Pain in the Neck and Skull Base
At 28 years old, I experienced a neck adjustment five weeks ago, and since then, my condition has drastically changed. Initially, I dealt with significant nausea, dizziness, and a sense of disorientation that lingered for several days. Following that period, I began to suffer from severe pressure in the back of my head and the base of my skull, which feels like an unrelenting squeeze. Additionally, there’s a constant feeling of pressure in my ears, although doctors have assured me they appear completely normal. My left ear is plagued by ringing and intermittent stabbing sensations, and I often have sharp pain in my neck. When I stand for extended periods, my shoulders and shoulder blades start to burn. The symptoms continue to escalate. I have tried numerous pain medications, yet nothing seemed to alleviate my discomfort until I was prescribed gabapentin in the emergency room. I currently take 200mg three times a day to help ease the pain. Both a CT scan and an MRI have returned with normal results, but I remain in distress without any sign of improvement. A different chiropractor has indicated that my C1 to C3 vertebrae are misaligned and continue to shift, leading to pinched nerves. What kind of treatment options are available for this? I feel as though my concerns are being ignored, and I am not receiving a concrete diagnosis or support.
Answers (1)
6/17/2025, 2:30:56 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about your distressing symptoms and the impact they've had on your daily life. The combination of neck pain, pressure in your head, tinnitus (ringing in the ear), and other sensations can be concerning, and it’s understandable to seek more support and clarity.
Main Points:
- Your symptoms could be related to cervical spine issues but may also involve nerve irritation or muscle tension.
- Focus on strategies to manage pain and tension while keeping a close eye on your symptoms.
- Consider ways to rebuild a supportive treatment team that addresses your concerns holistically.
Explanation: Neck adjustments can sometimes lead to various symptoms, especially if there’s underlying muscle tension or nerve involvement. The pressure you feel at the base of your skull and the sensation of pressure in your ears could point to muscular strain or nerve compression. The ringing in your ear and the sharp pain could be associated with nerve irritation in your neck. Normal imaging results suggest that there may not be significant structural issues like fractures or tumors, which is reassuring.
Next Steps:
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Pain Management: Continue with gabapentin as prescribed, and discuss with your healthcare provider any adjustments in dosage or alternative medications that may further alleviate pain.
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Physical Therapy (PT): Engage a physical therapist who specializes in neck and spine issues. They can help with exercises that strengthen neck muscles, improve alignment, and potentially relieve pressure on nerves. This should be prioritized, as individualized exercises can enhance recovery.
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Gentle Stretching and Strengthening: Incorporate gentle neck stretches and shoulder exercises to promote mobility and flexibility. Avoid any movements that provoke pain.
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Posture Awareness: Pay attention to your posture, especially while sitting or working. Ergonomic adjustments to your workspace may alleviate some of the strain on your neck and shoulders.
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Mind-Body Techniques: Explore methods such as mindfulness, meditation, or relaxation techniques to help manage the psychological stress that often accompanies chronic pain.
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Re-evaluate Chiropractic Care: If you consider further chiropractic adjustments, ensure that the chiropractor is experienced with your specific symptoms and combines this with a comprehensive understanding of your medical history.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a symptom diary to track patterns in your pain, tension, and any exacerbating factors. This can provide valuable insights for your healthcare team.
If symptoms escalate or you develop new signs, such as weakness, loss of coordination, or severe headaches, please seek urgent care. Your concerns deserve attention, and finding professionals who listen and validate your experiences is crucial. Remember, recovery can take time, and you are not alone in this journey. If you need further assistance, let me know.
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