that can cause nausea (like greasy or spicy foods) is wise during periods of discomfort.
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Pursue a Multi-disciplinary Approach: If physical therapy isn’t yielding results, consider seeking out other specialists, such as a pain management doctor or a neurologist, who may provide a fresh perspective on your symptoms and treatment options.
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Sleep Hygiene: Create a conducive sleep environment (dark, cool, and quiet). Try to establish a calming pre-sleep routine and avoid screens an hour before bedtime.
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Communicate Your Concerns: When you consult with healthcare professionals, clearly express your concerns about being dismissed and your ongoing symptoms. Having a comprehensive summary of your experiences can help them understand your situation better.
If your symptoms worsen—especially if you experience increased shortness of breath, persistent severe headaches, or new neurological changes—it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention, despite previous experiences.
You are not alone in this, and it’s important to keep advocating for your health. Please take care of yourself and proceed with clarity regarding your next steps.
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