Experiencing Chronic Dizziness and Other Symptoms Since December 2023 — Musculoskeletal Considerations?
Hello everyone, I'm seeking some advice and insights regarding my health situation. I am a 34-year-old female, measuring 5 feet tall and weighing 112 pounds, and I do not smoke or consume alcohol. My troubles began abruptly in December 2023 when I found myself in a situation at work—being a data scientist, I frequently work at a computer. That particular week was quite demanding, necessitating 12-hour shifts to support my team, which contributed to elevated stress levels. It was in the serene environment of a computer lab that I unexpectedly experienced a loss of hearing in my right ear, adding to my anxiety. Later that night, I sought help at an urgent care facility. Their examination didn’t reveal any significant issues; they merely indicated a possible accumulation of fluid behind my ears. The following day brought with it severe vertigo, making it difficult for me to drive safely. I decided to visit the emergency room, where I was treated with dexamethasone, and thankfully, my hearing improved almost instantly. However, the provider warned that this relief might be temporary, and indeed, after three days, the muffled hearing and dizziness returned. I consulted with an ENT specialist, who started me on a Medrol dose pack, which alleviated my symptoms slightly, but I had to discontinue it after a few days. We then attempted a course of prednisone; unfortunately, it proved ineffective, leading to another early termination of that regimen. I have since been consistently using Flonase with little noticeable change. The ENT conducted several vestibular function tests, revealing that I barely failed one of them. Considering my symptoms, he recommended a low sodium diet as a precaution against early Ménière’s disease, but I did not observe any improvements. In fact, I fared better when I spent increased time outdoors in sunlight. Since December, my ongoing symptoms have included: - Constant feelings of dizziness—not spinning, but a sense of imbalance and mental fog. - Frequent migraines, often accompanied by pain or pressure behind my right eye. - Persistent tightness in my right shoulder, upper back, and neck, which I have dealt with for several years. - Intermittent numbness in the outer part of my right hand. - Alternating states of muffled hearing in my right ear. - Variations in my symptoms linked to stress, poor posture, and inadequate sleep. Most recently, I visited the ER due to an uncontrollable migraine that over-the-counter medications couldn't alleviate. I was treated with a migraine cocktail, providing temporary relief, but I again felt pressure behind my right eye the next morning, alongside sporadic pain throughout the day. Since then, I have felt on edge, as if another migraine could occur at any moment, compelling me to pay close attention to my posture. I attended my first physical therapy session today, where the therapist identified significant tightness in my suboccipital muscles and upper trapezius on the right side. She suspected that one of my upper cervical vertebrae, possibly C2, might be misaligned and pressing on nerves, which could be a factor in my ongoing symptoms. She aims to assist me in retraining those muscles to maintain proper alignment. For many years, I have been storing tension in my shoulders and upper back, and I am finally taking steps to confront this issue. However, I am uncertain of the next steps. My primary care provider has not been particularly responsive—she prescribed sumatriptan but has not since followed up with me. I've never utilized a chiropractor and feel hesitant about that approach. The earliest I can see a local DO is mid-July, but I am willing to travel if needed. I have a few questions I hope to explore: 1. What type of specialist should I consult for a thorough evaluation and treatment? Should I consider a DO, a neurologist, or someone focusing on cervicogenic dizziness or upper cervical conditions? 2. Can a misalignment in the cervical spine genuinely lead to such a broad range of symptoms? 3. Besides physical therapy, what other actions can I take to facilitate my healing and return to normalcy? I am open to any and all suggestions, as my goal is to understand the underlying causes of my issues and find a pathway to recovery. Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Your input is greatly appreciated!
Answers (1)
6/27/2025, 1:10:48 AM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your comprehensive health story. It sounds like you've been dealing with a complex set of symptoms that have significantly impacted your life, and I appreciate your proactive approach to seeking help. Here are the main points to consider:
-
Consult a Specialist: Seeing a neurologist can be beneficial to evaluate the neurological symptoms, such as migraines and dizziness. Additionally, a physical medicine specialist or an osteopathic physician (DO) could provide insights on musculoskeletal issues and their relation to your symptoms. Since cervical misalignment can potentially cause a variety of symptoms, a specialist in this area may also be useful.
-
Cervical Spine Misalignment Impact: Misalignment in the cervical spine can indeed lead to a range of symptoms, including neck pain, headaches, dizziness, and neurological symptoms like numbness. The tightness you've described may contribute to headaches and discomfort, and it's commendable that you’re undergoing physical therapy to address this.
-
Self-Care and Supportive Actions: Aside from physical therapy, here are some prioritized steps you can take to support your recovery:
- Posture Correction: Focus on maintaining good posture, especially while working at your computer. Use ergonomic supports (like a lumbar roll for your chair) to reduce strain.
- Regular Movement Breaks: Take breaks to stretch and move every hour to relieve tension in your neck and shoulders.
- Mindfulness and Stress Management: Techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga can help manage stress that may be exacerbating your symptoms.
- Hydration and Diet: Ensure you’re well-hydrated and consider a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, which can support overall health.
- Track Symptoms: Keep a symptom diary to identify patterns related to your migraines, dizziness, and other symptoms. This can help you make connections to triggers, such as stress or posture, and provide valuable information to your healthcare providers.
- Sleep Hygiene: Prioritize sleep by establishing a relaxing bedtime routine and ensuring you are getting quality sleep, as lack of sleep can aggravate migraines and dizziness.
Your journey is understandably challenging, but by addressing these aspects, you can create a supportive environment for your healing. I encourage you to continue seeking care and remain in tune with your body and its needs. If you have any more questions or specific concerns, feel free to ask.
Related Questions
Seeking Clarity on My Spinal Tap Results: A Bit Anxious
I am a 31-year-old woman experiencing a continuous headache for the past four months, accompanied by feelings of nausea and exhaustion. I take Lexapro each day to manage my mental health. I have a history of migraines and headaches, but this recent episode doesn't align with my previous experiences. Here are the findings from my spinal tap: - **Opening Pressure of Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)**: 9 cm H₂O - **Presence of Red Blood Cells (RBCs) in CSF**: 2,570 - **Total Protein Level in CSF**: 107 mg/dL - **ACE Level in CSF**: 4.4 - **Other Tests on CSF**: Results were normal. - **Brain MRI and MR Venography**: Both tests yielded normal results. - **Blood Test Results**: Normal results were obtained. Given these results, I'm feeling a bit uneasy and I’m hoping to better understand what they might indicate about my health.
Navigating Ear Infections While Traveling in Thailand
**Age:** 23 **Height:** 6'3" **Weight:** 88 kg **Medication Taken:** 1000mg Bactoclav - Amoxicillin with Potassium Clavulanate, along with pain relief and antihistamines. **Summary:** I’m hesitant to consult a doctor overseas only to receive a prescription for the same antibiotics available at a local pharmacy for a fraction of the price. What strategies can I employ to effectively manage this persistent ear infection? Am I being too hasty in my expectations? I have a long history of ear infections, often triggered by exposure to water or any activity impacting my ears. I regularly use a specialized oil before showering to prevent water from entering my ears. While backpacking in Thailand, I've developed a particularly severe ear infection over the last several days. Initially, a course of 500mg amoxicillin seemed effective, but significantly, just yesterday my condition took a downturn, shifting from nearly healed to painfully inflamed. Now, my ear is not only swollen but also incredibly sore. In an attempt to combat this, I’ve been taking 1000mg Bactoclav - Amoxicillin and Potassium Clavulanate, having consumed seven tablets in the last two days; unfortunately, there's been no noticeable improvement. I’m reluctant to seek medical attention, fearing I would be prescribed the same medication I could acquire from a pharmacy, albeit at a much higher cost. Yet, I’m also starting to question the efficacy of the pharmacy’s medication. I’ve only recently begun the stronger treatment since my symptoms returned. Any advice would be greatly valued! In addition, I’d like to share that just a week into my four-month journey, I feel as though my ongoing ear issues are gradually dominating my life. I am incredibly grateful for this travel opportunity, and while my health isn’t at risk in a serious way, these ear complications are becoming quite overwhelming. Could there be surgical options available? Might there be an underlying health concern that I’m unaware of? It doesn’t seem normal to be plagued by constant ringing, popping sounds, and wax buildup in my ears. Moreover, it feels excessive to have to apply products in my ears every time I shower.
Navigating Health Concerns: A Young Woman's Plight with Chronic Migraines and Stress
To summarize a very complex situation, last spring in 2025 was exceptionally challenging for me. I faced overwhelming stressors, including family deaths, eviction, and my parents splitting up. This turmoil led to chest pains so severe that I had to visit the emergency room because I couldn’t breathe deeply without experiencing intense pain. The doctors attributed the issue to psychological causes, but I continued to suffer from pain and instances of fainting due to the stress, which worsened as yet another family member was diagnosed with cancer. My psychiatrist suggested medication, and I started on Lexapro and Concerta, which improved my condition somewhat, even though I remained fatigued and felt like I was merely surviving. By the end of August, I contracted a severe case of bronchitis that caused me to experience fevers even while doing laundry. It seemed I was verging on pneumonia, prompting the prescription of prednisone and other steroid medications. Thankfully, I began to recover quickly, but soon after, I was plagued by persistent headaches and an overwhelming sense of paranoia that someone was out to get me. After another emergency room visit, the physicians informed me that, although my symptoms—such as fever, intense pain, night sweats, sensitivity to light, ear pressure, and a stiff neck—were alarming, they were likely just severe migraines that should eventually fade. Unfortunately, they didn’t. I returned to urgent care for further treatment, received antibiotics, and was advised to consult a neurologist. While the antibiotics provided some relief, my symptoms intensified. My primary care physician eventually prescribed sumatriptan, a medication intended to alleviate migraine pain, but instead, it exacerbated the headache. For the next two to four weeks, I endured an exceptionally difficult time, facing numerous strange symptoms that felt worthy of immediate attention, yet each visit concluded with a migraine diagnosis and a waiting period for my neurology appointment. My frustrations pushed me to contemplate risky alternatives for relief, but I resisted, feeling utterly hopeless and unable to cope. I sought an ear, nose, and throat specialist to rule out sinus issues, which turned out to be fine. A painful spot under my jaw led me to suspect nerve involvement, and I visited the emergency room again due to experiencing stroke-like symptoms (including mild left arm weakness, extreme headache, and minor speech issues). Sadly, I was again told it was merely a headache, and the IV medications were ineffective. During my annual check-up, my primary care provider was unfamiliar with my ongoing issues but discovered an enlarged lymph node in the lower left side of my neck and a cyst on my thymus after conducting a soft tissue scan. She reassured me that there was no need for concern and suggested waiting for my neurology visit or getting my eyesight checked. Despite my yellower complexion, increasing stiffness, and joint pain, I accepted her recommendation. While I mentally adapted to the chronic pain, which was always present, it affected my ability to concentrate and engage in daily life. I tried consuming plenty of lemon juice and engaging in lymphatic drainage massages, which provided transient relief and halted my yellowing skin. Now, in the present, I've noticed a peculiar, raised red bump on the side of my foot. It’s hard, tender, and smaller than a dime, without any accompanying rash. It has persisted for a couple of weeks without causing pain while walking. Additionally, more lymph nodes in my neck have become swollen, I have experienced difficulty swallowing, and I occasionally choke on air. My lungs feel heavier with a diminished sense of smell, though I don't have the thick mucus typical of a cold. The headaches, however, are reemerging, sharper than before, which is a concerning development. Throughout all of this, my blood pressure has remained within a low yet stable range, and my blood tests and CT scans have shown no significant issues. I haven’t consumed anything excessively that might raise concern, including food or drugs. Am I truly facing a serious health crisis? Should I prioritize getting another appointment, or do I need to rush to urgent care? I'm scheduled to see the neurologist in about a month, and I'm wondering if I should ask my primary care provider for some preliminary tests like blood work or an MRI beforehand. If so, what specific questions should I prepare for my neurology visit? I believe the pain has a genuine physical basis, although my anxiety definitely amplifies the experience.
Injury to the Sciatic Nerve
At 25 years old and weighing 135 pounds, I am currently taking naproxen and Lyrica to manage my sciatic nerve injury. The pain in my right leg has made it incredibly difficult for me to remain upright. It’s been two weeks since I first sought treatment; I consulted a physician who advised medication and attended a physiotherapy session. Initially, I experienced some relief after the appointment, but unfortunately, the pain returned the following day—even the prescribed home exercises exacerbated my discomfort. Just yesterday, I attempted the cobra pose, along with the flossing technique, which only heightened my pain. I find it nearly impossible to stand for more than a few seconds before the discomfort becomes intolerable. Additionally, I have an appointment with an osteopath on Tuesday, but I can't shake off my worries— is it normal to still struggle with walking after two weeks? Although I am experiencing some numbness in my toes, I haven’t encountered any loss of bladder or bowel control, worsening numbness, or weakness in my legs, so I feel stable in that regard. Nonetheless, I fear the possibility of never fully recovering and being left with a lasting disability. The pain is overwhelming, adding to my anxiety about the future.
Inquiry Regarding Metronidazole Use for Recurrent Bacterial Vaginosis
I am a 32-year-old female, measuring 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighing 248 pounds. My current medications include Vyvanse at a dosage of 40mg, a medication for asthma, vitamin D, a 325mg iron supplement, and as of now, I am also taking amoxicillin to treat strep throat. I am about to begin using Metronidazole 0.75% Vaginal Gel, with a total of 70 grams available. The instructions indicate that I should administer 5 grams vaginally twice a day for seven days, followed by twice a week for a period of two months. During the initial treatment phase when I will apply the gel twice daily, I anticipate abstaining from sexual activity. However, once I transition to the twice-weekly application, is it permissible to engage in sexual intercourse? I would normally consult my physician about this matter, but she is currently unavailable, and the nurse is also out of the office, which is quite frustrating.