Unexplained Head Pressure and Chronic Pain: Seeking Insight
I’m a 22-year-old woman, 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighing 135 pounds, living in Ontario, Canada. I have been diagnosed with endometriosis and am currently under the care of a cardiologist due to symptoms related to dysautonomia. My iron levels were previously low but have normalized as of August 2025 after receiving treatment and supplements, and all my blood results have returned within normal parameters. **Current Medications:** 10mg of Lexapro for OCD (currently in remission), 40mg of Vyvanse for ADHD, and 150mg of FeraMax as elemental iron. I'm reaching out to seek help regarding two main issues: **1. Persistent Head Pressure**: This sensation has intensified since 2020. I experience the most discomfort upon waking and while in horizontal positions, as well as during bending, straining, or coughing. The pain is never below a 3 on a scale of 10 and can escalate to an 8 or 9 throughout the day. I find some relief with naproxen, but other over-the-counter medications seem ineffective. Increasing my water intake has not alleviated the symptoms, and electrolyte supplements appear to aggravate my condition. - Since January 24, I have also been experiencing visual disturbances: blurriness, sparkles, flickering lights, and pressure behind my right eye. - I am facing pulsatile tinnitus and significant pain in my inner ear. - Additionally, at times I perceive my heartbeat visually, and wearing compression socks tends to aggravate the pressure in my head. - Although I occasionally get migraines with a temporary aura, this head pressure feels distinctly different from those episodes. **2. Intense Neck and Upper Back Pain**: Since 2022, I have resorted to working from a lying position because sitting up triggers my pain. If I attempt to sit at my desk, the discomfort becomes unbearable after about three hours. Lying down again allows the pain to subside over 2-3 days, but continuous upright sitting without breaks leads to debilitating pain that confines me to bed. - **Day 1**: Pain starts after approximately three hours of sitting (7/10). - **Day 2**: I wake up with pain (4/10) which intensifies to (8/10) after an hour in an upright position, accompanied by a grinding sensation near my spine at shoulder height. - **Day 3**: Upon waking, the pain is (6/10) and spikes immediately upon sitting (9/10). The grinding sensation worsens with most movements of my upper body, leading to nausea that forces me to rest. The pain presents as a sharp, electric sensation in my neck and upper back, along with a distinct grinding feeling near my spine. Over-the-counter medications provide no relief. I consulted with a physical therapist who concluded that the issue lies with joint inflammation rather than muscular strain, advising against any stretches that may exacerbate the problem. **Recent Consultations**: I had a virtual appointment with a Nurse Practitioner on January 24, during which I detailed my symptoms. She urged me to visit urgent care or the emergency room. The next day at urgent care, the physician suspected I might have Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension or some cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) issue, subsequently referring me to the ER. In the ER, I underwent a non-contrast CT scan and a blood evaluation. Both returned normal results, and I was scheduled for an outpatient non-contrast MRI of my brain and spine on January 27, which also yielded unremarkable findings. The ER doctor declined to perform a lumbar puncture, and my eye examination the following day was normal as well (no signs of papilledema). I find myself at a loss on what steps to take next. While standing seems to alleviate the head pressure somewhat, it worsens the dysautonomia and aggravates the neck and back pain, creating a troubling cycle. I've followed all medical advice—altering my diet, adjusting my water intake, implementing exercise, modifying my sitting and sleeping positions, using eye drops, trying various OTC medications, and even undergoing physiotherapy—but nothing has yielded positive results. My ability to function has diminished significantly; my university performance has suffered, and I deeply miss going to the gym or simply being able to sit at my desk. If anyone has suggestions or insights on how to navigate this or effectively communicate my issues to medical professionals, your guidance would be greatly appreciated. **Additional Notes:** - I've been assessed as hypermobile according to the Beighton scale, with muscle tension that compensates for joint instability, leading to frequent subluxations in my wrists, hips, shoulders, and jaw. - I experience patellofemoral pain syndrome. - I have noticed a painful lump on the side of my waist (abdomen). - Small round bumps appear on my heels.
Answers (1)
2/5/2026, 12:11:10 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with quite a complex combination of symptoms, and I truly empathize with your situation. Your persistent head pressure and chronic neck and upper back pain, along with other discomforts, can significantly affect your quality of life and functioning. Let’s break down your concerns and explore some actionable steps to help you navigate this challenging time.
Main Points:
- Head Pressure and Visual Disturbances: This suggests potential issues with intracranial pressure or other neurological concerns, given your existing dysautonomia and headache history.
- Neck and Upper Back Pain: Appears to be related to joint inflammation due to hypermobility, contributing to a cycle of pain exacerbated by positioning.
- Improvement Strategies: Focus on symptom management, alternative therapies, and effective communication with healthcare providers.
Explanation:
- Head Pressure: The symptoms of head pressure that worsen with position changes and associated visual disturbances could indicate underlying issues like increased intracranial pressure, though your imaging seems normal. Given that traditional pain relief approaches have not been effective, this suggests that other mechanisms (e.g., vascular or inflammatory) might be at play.
- Neck and Upper Back Pain: Hypermobile joints can lead to instability and inflammation, resulting in frequent pain episodes. Your description aligns with mechanical issues rather than purely muscular, indicating that managing your posture and joint health is critical.
Next Steps:
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Pain Management Strategies:
- Consult a Pain Specialist: If you haven't already, consulting a specialist can provide you with tailored pain management options, including nerve blocks or medications targeting nerve pain.
- Explore Manual Therapy: Seek out a physical therapist who specializes in hypermobility or chronic pain management, as they may offer personalized strategies that accommodate your joint issues.
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Healthy Lifestyle Adjustments:
- Ergonomic Changes: Reassess your workspace setup. Consider using a standing desk or adaptive seating solutions that minimize strain while sitting. Alternating positions frequently may also help.
- Gentle Movement: Engage in gentle, joint-friendly exercises like swimming or specific water therapy to relieve pressure without putting stress on your joints. Aquatic therapy can be particularly beneficial for individuals with hypermobility.
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Communicate Effectively with Your Healthcare Providers:
- Keep a Symptom Diary: Track your pain levels, triggers, and any changes in symptoms. This written log can help your healthcare team understand the severity and frequency of your symptoms, aiding in more accurate diagnoses and treatment options.
- Be Clear About Your Needs: During appointments, assertively communicate your function-related goals (e.g., improving university performance, returning to gym activities) to help guide appropriate treatment pathways.
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Explore Alternative Therapies:
- Consider Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): It can assist you in managing chronic pain and anxiety related to health issues, and it may also help you cope better with your circumstances.
While navigating this complex health landscape, don’t hesitate to reach out for support from friends, family, or support groups for individuals with chronic pain or dysautonomia. Your experiences matter, and seeking to improve your situation is a significant step forward. Please feel free to share any updates or further questions as you continue on this journey.
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