OpenHealth Q&A

Seeking Assistance for Ongoing Neck Pain and Related Symptoms Before UC Davis ER Visit

I am a 38-year-old Caucasian woman, standing 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 110 pounds, residing in Northern California. My journey through the emergency medical system has been frustrating. Time and again, I've sought help for what feels like a significant crisis, only to be sent home without resolution. Each occurrence fills me with dread as the agony returns, and despite numerous tests showing normal results, I remain uncertain about my health. Recently, imaging of my brain and neck revealed degenerative disc disease involving the C4, C5, and C6 vertebrae but nothing alarming appeared otherwise. Here’s a timeline of my health struggles: - **June 8th**: I enjoyed a swim at Whiskeytown Lake, managing to keep my head above water for brief periods. - **June 9-11**: Following the swim, I suffered from intense migraines accompanied by fluid sensations down my neck leading up to the headaches. Since then, symptoms have fluctuated in intensity and include lightheadedness, dizziness, muscle pain, headaches, photophobia, vertigo, malaise, feelings of faintness, cognitive dissonance, pain localized to the right side of my skull near the occipital region, and pressure buildup on the right side of my head. On **Monday, July 21**, I confronted severe vertigo and alterations to my vision, prompting a visit to physical therapy, which ended with another trip to the ER for vertigo management. The subsequent day, I spent significant time in my office but suddenly experienced a painful neck spasm and felt faint and breathless, leading me back to the emergency room. I opted to rest at home on **July 23**. The following day, a colleague disclosed similar symptoms related to headaches and dizziness; we promptly alerted HR, who inspected the workplace. On **July 28**, I reached out to the executive director and operations manager, elaborating our ongoing distress, yet received no reply. By **July 29**, after reporting ice buildup in our refrigerators that had been addressed, I returned from the morning’s shift at another shelter to begin feeling ill again. I requested that my colleague email our higher-ups since both of us were experiencing adverse symptoms. We were directed to the nurse hotline and advised to file an incident report. Conversations with my physician revealed they could not treat a suspected exposure, directing me to contact poison control. They indicated potential carbon monoxide exposure, urging immediate ER care. At the ER, professionals suggested that given the elapsed time and our prior clear blood test results, we might display reduced toxicity levels, stressing the need for environmental remediation. On **July 30**, PGE assessed our air quality in the morning, and maintenance staff implemented an air filter and adjusted ventilation schedules. By **July 31**, I felt considerably better. The air seemed clearer, so I spent time working at an alternate location before returning to the office later. However, once back in my office on **August 1**, I needed a break shortly after processing data due to head congestion. I took a ten-minute break outdoors before returning to intake, where I continued working despite feeling overwhelmed and developing a headache. After processing cat intake, I sent an email highlighting the unsafe conditions, suggesting OSHA be involved. The operations manager acknowledged my concerns verbally but did not offer solutions. Visibly shaken, I approached HR to discuss reaching out to experts knowledgeable about addressing these environmental hazards. During this conversation, the executive director arrived, promising to follow up on a mold assessment company and determining the next steps. I decided to leave for the day. Later that afternoon, the executive director called to inform me that she had canceled my PTO, compensated me for the day, contacted the insurance carrier, and made inquiries with the facility assessment team. After consulting with my doctor, I suspect possible chemical exposure tied to the drainage system, which I relayed to the executive director for potential resolution.

Answers (1)

8/3/2025, 7:20:52 AM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you're experiencing a complex set of symptoms that are causing significant distress and impacting your quality of life. Your history of neck pain, dizziness, headaches, and recent concerns about environmental exposure are understandably overwhelming. Here’s a clear breakdown of your situation and practical next steps.

Main Points:

1. Current Symptoms: You are experiencing neck pain, dizziness, headaches, and other neurological symptoms.
2. Imaging Results: Findings show degenerative disc disease but no acute issues.
3. Environmental Concerns: Potential exposure to environmental toxins may be contributing to your symptoms.

Explanation:

Degenerative disc disease in the cervical spine (C4, C5, C6) can lead to neck pain and may also contribute to referred symptoms like headaches and dizziness due to nerve root irritation. The migraines and other neurological symptoms you are experiencing, such as vertigo and cognitive dissonance, could be related to your cervical spine issues or possibly linked to environmental toxicity.

Given the complexity of your case and the persistence of your symptoms, it is essential to approach this systematically.

Next Steps:

1. Symptom Monitoring: Keep a daily diary documenting your symptoms, triggers (like specific environments, activities, or stressors), and any changes in severity. This data can be invaluable for healthcare providers.

2. Physical Therapy: Continue or resume physical therapy specifically focused on cervical spine exercises to improve strength and flexibility, which may alleviate some of your neck pain and related symptoms over time.

3. Environmental Assessment: Follow up with your executive director regarding the progress of the mold and toxin assessments. Ensure that you receive updates on any actions taken to address potential environmental hazards. This will help determine if your symptoms are linked to workplace conditions.

4. Hydration and Rest: Make sure you stay well-hydrated, especially if you are experiencing headaches and dizziness. Consider implementing regular breaks at work to reduce stress and avoid symptom exacerbation.

5. Migraine Management: If you have a history of migraines, consider discussing preventative strategies with your healthcare provider, which may include medication or lifestyle changes tailored to your triggers.

6. Stress Management Techniques: Engage in stress-reducing activities such as mindfulness, yoga, or deep breathing exercises, which can help manage both physical and emotional symptoms.

7. Explore Other Providers: If your symptoms persist or worsen, it may be beneficial to seek a second opinion from specialists, such as a neurologist or a pain management specialist, who can provide further insight into the correlation between your symptoms and your neck issues.

Your health matters, and addressing both the physical and potential environmental aspects will be vital in finding relief. You deserve clear answers and support as you navigate these challenges. Please prioritize your well-being and consider these next steps thoughtfully.