What are the main symptoms of occipital neuralgia. How is occipital neuralgia diagnosed and treated. What causes occipital neuralgia and who is at risk. What is the prognosis for people with occipital neuralgia. How does occipital neuralgia differ from other types of headaches.

Understanding Occipital Neuralgia: A Distinct Type of Chronic Head and Neck Pain

Occipital neuralgia is a specific form of headache characterized by intense, piercing pain in the upper neck, back of the head, and behind the ears. This condition can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, making it crucial to understand its nature, causes, and available treatment options.

Key Characteristics of Occipital Neuralgia

• Piercing, throbbing, or electric-shock-like pain
• Pain typically begins in the neck and spreads upwards
• Usually affects one side of the head
• May involve pain in the scalp, forehead, and behind the eyes
• Scalp tenderness and light sensitivity are common

The pain associated with occipital neuralgia is related to the areas supplied by the greater and lesser occipital nerves. These nerves run from the junction of the spinal column and neck up to the scalp at the back of the head.

Causes and Risk Factors of Occipital Neuralgia

Occipital neuralgia can be caused by various factors, though in many cases, the exact cause remains unknown. Understanding potential triggers can help in prevention and management of the condition.

Common Causes of Occipital Neuralgia

• Trauma to the back of the head
• Pinching of nerves by overly tight neck muscles
• Compression of nerves due to osteoarthritis
• Tumors or lesions in the neck
• Localized inflammation or infection
• Gout
• Diabetes
• Blood vessel inflammation (vasculitis)
• Prolonged periods of keeping the head in a downward and forward position

Are certain individuals more prone to developing occipital neuralgia? While anyone can be affected, those with a history of neck injuries, chronic neck tension, or certain medical conditions may be at higher risk. Additionally, people who frequently maintain poor posture, particularly those who spend long hours at a desk or looking down at mobile devices, may be more susceptible to developing this condition.

Diagnosing Occipital Neuralgia: Challenges and Approaches

Diagnosing occipital neuralgia can be challenging due to its similarities with other types of headaches. However, accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment.

Diagnostic Methods for Occipital Neuralgia

1. Detailed medical history and physical examination
2. Neurological assessment
3. Anesthetic nerve block (a positive response confirms diagnosis)
4. Imaging tests (to rule out other conditions)

How does a healthcare provider differentiate occipital neuralgia from other types of headaches? The location and nature of the pain, along with the patient’s response to an anesthetic nerve block, are key factors in diagnosis. Unlike migraines or tension headaches, occipital neuralgia pain is typically more localized to the back of the head and neck, and often responds well to nerve blocks.

Treatment Options for Occipital Neuralgia: From Conservative Approaches to Interventional Techniques

Treatment for occipital neuralgia is generally symptomatic, aiming to relieve pain and address underlying causes when possible. A multi-faceted approach often yields the best results.

Conservative Treatment Methods

• Rest and massage
• Heat therapy
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Muscle relaxants
• Antidepressants (for severe pain)

Interventional Treatments

• Local nerve blocks
• Steroid injections into the affected area
• Botulinum toxin injections
• Radiofrequency ablation

What role do lifestyle modifications play in managing occipital neuralgia? Improving posture, ergonomics, and engaging in regular neck-strengthening exercises can significantly help in managing symptoms and preventing recurrence. Additionally, stress reduction techniques such as meditation or yoga may provide relief for some individuals.

Prognosis and Long-term Outlook for Occipital Neuralgia Patients

While occipital neuralgia can be a chronic condition, the prognosis is generally favorable. Many individuals experience significant improvement with appropriate treatment and management strategies.

Factors Influencing Prognosis

• Timely diagnosis and treatment
• Underlying cause (if identified)
• Response to conservative treatments
• Adherence to recommended lifestyle modifications

Can occipital neuralgia resolve completely? In many cases, individuals achieve complete recovery after a bout of pain has ended and the nerve damage has been repaired or lessened. However, some patients may experience recurrent episodes, necessitating ongoing management.

Research and Future Directions in Occipital Neuralgia Treatment

Ongoing research aims to improve our understanding of occipital neuralgia and develop more effective treatment options. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) and other institutes at the National Institutes of Health are at the forefront of this research.

Current Research Focus Areas

• Understanding basic pain mechanisms
• Testing new treatments
• Exploring neuromodulation techniques
• Investigating the role of genetics in pain perception

How might future treatments for occipital neuralgia differ from current approaches? Emerging research is exploring targeted therapies that may provide longer-lasting relief with fewer side effects. These include advanced nerve stimulation techniques, personalized pain management strategies based on genetic profiles, and novel drug delivery systems.

Living with Occipital Neuralgia: Coping Strategies and Support

Managing occipital neuralgia often requires a multifaceted approach that extends beyond medical treatment. Developing effective coping strategies and seeking support can significantly improve quality of life for those affected by this condition.

Practical Coping Strategies

• Maintaining a pain diary to identify triggers
• Practicing relaxation techniques
• Engaging in gentle neck exercises and stretches
• Using ergonomic pillows and supports
• Applying hot or cold packs as needed

Where can individuals with occipital neuralgia find support and resources? Organizations such as the American Chronic Pain Association (ACPA) and the National Headache Foundation provide valuable information, self-help coping skills, and peer support. These organizations often sponsor local support groups and offer assistance in starting and maintaining support networks.

Key Support Organizations

• American Chronic Pain Association (ACPA)
• National Headache Foundation
• Local neurology clinics and pain management centers

How can family members and caregivers best support someone with occipital neuralgia? Understanding the condition, being patient during pain flare-ups, and assisting with stress reduction can be immensely helpful. Encouraging adherence to treatment plans and helping to maintain a supportive home environment are also crucial aspects of care.

Differentiating Occipital Neuralgia from Other Headache Disorders

Occipital neuralgia shares some similarities with other headache disorders, but it has distinct characteristics that set it apart. Understanding these differences is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

Key Differences from Other Headache Types

• Location of pain (primarily in the back of the head and neck)
• Quality of pain (often described as electric or shooting)
• Trigger points in the neck and scalp
• Response to nerve blocks

How does occipital neuralgia differ from cervicogenic headaches? While both conditions involve neck pain, occipital neuralgia is specifically related to the occipital nerves and often responds well to nerve blocks. Cervicogenic headaches, on the other hand, stem from issues in the cervical spine and may require different treatment approaches.

Can occipital neuralgia coexist with other headache disorders? Yes, it’s possible for individuals to experience occipital neuralgia alongside other types of headaches, such as migraines or tension headaches. This can complicate diagnosis and treatment, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive evaluation by a headache specialist.

Comparative Features of Common Headache Disorders

Understanding these distinctions can help patients better communicate their symptoms to healthcare providers, potentially leading to more accurate diagnoses and tailored treatment plans. If you suspect you may be experiencing occipital neuralgia or any persistent headache disorder, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and guidance.

Occipital Neuralgia

Occipital neuralgia is a distinct type of headache characterized by piercing, throbbing, or electric-shock-like chronic pain in the upper neck, back of the head, and behind the ears, usually on one side of the head.  Typically, the pain of occipital neuralgia begins in the neck and then spreads upwards.  Some individuals will also experience pain in the scalp, forehead, and behind the eyes.  Their scalp may also be tender to the touch, and their eyes especially sensitive to light.  The location of pain is related to the areas supplied by the greater and lesser occipital nerves, which run from the area where the spinal column meets the neck, up to the scalp at the back of the head.  The pain is caused by irritation or injury to the nerves, which can be the result of trauma to the back of the head, pinching of the nerves by overly tight neck muscles, compression of the nerve as it leaves the spine due to osteoarthritis, or tumors or other types of lesions in the neck.   Localized inflammation or infection, gout, diabetes, blood vessel inflammation (vasculitis), and frequent lengthy periods of keeping the head in a downward and forward position are also associated with occipital neuralgia.  In many cases, however, no cause can be found.  A positive response (relief from pain) after an anesthetic nerve block will confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment is generally symptomatic and includes massage and rest. In some cases, antidepressants may be used when the pain is particularly severe. Other treatments may include local nerve blocks and injections of steroids directly into the affected area.

Prognosis

Occipital neuralgia is not a life-threatening condition.  Many individuals will improve with therapy involving heat, rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and muscle relaxants.   Recovery is usually complete after the bout of pain has ended and the nerve damage repaired or lessened.

Research

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) and other institutes at the National Institutes of Health conduct research related to pain and occipital neuralgia in their clinics and laboratories and support additional research through grants to major medical institutions across the country.  Much of this research focuses on understanding the basic mechanisms of pain and testing treatments in order to find better ways to treat occipital neuralgia.

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Organizations

American Chronic Pain Association (ACPA)
Provides self-help coping skills and peer support to people with chronic pain. Sponsors local support groups throughout the U.S. and provides assistance in starting and maintaining support groups.

P.O. Box 850
Rocklin, CA 95677-0850
[email protected]
http://www.theacpa.org
Tel: Rocklin
Fax: 916-652-8190

National Headache Foundation
Non-profit organization dedicated to service headache sufferers, their families, and the healthcare practitioners who treat them. Promotes research into headache causes and treatments and educates the public.

820 N. Orleans
Suite 411
Chicago, IL 60610-3132
[email protected]
http://www.headaches.org
Tel: Chicago
Fax: 312-640-9049

Content Provided By

NINDS Disorders is an index of neurological conditions provided by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. This valuable tool offers detailed descriptions, facts on treatment and prognosis, and patient organization contact information for over 500 identified neurological disorders.

Neurological Disorders and Stroke »

Suffering From Earache And Headache

Earache and headache are common problems many of us face. Usually, headaches or migraines show symptoms like nausea, surrounding dust and pollution, stress, and other factors. However, Sinusitis, ear, and throat infection, also lead to severe headaches. Almost all age groups undergo earache and headache but treating it is necessary to continue the healthy routine life.

Earache and headache triggers 

Many factors trigger both earache and headache. People who suffer from it try to avoid noisy streets, bright light, continuous motion, strong smell, and extreme temperatures. However, a few categories of food also trigger it. Types of cheese, chocolate, yeast in bread and pizza dough, yogurt, and red wine can activate the ache. Packaged food contains MSG and nitrates that trigger earache and headache.

Stress and anxiety is also an active contributor. Also, lack of sleep, eyestrains, hunger, other physical pain, or physiological problems add to it. Earache and headache is a vast subject, and various factors trigger it. But the most necessary thing is how to stay healthy and avoid such problems.

Headache due to ear disease

People suffering from ear disease develop problems. The strength may vary, but it is a serious concern. Healthcare examination is necessary; otherwise, in extreme cases, the ear infection spreads and can result in hearing loss. Even common cold and flu can cause earache and headache. Both pains are different, but one can trigger the other. Few suffering frequent earaches have hypersensitive ears.

Healthcare will examine the head or ear, look for history, and then provide the treatment. Do not ignore the earache and headache. If it frequently occurs, talk to the experts at Pediatric Health Care. They are glad to serve you and your child in all health care matters. You can call on (281) 655-1500 and (936) 539-8190 and schedule your appointment.

Ear pain, ear fullness, sound sensitivity, Tinnitus, Meniere’s Disease and hearing problems caused by neck instability – Caring Medical Florida

Ross Hauser, MD

In this article, we will discuss the various problems of ear pain, ear fullness, sound sensitivity, and hearing problems. Included in this discussion will be problems of Tinnitus and Meniere’s Disease.

Meniere’s disease is a disorder of the inner ear that causes spontaneous episodes of vertigo – a sensation of a spinning motion – along with fluctuating hearing loss, ringing in the ear (tinnitus), and sometimes a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear. In many patients, low-frequency hearing loss is seen (People can hear higher tone voices like that of women and children but have difficulty hearing the “deep” voices of men and women. Meniere’s disease comprises symptoms related to the eustachian tube, the upper cervical spine, the temporomandibular joints, and the autonomic nervous system. The cervical spine, temporomandibular joint, and eustachian tube all are connected through the autonomic nervous system as well as peripheral nerves such as the trigeminal nerve.

All of these symptoms can easily appear if some condition were causing fluid to accumulate in the inner ear because of eustachian tube dysfunction. The eustachian tube is normally filled with air. It connects the inner ear with the pharynx to equalize pressure on both sides of the eardrum between the atmosphere and the inner ear. It is normally closed but opens when we swallow, yawn, or chew. When descending in an airplane or scuba diving, ear pain and potentially even eardrum rupture may develop if the eustachian tube does not open quickly enough to release the increasing pressure. With improper functioning of one or both Eustachian tubes, the body cannot appropriately regulate inner ear pressures, resulting in poor balance, tinnitus, dizziness, vertigo, and a host of other symptoms.

Let’s go back to a 1998 study reported in the medical journal Cranio. (1) Here doctors reported that 75% of patients with Meniere’s disease show a strong association with head and neck movements in the atlanto-occipital and atlantoaxial joints triggering attacks of vertigo. Cervical spine disorders and symptoms were significantly more in the Meniere’s patients than in a control group. The physical examination findings of tenderness to palpation of the transverse processes of the atlas, axis, trapezius, and levator scapulae muscles were also significantly more in the Meniere’s group. These are all findings one would suspect in upper and lower cervical instability.

“Vestibular Dizziness of Meniere’s Disease, Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, and Cervicogenic Dizziness may be a spectrum of the same disease.”

Our common theme is that a myriad of neurological-like, cardiovascular-like, and hearing-related symptoms and conditions are connected, in many people, by an underlying cervical spine instability that causes compression and herniation of arteries, veins, and nerves throughout the neck. In the case of ear fullness, this compression would also prevent the proper drainage of the ears and associated symptoms.

Now let’s move forward to a 2021 study (2) that builds on information presented in the 1998 paper. Here are the observations of this research team suggesting a similar connection to problems in the neck.

“Vertigo and dizziness are one of the most common and least understood symptoms. Vestibular vertigo of Meniere’s disease and Benign Paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV – dizziness caused by moving your head) and cervicogenic dizziness (dizziness traced to neck pain) are classified as separate entities. Cervicogenic dizziness is not considered the domain of Otolaryngologists, as it is mainly related to neck proprioceptors (neck movements). Headache and neck pain, have been found to be associated with both Meniere’s disease and Benign Paroxysmal positional vertigo, so is cervicogenic dizziness.”

The doctors of this study then sought to make a connection and an association between cervical signs and symptoms in patients with Vestibular Vertigo of Meniere’s disease, Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, and cervicogenic dizziness. To do this they examined 132 patients complaining of vertigo and diagnosed with Meniere’s disease, BPPV, or cervicogenic dizziness looking for symptoms and signs related to neck, shoulder, and muscle tightness and asymmetry. What did they find?

• “Most of the Meniere’s Disease patients  (80% for unilateral and 88.23% for bilateral), Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (75%for right-sided BPPV, 66.67% for left-sided BPPV) and cervicogenic dizziness (90%) had associated symptoms of neck pain or headache and were found to be positive for neck tightness and/or asymmetry of the shoulder.
• Headache was more common in patients with Meniere’s Disease.”

Observation: “Vestibular Dizziness of Meniere’s Disease, Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, and Cervicogenic Dizziness may be a spectrum of the same disease with underlying myofascial problems. Meniere’s Disease of Idiopathic or primary type needs to be revisited as Cervicogenic (Endolymphatic) Hydrops.”

Endolymphatic hydrops is a disorder of the middle ear caused by vestibular system dysfunction. The vestibular system is the body’s sensory system that regulates balance and spatial orientation (understanding where you are in your environment). It sits in the inner ear and works by adjusting fluid levels that act as the balance mechanism.

In other word’s there is much more to a possible successful treatment of Meniere’s Disease and it lies in understanding where the accompanying cause of dizziness is coming from. Please see my article: Neck pain Chronic Sinusitis and Eustachian Tube Dysfunction.

In this video Ross Hauser, MD discusses general problems of ear pain, ear fullness, sound sensitivity, and hearing problems.

Below is the transcript summary and explanatory notes:

• As the video starts, Dr. Hauser makes a connection between cervical spine/neck instability and cause problems related to the ear and hearing.
  • Our website has numerous articles on hearing problems as they related to cervical spine instability and chronic neck pain and dysfunction. Each article is supported by updated medical research and citation. These articles include:
• Many patients we see have ear pain, ear fullness, or sensitivity to sound.
• Some of these people have a long medical history that may include visits to the ENT and other specialists and doctors. Some may get a diagnosis of Meniere’s disease.
• In many of these patients, their problems of tinnitus, Meniere’s disease, dizziness, ear fullness, decreased hearing, or sensitivity to sound may be traced to problems of cervical spine/neck instability.
• Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
  • The eustachian tube is the canal that connects the inner ear and the upper throat. It regulates the pressure within the inner ear.
  • Eustachian Tube Dysfunction can occur when the muscles of the eustachian tube, the tensor veli palatini, the levator veli palatini, the salpingopharyngeus, and the tensor tympani, do not perform their job of opening and closing the tube. This can cause fluid build up in one ear as opposed to the other. This can cause problems of inner ear fullness, ear pain, and loss of sense of balance. Cervical spine instability can cause muscle disruption.

Proper Eustachian Tube function vs. dysfunction. In this illustration, the proper opening of the Eustachian Tube is shown to require the action of the tensor veli palatini and the levator veli palatini muscles innervated by the vagus and trigeminal nerves. When these muscles do not operate normally, fluid builds up in the middle ear potentially causing the problems of ear discomfort, ear fullness, pressure, pain, dizziness, and even partial or complete hearing loss.

The patient was treated for cervical spine instability, of which hearing problems were one symptom.

• In the above video at 1:44 Dr. Hauser discusses this case history:
  • A recent patient had been given hearing aids and had used them for much of the last ten years
  • After three Prolotherapy sessions (dextrose injections described below) the patient has significant hearing improvement.
  • NOTE: The patient was treated for cervical spine instability, of which hearing problems were one symptom. This treatment can help improve hearing in many people, it does not improve hearing in every patient. A careful evaluation of each person is needed to give a realistic assessment of possible outcomes.
• At 2:23 Explaining cervical spine instability relationship to hearing dysfunction
  • When there is cervical spine instability, the vagus nerve which controls the levator veli palatini muscle, and the trigeminal nerve which controls the tensor veli palatini muscle, can be compressed causing dysfunction of these muscles. For many people, restoring cervical spine stability restores the proper function of these muscles and alleviates problems of Eustachian Tube Dysfunction.
  • Of note, the tensor veli palatini helps dampen sound. If there is tensor veli palatini dysfunction, problems of sound sensitivity may occur.

Prolotherapy injections and Cervical Realignment Therapy for cervical neck instability and a possible answer for ear problems

The ear problems described in the above video can be caused by many physical challenges. We will not suggest that every incidence of hearing problems or ear pain can be treated by addressing chronic neck pain and chronic spine instability.

The patient case story begins at 1:08 in the below video

• The patient first noticed hearing problems 5 years prior. The patient is a school teacher and could no longer hear her students properly.
• The patient made an appointment with an audiologist and had her hearing tested.  Her hearing tested poorly and she was given hearing aids. This was in 2014.
• In 2019, the patient sought treatment for cervical spine instability at C1, C2, C3. Incidentally, she noticed that her hearing had improved and thought it odd that she could hear without the hearing aids.
• The patient describes her ear fullness as “being underwater.” As if people were talking to her above water and she was underwater. As cervical spine stability returned, the patient no longer had a need for hearing aids.

Research on cervical instability and Prolotherapy

Caring Medical Regenerative Medicine Clinics has published dozens of papers on Prolotherapy injections as a treatment in difficult to treat musculoskeletal disorders. Prolotherapy is an injection technique utilizing simple sugar or dextrose. We are going to refer to two of these studies as they relate to cervical instability and a myriad of related symptoms including the problem of tinnitus. It should be pointed out that we suggest in our research that “Additional randomized clinical trials and more research into its (Prolotherapy) use will be needed to verify its potential to reverse ligament laxity and correct the attendant cervical instability. ” Our research documents our experience with our patients.

In 2014, we published a comprehensive review of the problems related to weakened damaged cervical neck ligaments in The Open Orthopaedics Journal.(1) We are honored that this research has been used in at least 6 other medical research papers by different authors exploring our treatments and findings and cited, according to Google Scholar, in more than 40 articles.

We demonstrated in this study that the cervical neck ligaments are the main stabilizing structures of the cervical facet joints in the cervical spine and have been implicated as a major source of chronic neck pain. Chronic neck pain often reflects a state of instability in the cervical spine and is a symptom common to a number of conditions, including disc herniation, cervical spondylosis, whiplash injury, and whiplash-associated disorder, post-concussion syndrome, vertebrobasilar insufficiency, and Barré-Liéou syndrome.

In the upper cervical spine (C0-C2), this can cause a number of other symptoms including, but not limited to:

• nerve irritation and vertebrobasilar insufficiency with associated:

Summary and contact us. Can we help you? How do I know if I’m a good candidate?

We hope you found this article informative and it helped answer many of the questions you may have surrounding Ear pain, ear fullness, sound sensitivity, tinnitus, Meniere’s Disease, and hearing problems. Just like you, we want to make sure you are a good fit for our clinic prior to accepting your case. While our mission is to help as many people with chronic pain as we can, sadly, we cannot accept all cases. We have a multi-step process so our team can really get to know you and your case to ensure that it sounds like you are a good fit for the unique testing and treatments that we offer here.

Please visit the Hauser Neck Center Patient Candidate Form

References:

1 Bjorne A, Berven A, Agerberg G. Cervical signs and symptoms in patients with Meniere’s disease: a controlled study. Cranio. 1998;16:194-202.  [Google Scholar]
2 Jain S, Jungade S, Ranjan A, Singh P, Panicker A, Singh C, Bhalerao P. Revisiting “Meniere’s Disease” as “Cervicogenic Endolymphatic Hydrops” and Other Vestibular and Cervicogenic Vertigo as “Spectrum of Same Disease”: A Novel Concept. Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery. 2021 Jun;73(2):174-9. [Google Scholar]
3 Steilen D, Hauser R, Woldin B, Sawyer S. Chronic neck pain: making the connection between capsular ligament laxity and cervical instability. The open orthopaedics journal. 2014;8:326.  [Google Scholar]

Heart Attack Warning Signs You Should Not Ignore

Heart attacks are the number one cause of death for both men and women in the United States. Every year, approximately 735,000 Americans experience a heart attack or myocardial infarction. Ventricular fibrillation is a leading cause of death of heart attack sufferers, and this typically occurs before victims can make it to an emergency room. For those who can get treatment in time, the prognosis is excellent, as most modern treatments yield a survival rate of more than 90 percent. The remaining percentage of those who do eventually die are those who have suffered significant damage to the heart muscle during the heart attack or those who experience damage later.

Common Heart Attack Warning Signs

You can increase your odds of survival by paying attention to your body. While some heart attacks are sudden and intense, the majority start slowly, usually causing mild discomfort or low levels of pain. Call for help if you experience the following:

Pain or Discomfort in the Chest

Most people experiencing a heart attack will feel pain in the center of the chest. This pain typically lasts for more than a few minutes. However, sometimes the pain may go away and come back later. If you experience a feeling of uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in your chest you should seek treatment immediately.

Shoulder or Arm Pain

Pain that radiates from the shoulder and down the arm is a classic sign of heart attack. In most cases, this pain starts in the chest and moves outward, but some individuals can experience just arm or shoulder discomfort during a heart attack.

Shortness of Breath

Shortness of breath, or gasping for air is a common heart attack symptom. This condition is referred to as dyspnea and can occur before, or during, chest pain. In some cases, this symptom occurs without other symptoms.

Jaw Pain, Earache, Headache or Toothache

Pain from a heart attack can spread down both arms and to the jaw or head. Some people report a headache, earache, or tooth pain as a symptom during a heart attack. You can experience this pain with, or without, chest pain when you have a heart attack.

Neck Pain or Back Pain

Neck and back pain are common ailments after injury and with arthritis. However, neck and back pain coupled with pain spreading down both arms can signal a myocardial infarction. Again, this can occur with or without chest pain. If you experience neck and back pain for no reason and don’t have a history of injury or arthritis, it’s still better to have it checked out, especially if other symptoms are involved.

Atypical Symptoms of Heart Attack

Not everyone who has a heart attack experiences typical symptoms. Although some people have a pattern of symptoms that recur, your symptoms may not be the same as the previous symptoms.

However, some people may have a recurring pattern of symptoms, but this is not always the case. A subsequent heart attack may not feel the same as the previous one. If you find yourself experiencing more than one of these symptoms, or these symptoms accompanied by the typical symptoms, you need to get help quickly.

Nausea, or Vomiting

Heart attack symptoms have been known to mimic stomach problems, like nausea and vomiting. Many people experiencing these symptoms assume it’s due to a late-night taco they ate, but it can also be a heart attack, especially if you already suffering from heart disease.

Unexplained Fatigue

Although this is a symptom of a variety of ailments, some heart attack sufferers experience extreme fatigue while performing normal, every-day activities. Unfortunately, during a heart attack, blood flow to the heart decreases, putting additional stress on the muscle, which might make you feel fatigued.

Heartburn or Frequent Belching

Occasional heartburn after a few cups of coffee or a couple of slices for pizza is perfectly reasonable. However, if you start experiencing heartburn and it’s never bothered you before, it might be a good idea to contact your doctor. The pain you’re experiencing could be angina, a pain akin to heartburn that is caused by a lack of blood flow to the heart.

Feeling of Impending Doom

Many victims of heart attack feel as if something’s not quite right. Some describe the feeling as a sense of impending doom. It’s always best to listen to that little voice inside you. It’s much better to be overly cautious than to ignore what your body is telling you.

Symptoms May Be Different for Women

In addition to the typical symptoms of heart attack, women may experience a sudden onset of weakness, fatigue, body aches, nausea, or vomiting. Women may also experience sleep disturbances and feelings of anxiety.

Act Fast to Save Your Life

If you think you could be having heart attack symptoms, don’t ignore your concerns. You should never feel embarrassed to call for help. Even if you’re not sure that you’re experiencing a heart attack, you should call 9-1-1.

Acting fast can save your life and remember – an ambulance is the safest way to get to the hospital. First responders can check on your vitals and start life-saving treatment right away. Furthermore, people arriving by ambulance often get faster treatment at the hospital. Every minute matters when it comes to getting treatment for myocardial infarction.

Top 4 symptoms your stiff neck may be causing – City Physiotherapy Adelaide CBD – Massage | Pilates | Dry Needling

Your stiff neck might be causing you a variety of symptoms other than neck pain. These can include one or more of the following:

• Headaches
• Arm Pain
• Pins & needles in your arm &/or hand
• Face, Jaw or Sinus Pain

1. Headaches – Headaches are a very common symptom of neck stiffness. The upper neck joints are usually stiff and can refer pain through your nerves to your head – causing headaches and neck related migraine. Poor posture & ergonomics, weak & poorly controlled neck & upper back muscles, inflammation in the neck joints or soft tissue strain can all lead to headaches. At City Physio we can identify, through thorough assessment, which specific areas are contributing to your headaches and target our treatment to those specific regions or dysfunctions to alleviate your headache pain and your stiff neck.

Neck Headache

2. Arm pain – Arm pain may be coming from a dysfunction in your neck. The arm pain comes about when your nerve or nerves coming out of the bony gap between your neck joints (cervical spine) is compromised. The neck joints may have degenerative changes, be stiff, have bony spurs, a disc bulge or disc degeneration in the neck (cervical discs) or inflammation of surrounding soft tissues or joints. Any one or more of these issues in your neck can lead to arm pain.

Arm Pain

Tight neck and shoulder muscles (muscle tension ) can create tender trigger points in the muscles of the neck and shoulders which can lead to arm pain. Trigger points develop from an overuse of specific neck muscles or from underuse or weakness of other deeper neck muscles your postural muscles leads to muscle becoming lengthened.

Some of the more common muscles near your neck that can lead to arm pain are the rotator cuff muscles – supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis and teres major. Tight trapezius, pectorals, latissimus dorsi, serratus anterior & deltoid can also contribute to arm pain.

Your City Physiotherapy Physiotherapist will target their treatment to ensure that all possible causes of our arm pain are eliminated.

3. Pins and needles in your hand and arm – Pins and needles in your hand and arm are always due to nerve involvement. With pins and needles or numbness it is important to seek advice and treatment as soon as possible to avoid the nerves being compromised. Bulging neck discs are often implicated in pins and needles or numbness in the arm or hand.

At City Physio we target our treatment to alleviate your nerve symptoms and take pressure off the nerves.  This will most likely involve a combination of manual therapies aimed at nerve gliding and movement, joint mobilisation for your stiff neck, soft tissue release, posture & activity modification as well as exercise.

4. Face pain /Sinus Pain/Jaw Pain – Face Pain, Jaw Pain or Sinus pain can also be caused by a stiff neck or neck muscle trigger points. The muscles of your head, jaw, face, the front of your neck and your upper trapezius muscles are commonly involved in sinus, jaw or face pain. Sometimes these trigger points and/or stiff neck joints can also lead to ear pain or sensation of loss of hearing. Clenching the teeth or grinding the teeth ( bruxism ) can lead to pain from overuse of these muscles. Often the teeth clenching and teeth grinding occurs subconsciously or during sleep.  Tension in these trigger points can refer into the face around the nose and cheeks – the sinus area –  producing pain similar to sinusitis.

TMJ, Sinus Pain & Face Pain Dry Needling treatment

At City Physiotherapy we use a variety of manual therapy treatments to address the overuse issues in the neck, face, jaw & head muscles.  We directly treat the TMJ ( temporomandibular joint ) dysfunction with manual therapies.  Dry Needling is a very effective treatment approach to assist in all face, sinus, head, neck and jaw pain. Our Physiotherapists are highly skilled in the use of Dry Needling for the face, jaw and head. Other treatments include stress reduction through a mindfulness approach, exercises, postural re-education & sleep posture modifications.

If you have any neck or other symptoms mentioned in this blog, our advice is to seek a physiotherapy assessment with one of our therapists to help get your pain and symptoms back under control.

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Earache – an overview | ScienceDirect Topics

Painful Diseases of the Ear

AURICULAR PAIN

The skin of the auricle is richly innervated and is frequently the source of local ear pain. It should be noted that the auricular cartilage is poorly innervated and diseases that are limited to the cartilage may produce little or no pain until there is distention or inflammation of the overlying skin. Most painful conditions involving the auricle are due to infection, trauma, connective tissue disease, or tumor.

Superficial infections of the auricle include folliculitis, abscess, cellulitis, and infection from herpes simplex and zoster including the Ramsay-Hunt syndrome. Deep infections involving the cartilage, once uncommon, are now occurring with much greater frequency owing to the current increase in body piercing involving the auricular cartilage.

Both superficial and deep infections of the auricle are quite painful. Early incision and drainage, débridement of nonviable cartilage, and aggressive use of antibiotics are necessary to avoid spread of infection to the middle ear, bone, and intracranial structures, including the central nervous system.

Trauma to the auricle can be quite painful and, if not appropriately treated, can result in loss of cartilage and disfigurement. Blunt trauma to the auricle can cause superficial ecchymosis or, if severe enough, perichondral hematoma (“cauliflower ear”). Lacerations of the lobule, tragus, and cartilage from body piercings that have been torn from the ear are increasingly common occurrences at local emergency departments and urgent care centers. Prompt débridement and repair with careful observation for infection are crucial if disfiguring sequelae are to be avoided.

Thermal injuries from heat or cold are also common painful traumatic injuries to the ear that usually follow the use of heating pads or cold packs in patients who are also taking pain medications and/or self-medicating with alcohol. Frostbite injuries affecting the auricle are also common and are frequently related to alcohol and/or drug use. Thermal injuries can initially appear less severe that they really are. Initial treatment with topical antibiotics such as silver sulfadiazine and sterile dressings should be followed up with reevaluation and the redressing of the affected area on a daily basis until the thermal injury is well on the way to healing.

Connective tissue diseases can cause inflammation of the auricular cartilage. Usually manifesting as a bilateral acutely inflamed and painful swelling of the auricle, chondritis and perichondritis may initially be misdiagnosed as cellulitis. The bilateral nature of the disease as well as the involvement of other cartilage should alert the clinician to the possibility of a noninfectious cause of the pain, rubor, and swelling. Because many of the connective tissue diseases affect other organ systems, prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential.

Primary tumors of the auricle are usually basal cell or squamous cell carcinomas due to actinic damage of the skin. Rarely, primary tumors of the cartilage can occur. Metastatic lesions to the auricle are uncommon but not unheard of.

THE EXTERNAL AUDITORY CANAL

Far and away the most common painful condition of the external auditory meatus is otitis externa. Usually the result of swimming or digging in the ear with a fingernail, cotton swab, or hairpin, the initial symptom of otitis externa is usually pruritus. This is followed by pain that is made worse by yawning or chewing. On physical examination, there is a reddened, wet-appearing, edematous canal that may reveal abraded areas from previous digging or scratching from the patient’s attempt to relieve the symptoms. Pulling on the auricle posteriorly will usually exacerbate the pain of otitis externa. The pain of this disease is often out of proportion to the findings on physical examination. Treatment of otitis externa consists of cleaning any debris out of the acoustic auditory canal and instilling topical antibiotic drops or solution. If significant edema is present, the use of topical antibiotic drops or solution containing corticosteroid will speed recovery.

Another cause of external auditory canal pain is cholesteatoma. Cholesteatoma most often occurs after trauma to the bone of the external auditory canal. Caused by invasion of the external auditory canal wall by exuberant tissue growth, cholesteatoma can become quite invasive if left untreated despite its benign tissue elements. The patient with cholesteatoma will present with a ball-like growth in the external auditory canal that has an onion skin–like appearance. Unless infected, the pain will most often be dull and aching in character. Secondary infection may cause foul-swelling purulent exudates to drain from the affected ear. Computed tomographic scanning will help the clinician determine the amount of bony destruction and help guide the microsurgical resection of this common cause of ear pain.

In the younger patient and the patient with impaired mentation, foreign bodies are a frequently overlooked cause of ear pain originating from the external auditory meatus. Most problematic are vegetable matter such as dried peas and beans, which swell once inside the acoustic auditory canal, making removal quite difficult. If the foreign body remains in the external auditory canal for any period of time, secondary infection invariably occurs. Insects may also fly or crawl into the external auditory meatus, causing the patient much distress. If the insect remains alive, instillation of lidocaine or mineral oil will stop the insect from moving around and make removal easier.

THE TYMPANIC MEMBRANE AND MIDDLE EAR

Myringitis is a painful condition that may be caused by viral infection of the tympanic membrane. Vesicles or blebs of the tympanic membrane may be present on physical examination or the tympanic membrane may appear normal. Antibiotic drops containing local anesthetic will usually provide symptomatic relief, although in the absence of physical findings, the diagnosis of idiopathic myringitis is one of exclusion. Other diseases of the middle ear or referred pain remains an ever-present possibility.

Acute otitis media is perhaps the second most common cause of otalgia after otitis externa. More common in children, otitis media can occur at any age. The pain of otitis media is caused primarily by distention and inflammation of the tympanic membrane. Young children with otitis media may pull on their ear, whereas older patients will complain bitterly of a deep, severe, unremitting pain. Fever is also usually present. Untreated, the pain will become increasingly severe as the tympanic membrane becomes more distended until the tympanic membrane ruptures. Although the pain may dramatically improve following spontaneous rupture, infection of the mastoid air cells can occur. Treatment of acute otitis media has its foundation in the administration of oral antibiotics and decongestants. Topical local anesthetic drops administered via the external auditory canal may provide symptomatic relief while waiting for the antibiotics and decongestants to work. For otitis media that does not promptly resolve, therapeutic tympanocentesis with placement of ear tubes should be considered.

As mentioned, acute mastoiditis is often the result of untreated or undertreated otitis media. Mastoiditis is characterized by pain, tenderness, and rubor in the posterior auricular region. The diagnosis is often misdiagnosed initially as recurrent otitis media as examination of the tympanic membrane will often reveal the findings of the unresolved otitis media. Fever is invariably present, and the patient will generally appear more ill than a patient with otitis media alone. Radiographic examination of the mastoid air cells will reveal opacification of the normally aerated structure and, as the disease progresses, bony destruction. Untreated, mastoiditis can become life threatening as the infection spreads to the central nervous system. The findings of headache, stiff neck, and visual disturbance are warning signs of central nervous system involvement and constitute a medical emergency. Surgical treatment combined with aggressive antibiotic therapy is required on an emergent basis for patients exhibiting signs of central nervous system infection.

A word of caution is in order whenever the clinician is unable to identify the cause of a patient’s ear pain. Idiopathic otalgia, especially if unilateral, is a diagnosis of exclusion that should generally be resisted because it is invariably wrong. Repeat physical examination and a careful retaking of the history with special attention to areas where occult tumor might cause pain that is referred to the ear are essential if disaster is to be avoided. This is one clinical situation where serial magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and soft tissues of the neck as well as computed tomographic scanning of these areas will often yield results. All patients with unexplained ear pain should have a careful endoscopic examination of the aerodigestive tract with special attention to the region of the piriform sinuses to identify occult pathology responsible for the pain.

Head and Neck Cancer: Symptoms, Types & Treatment

Overview

What is head and neck cancer?

Head and neck cancer refers to several types of cancers that affect the head and neck areas of the body. These cancers account for approximately 3% to 5% of all cancers in the United States. Head and neck cancer is more common in men and in people over age 50. These cancers are very treatable if caught early and are easily preventable. The most common causes of head and neck cancer are tobacco and alcohol use. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is also an important risk factor for some head and neck cancers.

Head and neck cancer includes cancers of the:

• Oral cavity: lips, tongue, gums, lining of the cheeks and lips, bottom and top of the mouth, and behind the wisdom teeth. The most common type of head and neck cancer.
• Salivary glands: These produce the saliva that keeps your mouth and throat moist. The main glands are on the bottom of the mouth and near the jawbone.
• Sinuses: the hollow spaces in the bones surrounding the nose.
• Nasal cavity: the hollow area inside the nose.
• Tonsils.
• Throat (pharynx).
• Voicebox (larynx).
• Ears.
• Lymph nodes in the upper part of the neck.

Despite their locations, brain, eye and thyroid cancers aren’t usually referred to as head and neck cancers.

Symptoms and Causes

What are the symptoms of head and neck cancer?

Head and neck cancer can be hard to diagnose, because symptoms are often mild and can mimic less serious conditions such as a cold or sore throat. These symptoms include:

• A mouth or tongue sore that does not heal.
• A white or red patch on the gums, tongue, or lining of the mouth.
• A persistent sore throat.
• Hoarseness.
• Swelling in the jaw, neck or side of the face. This may cause dentures to fit poorly.
• Frequent sinus infections that don’t respond to antibiotics.
• Neck pain that won’t go away.
• Frequent headaches.
• Pain in the upper teeth.
• Bleeding through the nose or in the mouth, or blood in the saliva.
• Trouble swallowing.
• Persistent earaches.
• Trouble breathing or speaking.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to check with your physician immediately. They may be signs of less serious conditions, but a thorough exam should be done.

Diagnosis and Tests

How is head and neck cancer diagnosed?

Early detection is key to successful treatment of head and neck cancer. Almost three-quarters of all head and neck cancers can be easily detected during an examination. Your healthcare provider will perform an examination and may order diagnostic tests.

These exams and tests might include:

• A physical exam to check the oral and nasal cavities, neck, throat and tongue. Your provider may also feel your neck, lips, gum and cheeks for lumps.
• Endoscopy: Your provider uses a thin, lighted tube called an endoscope to examine your voice box, throat, nasal cavity or other area where you are experiencing symptoms. This is done in the office and isn’t painful.
• Laboratory tests on blood, urine or other body samples.
• Head and neck X-rays, CAT scans, MRIs or PET scans to create pictures of the areas inside your head and neck. Your provider will determine which tests will best evaluate your symptoms.
• Biopsy: Your provider removes tissue for a pathologist to study under a microscope. This is the only sure way to diagnose cancer. This may be done in the office with a local anesthetic, usually with a needle. Or it may have to be done in an operating room while you’re under a general anesthetic.

Management and Treatment

How is head and neck cancer treated?

The first step in treating head and neck cancer is to determine the stage of cancer.

Stage I and II cancers are small and haven’t spread from their original location. They are usually curable.

Stage III and IV cancers have usually spread to nearby lymph nodes, and/or are large tumors. They usually require more complicated treatment and have a smaller chance of cure, but most are potentially curable. Tumors that have spread to other parts of the body, called metastatic tumors, are generally thought to be incurable, but may be treated to reduce symptoms.

The stage, along with your age, general health and location of the tumor, will determine your treatment plan.

The three main courses of treatment for head and neck cancers are radiation therapy, surgery and chemotherapy. Some patients may receive all three treatments.

• Surgery: Surgeons may remove the tumor and a margin of surrounding healthy tissue. Lymph nodes in the neck may also be removed if it’s suspected that the cancer has spread. Surgery on the head and neck areas may change the patient’s appearance and ability to chew, talk and swallow. For these reasons, patients may require reconstructive surgery and speech therapy after surgery.
• Radiation therapy: This involves the use of high-energy X-rays to kill cancer cells. This is done via a machine near the body. Radiation therapy can have side effects, such as sores or irritation in the treated area, difficulty in swallowing or tasting, loss of saliva, decreased appetite and nausea. Tell your provider of any side effects for guidance on how to best deal with them.
• Chemotherapy: Chemo is the use of anti-cancer drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body. It’s more commonly used for advanced-stage head and neck cancers. Side effects include sores in the mouth, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, tiredness, rash, joint pain and hair loss. Talk to your provider about how to treat these side effects.

What are some new developments in treating head and neck cancer?

New treatments for head and neck cancers include the use of drugs that block the hormones that cause certain tumor cells to multiply. These treatments make the tumor more sensitive to radiation and increase the chance of a cure. Immunotherapy (a treatment that uses your own immune system to fight the disease) is rapidly evolving as an option. Immunotherapy drugs help your body produce cancer-fighting cells.

Many new therapies are focused on decreasing side effects of treatment while maintaining good cure rates. For example, newer chemotherapy drugs are being used that have less serious side effects, but still are effective in killing cancer cells.

Newer radiation techniques focus more energy on tumor cells and less on normal tissue, so that patients experience fewer side effects. And advanced surgical techniques can remove the cancer while allowing the patient to regain a more normal lifestyle after successful therapy.

There have also been breakthroughs in new ways of combining surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Your provider can tell you about the latest treatments for head and neck cancers.

Prevention

How can I protect myself from head and neck cancer?

Head and neck cancers are very preventable. Here are three important steps:

1. Quit tobacco. Tobacco use is the most common cause of head and neck cancers. Eighty-five percent of these cancers are linked to tobacco use. To reduce your risk of head and neck cancer, quit using all forms of tobacco (cigarettes, cigars, pipes, snuff, and chewing tobacco).
2. Cut back on drinking. Alcohol use has also been determined to contribute to head and neck cancer. Reducing your alcohol intake can reduce your risk of these cancers.
3. Consider getting the HPV vaccine. Human papillomavirus can cause some types of head and neck cancers, particularly oropharyngeal cancer. Talk to your provider to see if you would benefit from the vaccine. It’s most effective in preventing HPV if given at a young age (up to age 26).

If you have already had cancer, cutting out tobacco and alcohol can reduce the risk of your cancer recurring. Seeing your physician at the first sign of symptoms can also prevent cancers from progressing.

Headaches in the occiput

Headache in the back of the head is a type of pain syndrome, which is accompanied by a feeling of tightness in the back of the head. In addition to the feeling of squeezing, a person may complain of nausea, ringing in the ears, irradiation of pain in the neck or in the temporal region. Pathology of the musculoskeletal system, cerebrovascular insufficiency, neck injury and much more can cause headaches, which you will learn about after reading the article.

Causes and symptoms

The problem of headache is so urgent that there is not a single person who has never complained of pain in the back of the head in his life. So what could be the reason?

Voltage

Constant work at the computer, reading books, being forced to be in an uncomfortable position cause spasm of the back muscles. As a result of the spasm, the blood flow to the brain worsens, which makes itself felt with pressing pains. This reason is the most common, therefore, if you have a headache in the back of the head, first of all remember what you did the day before.If the symptom does not go away for a long time, and you are monitoring the condition of your back, then read the next paragraph.

Pathology of the musculoskeletal system

As you know, destructive processes in the spine begin at the age of 20-25 (osteochondrosis), so if you start to notice constant aching pains in the occiput and neck, dizziness, flies before your eyes, you should not postpone your visit to the therapist. After examining and collecting anamnesis, the doctor will prescribe a diagnosis and recommend contacting narrow specialists, if necessary.Often in such cases, osteopathy helps patients. The course of procedures restores mobility to the musculoskeletal system and pain disappears.

Vascular pathology

If the head hurts from behind, this may indicate high or low blood pressure. Changes in vascular tone are accompanied by a characteristic headache, sometimes pulsation. Hypertensive patients may have dizziness, nausea, tinnitus, redness of the facial skin. In people with hypotension, pain in the head can radiate not only to the back of the head, but also to its entire surface, and is more characterized by patients as bursting from the inside.If the headaches are of a similar nature, you should consult a neurologist. It is worth taking seriously the problems with blood vessels, it is impossible to constantly relieve such pain with painkillers, serious treatment is necessary.

Injuries

Bruises and sprains can also cause discomfort in the back of the head and neck. They will be especially pronounced when trying to turn the head to the side. In such cases, a course of osteopathy can help.

Hormonal failure

Less commonly, the cause may be endocrine pathology associated with diseases of the thyroid gland, adrenal glands, and brain.

Neuralgia

The defeat of the nerve bundle or nerve roots (in particular, with hypothermia) leads to neuralgia of the occipital nerve, which is characterized by shooting acute pain. Typically, rest, being in a warm room, special massage and pain relievers help relieve a painful attack. In this case, a consultation with a neurologist will help.

Migraine

Despite the favorite localization in the area of ​​the temples, sometimes migraine can occur in the area of ​​the transition of the neck to the back of the skull (cervical migraine).In addition to severe throbbing pain, a person may experience photophobia and nausea. If headache attacks coincide with migraine symptoms, you need to see a neurologist. Competent treatment helps not only reduce pain, but also prevent new attacks.

Viral and bacterial infections

If the back of the head hurts, and the general state of health leaves much to be desired (runny nose, cough, etc.), then there is a consequence of ARVI. In this case, the headache goes away on its own after recovery.But if it is intense, cannot be relieved with the help of analgesics, the neck muscles are tense and unable to relax – this indicates a possible meningitis. If you suspect an infectious component of the headache, you need to see a physician for diagnosis and treatment of the disease.

Myogelosis

Often, the disease occurs after exposure to a draft, prolonged stress, poor posture, or is a complication after myositis. As a result, there is a thickening of the cervical muscles, which is accompanied by discomfort in the shoulder joint and pain in the back of the head.An osteopathic doctor helps to cope with such problems.

Diagnostics

With the problem of headache, first of all, it is necessary to consult a neurologist, since pathologies of the spine or vascular bed are a common cause of the symptom. To identify the cause in our medical center “Private Practice”, a general analysis of blood, urine (to exclude the inflammatory nature of the disease) is taken, an X-ray of the spine is taken. If necessary, the patient is examined by other specialists.

Treatment

This symptom, although unpleasant, can sometimes get rid of it without the help of pills. It is enough to ventilate the room in which you are, allow yourself a neck and back massage, drink tea with mint and lie on the bed for at least half an hour. If the pain syndrome does not disappear and nausea increases, then it is better to drink an analgesic. Remember, pain relievers only treat the symptom, not the underlying condition. If at the height of pain your temperature rises and intoxication grows, do not hesitate and contact your doctor for qualified help.

Pain in the head is rarely primary, most often it develops against the background of concomitant diseases. In our medical center “Private Practice” you can undergo a comprehensive diagnostic examination, which will help you make a diagnosis as early as possible and relieve you of painful symptoms. You can make an appointment with a neurologist any day of the week from 09:00 to 21:00.

90,000 Frequent headaches

Many visitors to the Da Vinci Medical Center undergo MRI of the brain in order to find out the cause of headaches.Having done an MRI and having received the result of the study, they are surprised: “Why is the conclusion good? What then is the cause of the headaches?”

1. Cause in the cervical spine
The thing is that the cause of the headache can be hidden outside the brain: for example, cervical osteochondrosis, degenerative changes in the cervical spine, sciatica, and other changes in the spinal column. In this case, MRI of the brain will be an uninformative research method, it is more expedient in this case to undergo MRI of the cervical spine and / or MRI of the vessels of the neck.

2. The reason is in concomitant diseases
In addition, the causes of headaches can be: sinusitis, otitis media, diseases of the joints of the lower jaw, etc. The main feature of pain in the above diseases is its diffuse nature. That is, the head, the ears, the teeth, and the area under the eyes hurt at the same time.

3. Vascular changes
Do not forget about vascular pathologies. Arterial hypertension, hypotension, autonomic dysfunction, etc.If you, for example, suffer from frequent surges in blood pressure, while experiencing a headache, you should definitely do an MRI of the cerebral vessels , because hypertension can cause asymptomatic diseases such as cerebral aneurysm , which, in turn, can be a harbinger of stroke.

4. Brain tumors
A headache that starts suddenly and becomes permanent is often the first manifestation of a brain tumor.Sometimes the pain is accompanied by nausea, dizziness, double vision. In this case, just MRI of the brain will be able to reveal the presence of a tumor and its localization.

5. Migraine
Among the causes of headache, migraine occupies one of the leading places (almost 20% in adults). A migraine headache is usually one-sided, throbbing, and aggravated by movement or exertion. Diagnosis is by history. MRI in this case will be a poorly informative method.

Our advice – contact a specialist in the advisory department of the “Da Vinci” MC, who will help you identify the cause of your pain, determine the area of ​​the MRI examination, thereby saving you time, nerves and money. Be healthy!

Phone in Syktyvkar : (8212) 21-81-95
Phone in Ukhta : (8216) 76-79-20

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Headaches with cervical osteochondrosis

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Author: LDC Neuron

Published: 10 November 2015

If we take into account the headache, then it can have a different source of origin.We will consider a headache that appeared in the back of the head – this is a sign of cervical osteochondrosis.

This type of spasm is not safe.

The headache coming from the cervical spine suggests that the cervical spine has simply deviated. These displacements can be seen by taking an x-ray of the cervical spine. If you feel pain in the muscles in the neck, shoulders, then this spasm in most cases is cervical osteochondrosis. Headaches are already a consequence of cervical osteochondrosis.
NOTE. If you deal with the roots of the problem, then the consequences will go away by themselves !!!
Let’s consider the main causes of cervical osteochondrosis.

HOW IS NECK SPINE PAIN MANIFESTED?

At the beginning, the pain appears in the neck and back of the head, then goes to the eyes and temple, it is, as a rule, one-sided. At first, with osteochondrosis, the head hurts from time to time, but if the disease is not treated, then later these are constant headaches, which already have a very long period.

Headache with osteochondrosis also leads to physical discomfort, the mobility of the cervical spine is very limited, the cervical and spinal muscles are very stiff. The pain may appear suddenly, without any exciting factors.

But nevertheless, frequent attacks of headaches appear in the morning (as if they slept uncomfortably …) or somewhere during the day, if a prolonged load was exerted on the cervical spine (for example, I had to tilt my head a lot).
HOW TO TREAT NECK OSTEOCHONDROSIS? Several methods.

We do self-massage.

Massage is very helpful in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis. When massaging the cervical spine, the muscles relax and the blood circulation in the cervical spine is restored. When doing massage at home, the main thing is not to overdo it: we do everything with our fingers, do not press hard on the neck, massage movement from the center to the bottom. The doctor will be able to prescribe you the right massage, or rather even a course of treatment for osteochondrosis.

Self-massage can also be combined with traditional methods of treating osteochondrosis, there is a honey massage.Reviews of honey massage are very positive, there were several procedures and no pain.

Compresses are also used for cervical osteochondrosis. Horseradish is used, both leaves and roots, radish, garlic, hold such a compress and endure a state of severe burning, for as long as they can withstand. After such warming up of the cervical vertebrae with osteochondrosis, blood circulation is much improved and the pain goes away.

ldc “Neuron”

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90,000 Pain in the back of the head – why does the back neck hurt, symptoms, causes, treatment

Pain in the neck and back of the head can be either constant or appear when the head is tilted or turned.Such ailments can have many causes. For example, chronic diseases that provoke pain in the back of the head, as well as a variety of diseases of the cervical spine. Often, with these pains, a person also experiences discomfort in the shoulder girdle, they are “reflected” in the ears and eyes.

Which doctor should you go to if the back of your head hurts

If you have a headache in the back of the head, you need to contact one of the following specialists:

• traumatologist;
• neurologist;
• or cardiologist.

Since the causes of headache can be many, it is necessary to try to clearly describe its nature and localization. This will help the specialist figure out what is the reason for this condition.

Headache in the back of the head can occur for various reasons. Some of them are temporary, while others are more serious. For example, diseases of the spine, as well as the brain and blood vessels.

The main causes of occipital headache can be as follows.

Stress

Stress is one of the most “popular” reasons leading this peculiar hit parade. When the state of stress becomes chronic, and mental stress is constantly increasing, over time, a person begins to experience annoying headaches that do not go away in the back of the head. In a special risk group – women over 30 years old.

Prolonged inconvenience

Those who work at a computer for a long time and car drivers are well aware of this problem.And it is explained as follows: prolonged stay in an uncomfortable position causes excessive physical and mental stress. As a result, there is a headache in the back of the head.

Incorrect head position

When, during physical exertion, when working at a work table, the head is held in one position (which is accompanied by prolonged muscle tension), and this situation is repeated quite often, then over time a person may have a headache in the back of the head.If you do not take timely measures, then the headache will become chronic. This condition is called tension headaches. This is one of the most common types of headaches.

Temporary headaches can be managed in different ways. In case of fatigue or being in an uncomfortable position for a long time, a warm bath, light exercises, neck and head massage will help. In case of severe pain in the back of the head, pain relievers can be taken beforehand.But in case of serious illnesses (anxiety disorders, depression, etc.), it is all better to see a doctor right away.

Arterial hypertension

If the condition most often visits in the morning, this may indicate the development of arterial hypertension.

Diseases of the cervical spine

Osteochondrosis, spondylitis, traumatic sprains, subluxations of the intervertebral joints – this is not the most complete list of diseases that can affect the cervical spine.

As a rule, if the nature of the pain is explained by the cause of this kind, then the pain tends to increase with any movements of the head and turns of the neck. Determining what is the reason is the task of the traumatologist.

Vertebrobasilar syndrome

May occur as a result of cervical osteochondrosis. Its main symptoms are vestibular manifestations, including dizziness, tinnitus, hearing and visual impairments, and, of course, persistent pain in the occiput.Other symptoms include pallor of the facial skin, vomiting, nausea, impaired coordination of movements, and fainting.

Cervical spondylosis

This disease is caused by deformation and proliferation of osteophytes – lateral processes of the vertebrae. It is incorrect to associate the appearance of osteophytes with the deposition of salts – they appear as a result of the degeneration of ligament tissues into bone tissue. The disease is one of the “age”, but it can appear at a younger age with a sedentary or sedentary lifestyle.

With the disease, in addition to occipital pains covering the entire back of the head, a person experiences painful sensations in the upper shoulder girdle, the pain also radiates to the ears and eyes. At rest, the pain subsides, but during activity it usually intensifies. There is also an increased load on the cervical spine during sleep, so this condition is often accompanied by a deterioration in the quality of sleep.

Cervical migraine

If the pain in the back of the head also responds in the temples and eyebrows, blurred vision, impaired hearing, noises in the ears, then most likely it is a cervical migraine.

Myogelosis

This is the name of the thickening of muscle tissue in the cervical region, and it can be caused by such reasons as poor posture, muscle leakage in an uncomfortable position, drafts or prolonged stay in a stressful situation. For myogelosis, in addition to occipital pain, dizziness, pain in the shoulder girdle and stiffness when moving the shoulders are also characteristic.

Occipital neuralgia

This disease can cause diseases of the cervical spine, for example, osteochondrosis or spondyloarthrosis.Other factors in the onset of this type of neuralgia are hypothermia and colds. Symptoms: pressing occipital headache, pain in the cervical spine, upper back, ears and lower jaw. In this case, any movement of the head, as well as coughing and sneezing, cause acute attacks of pain.

Neuralgia of the occipital nerve with untimely treatment often leads to the development of hyperesthesia (aggravation of sensitivity in the occipital region).

In case of such diseases, it is better to consult a neurologist.With the help of even a simple visual examination, he will be able to determine the picture of the disease. It is also advisable to show the doctor a pre-made X-ray or MRI of the cervical spine. Having a snapshot of the bones of the spine and surrounding tissues will be easier for the specialist to make the correct diagnosis and determine the appropriate treatment.

How to get rid of a headache in the back of the head

If the pain in the back of the head is not associated with problems in the brain, spine and blood vessels, then you need to contact your dentist, ophthalmologist and otolaryngologist.If these doctors do not find any deviations, it is advisable to revise your daily regimen, monitor your posture and exercise regularly. It is possible that the pain caused by muscle fatigue and overwork will stop.

Having experienced pain in the back of the head for a certain period of time, you should not independently diagnose and self-medicate. It is possible that there really is nothing serious, and some lifestyle correction will be required, or maybe this is a symptom of a serious illness.Therefore, it is better not to delay and consult a specialist.

Do folk remedies help for pain in the back of the head

The short answer is “yes” if the reason is not so serious. Ancient physicians believed that long walks were the best prevention, including pain in the neck and back of the head. There are many more folk remedies that you can try in an uncritical situation. But it’s still better to see a doctor.

Is it possible to drink citramone for headaches?

For the treatment of headaches, citramone is used for no more than four days.In case of pain, you can take one or two tablets. The average daily dose of this drug is three to four tablets, and the maximum is eight tablets per day. Citramon is not recommended to be taken as a pain reliever for more than five days.

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90,000 Neck pain, headache

In a healthy person, the cervical spine has significant mobility. When moving within normal physiological limits, pain does not occur.

In the case of an anomaly in the development of the spine, injury, damage to the articular-ligamentous apparatus and muscles of the neck, first of all, the range of motion in the neck is limited, pain occurs, and it also contributes to further limitation of movements.

If there is increased mobility in the cervical spine against the background of weakness of the musculo-ligamentous apparatus, then flexion and extension cause negative effects on the center of coordination of movements and this causes a reflex (automatic) reaction of “protection” in the form of tension in the muscles of the neck and the occipital part of the head.

Simultaneously with the reflex tension of the neck muscles, a reaction of vasoconstriction develops, which pass in the soft tissues of the neck and head and a constant dull headache of muscle tension occurs.

Relatively often, after an awkward movement in the neck or a prolonged static posture, “lumbago” occurs in the neck, tense muscles fix the head and neck in a “pretentious” forced position. When trying to return the head to its normal position, a new “prostate” and pain occurs.

Pain in the neck and head, accompanied by “lumbago”, is usually intense, causes an asymmetric state of the muscles, their ability to fully contract and relax is significantly limited with a sharp restriction of movements in the cervical spine.

The presence of cervical pain and headache requires immediate treatment.

Considering that the main in the mechanism of pain development is muscle tension of varying intensity, treatment should be aimed at relieving pain, restoring blood and lymph circulation, relieving muscle tension.

The kinesitherapy method in this case is simply irreplaceable.

We suggest you contact our Center, where, under the supervision of a doctor and accompanied by a specialist, you will receive a consultation, and we will draw up an individual exercise program for your recovery.

Classes according to the system of Dr. Bubnovsky to work out the deep muscles of the upper back (neck-collar zone), shoulder girdle and arms, this will help to quickly eliminate headaches and return the joy of life without headaches.

90,000 First aid and treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

Improper diet, rest on the couch, office work and lack of minimal physical activity are the causes of diseases that have become quite common today.One of these diseases is osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.

Symptoms

Everyone could feel the signs of such a disease. If they interfere with the activity, then it will not be superfluous to consult a doctor. An x-ray of the spine may be needed. The only question is when to see a doctor? Do this if you have any of the symptoms:

• tinnitus,
• numbness of the tongue,
• morning sensation of “lulling” of the neck,
• pain in the arms, worse even with light exertion,
• Pain in the neck extending to the ears, eyes and occiput; may not stop even at night,
• headache originating in the occiput and spreading to the temples,
• pain in the region of the heart, which nitroglycerin does not relieve,
• loss of hearing and visual acuity,
• a sharp turn of the head is accompanied by fainting, darkening of the eyes, dizziness,
• tingling, burning, numbness in legs and arms,
• Weakening of muscle strength in the arms.

The cervical region is the most vulnerable part of the spine. It is caused by the structure and weakness of the muscular system in the neck region. Bottom line: even a small load can cause displacement of the vertebrae, leading to compression of the nerves and blood vessels. The danger of this process is that the vessels involved in the blood supply to the brain pass through this area. Therefore, the consequences of such a disease can be the most severe.

First aid

Of course, an x-ray of the spine or other examination should be done first to determine an accurate diagnosis.Previously, with severe pain, you can take pain relievers: “Tempalgin”, “Dolaren”, “Analgin”. If this group of drugs does not help relieve pain, you can take “Ibufen”, “Diclofenac” or “Nise”, but it should be borne in mind that such drugs have a negative effect on the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, it can only be an emergency aid, so that you can immediately consult a doctor.

Pain relieving ointments may also be used. It is allowed to take diuretics if edema appears in the area of ​​inflammation. You can also use the Shants collar, but you should not wear it for a long time.

Study

As already noted, at the first symptoms, you should consult a doctor. The institution where you can make an X-ray of the spine or conduct any research at a high level is the Movement clinic. After all, magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography, ultrasound Doppler ultrasound can be prescribed.

Treatment

Of course, taking an X-ray of the cervical spine does not mean treatment. After an accurate diagnosis has been made, complex therapy (drug and non-drug) should be carried out.

Medicines are prescribed without fail that relieve inflammation and pain, improve cerebral circulation. If abnormal muscle tension is observed, medications may be prescribed to relax them.

The advertised dietary supplements are unlikely to help. Their use is not recommended by doctors.

During treatment, the following can be prescribed:

• paraffin wax applications,
• water treatments,
• magnetic therapy,
• electrophoresis,
• alternative therapy (osteopathy, apitherapy, massage, manual therapy, reflexology).

However, only in the early stages and in simple forms, therapeutic gymnastics is of great importance for the prevention and treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.

90,000 Innovative headache treatment appeared in Yekaterinburg!

Innovative technologies for headache treatment appeared in Yekaterinburg.

Modern European headache treatment regimens are now available to everyone.

A person experiences a headache at least once in his life – this is a fact! But some people have a headache quite often, exhausting and exhausting, does not allow them to work. The quality of life is decreasing.

Headache is varied in its manifestations. Someone has pain that squeezes like a vise, as if a helmet is worn on the head, someone has a throbbing pain, and someone has the occipital region of the head “breaks” or “drills” in the eyeball, etc.

Contrary to popular belief, increased intracranial pressure and “hypertension” are rare causes of headache.

Why does it hurt then?

The most common causes of headache are migraine, tension headache and cervicogenic headache (developing with problems with the cervical spine).

At tension headache , squeezing pain, aching, usually of low or moderate intensity, more often appears in the afternoon. Maybe daily. Women are affected more often than men. As a rule, people who are engaged in mental work and great emotional overload suffer.

At the same time, an experienced doctor will prescribe a comprehensive treatment for you with an effect on the muscles and ligaments of the head and neck, and will select a competent drug treatment.

Migraine differs in the severity and intensity of the headache. As a rule, pain of a pulsating nature, lasting from 4 to 72 hours (up to three days), is necessarily accompanied by either nausea, vomiting, or sound and photophobia. Often, but not always, an attack of migraine pain is preceded by an aura – “flies” in front of the eyes, noise, “clicks” in the ears, weakness and weakness.With a migraine attack, it is rarely possible to work fully.

In developed countries, migraine is successfully treated with the selection of modern medicines.

Not so long ago, botulinum toxin (Botox, Dysport) began to be used for treatment. Just like in cosmetology, the drug is injected into certain muscles of the head, and the migraine recedes for several months.

Another common cause of headache is cervicogenic headache , associated with problems in the cervical spine.At the same time, a variety of neck structures can be a source of pain – these are ligaments, muscles, facet joints, intervertebral hernias. If the vertebral artery is involved in the process, then the headache may be accompanied by dizziness. As a rule, with this type of pain is localized in the occipital region, sometimes “gives” to the parietal region, the region of the eye. More often worried in the morning, but may appear in the daytime.

Pain relievers alone are difficult to cope with. An integrated approach is important here – stretching the spine, massage, injecting drugs into certain structures of the neck, modern physiotherapy, etc.d.

There are also more rare types of headache such as cluster headache, orgasmic headache, trigeminal neuralgia, etc. And also a combination of headaches such as migraines and tension headaches.

Only experienced qualified doctor is able to understand all the nuances of a headache, is able to take a hand and lead a person on the way to getting rid of this ailment.

Medical center “Spine Team” presented modern innovative equipment for the treatment of headaches:

• Spine traction on a computerized apparatus – allows you to eliminate tension even from the deepest muscle layers.Traction of both the cervical and lumbar spine.
• Injection of Botox into specific muscles of the head and neck for the successful treatment of headaches.
• Modern methods of physiotherapy – high-intensity laser, shock wave therapy, interstitial electrical stimulation.

Many of our patients, who are desperate in search of a way to get rid of headaches, finally find the long-awaited relief and can again work fully, play their favorite sports, and enjoy life.

The center was opened with the support of IASP (International Association for the Study of Pain). Highly qualified specially trained doctors-vertebrologists of the medical center will deal with the most difficult, neglected cases, draw up a rehabilitation program for your problem.

In addition, the Spine Team medical center presents all modern technologies for the treatment of osteochondrosis, arthrosis, heel spurs, and herniated discs.