What is occipital neuralgia. How does it cause neck pain, headache, and earache. What are the symptoms of occipital neuralgia. How is occipital neuralgia diagnosed. What treatments are available for occipital neuralgia.

Understanding Occipital Neuralgia: A Comprehensive Overview

Occipital neuralgia is a condition characterized by severe, piercing pain in the upper neck, back of the head, or behind the ears. This debilitating condition occurs when the occipital nerves, which run through the scalp, become injured or inflamed. The resulting discomfort can be intense and often mimics other types of headaches, making diagnosis challenging.

To better understand this condition, it’s essential to explore its causes, symptoms, and available treatments. By delving into the intricacies of occipital neuralgia, we can gain valuable insights into managing this often misunderstood source of neck pain, headache, and earache.

The Root Causes of Occipital Neuralgia

Occipital neuralgia can be either primary or secondary, with the latter associated with underlying diseases. While the exact cause may sometimes remain elusive, several factors can contribute to the development of this condition:

• Chronic neck tension
• Osteoarthritis of the upper cervical spine
• Trauma to the greater and/or lesser occipital nerves
• Compression of the occipital nerves or C2/C3 nerve roots
• Cervical disc disease
• Tumors affecting the C2 and C3 nerve roots
• Gout
• Diabetes
• Blood vessel inflammation
• Infection

Understanding these potential causes is crucial for both patients and healthcare providers in developing an effective treatment plan. By identifying the underlying factors, it becomes possible to address the root of the problem rather than simply managing symptoms.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Occipital Neuralgia

The symptoms of occipital neuralgia can be intense and often mimic other headache disorders. This similarity can make diagnosis challenging, but understanding the specific characteristics of occipital neuralgia pain is crucial for proper identification and treatment.

Key Symptoms to Watch For

• Continuous aching, burning, and throbbing pain
• Intermittent shocking or shooting pain
• Pain starting at the base of the head and radiating to the scalp
• Discomfort behind the eye on the affected side
• Pain triggered by light touch or movements like brushing hair
• Migraine-like pain patterns

Is occipital neuralgia pain always bilateral? No, the pain can occur on one or both sides of the head. This variability in pain distribution is one of the factors that can make diagnosis challenging for healthcare providers.

Can occipital neuralgia be confused with other headache disorders? Yes, the symptoms of occipital neuralgia can be similar to those of migraines and cluster headaches. This similarity underscores the importance of seeking medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Diagnosing Occipital Neuralgia: A Multi-Step Approach

Diagnosing occipital neuralgia can be challenging due to its similarity with other headache disorders. However, a systematic approach can help healthcare providers accurately identify this condition.

The Diagnostic Process

1. Initial consultation with a primary care physician
2. Referral to a specialist if necessary
3. Physical examination to identify abnormalities
4. Neurological exam to assess nerve function
5. Additional imaging tests if initial exams are inconclusive
6. Possible use of occipital nerve blocks for confirmation

What imaging tests might be used in diagnosing occipital neuralgia? Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT) scans are commonly used to rule out other potential causes of pain and to visualize any nerve impingement.

How do occipital nerve blocks aid in diagnosis? These injections can serve a dual purpose by both confirming the diagnosis and providing temporary pain relief. If the patient experiences significant pain reduction after the injection, it supports the diagnosis of occipital neuralgia.

Treatment Options for Occipital Neuralgia: From Conservative to Surgical

While there is no definitive cure for occipital neuralgia, various treatment options aim to alleviate pain and improve quality of life. These interventions range from conservative approaches to more invasive surgical procedures.

Non-Surgical Treatments

• Heat therapy using heating pads or devices
• Physical therapy or massage therapy
• Oral medications (anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, anticonvulsants)
• Percutaneous nerve blocks
• Botulinum Toxin (Botox) injections

Surgical Interventions

• Occipital Nerve Stimulation
• Spinal Cord Stimulation
• C2,3 Ganglionectomy

How effective is occipital nerve stimulation in treating occipital neuralgia? Occipital nerve stimulation is a minimally invasive procedure that uses electrodes placed near the occipital nerves to deliver electrical impulses. While it’s an off-label use of an FDA-approved device, many patients report significant pain relief.

What is the success rate of C2,3 Ganglionectomy? A study by Acar et al. (2008) found that 95% of patients experienced immediate relief following the procedure, with 60% maintaining relief past one year. This suggests that for some patients, this surgical intervention can provide long-term benefits.

The Importance of Follow-Up Care in Managing Occipital Neuralgia

Proper follow-up care is crucial for patients with occipital neuralgia, especially those who have undergone surgical interventions. Regular check-ups allow healthcare providers to monitor progress, adjust treatments, and address any emerging concerns.

Key Aspects of Follow-Up Care

• Regular appointments with primary care providers and specialists
• Frequent check-ins during the first year post-surgery
• Adjustment of stimulation settings for patients with implanted devices
• Assessment of recovery progress and pain management
• Addressing any complications or side effects of treatment

How often should patients follow up after occipital nerve stimulation surgery? Surgeons typically recommend that patients return to the clinic every few months during the first year following surgery. This allows for close monitoring and optimization of the stimulation settings.

Why is consistent follow-up care important for occipital neuralgia patients? Regular follow-ups ensure that patients receive correct and effective care, allowing for timely adjustments to treatment plans and early detection of any potential issues.

Living with Occipital Neuralgia: Coping Strategies and Lifestyle Adjustments

While medical treatments play a crucial role in managing occipital neuralgia, patients can also implement various lifestyle changes and coping strategies to improve their quality of life. These adjustments can complement medical interventions and help minimize pain episodes.

Effective Coping Strategies

• Stress management techniques (e.g., meditation, deep breathing exercises)
• Regular gentle exercise and stretching routines
• Proper posture and ergonomics at work and home
• Adequate sleep and rest
• Dietary modifications to avoid potential trigger foods
• Use of supportive pillows and neck supports

Can dietary changes impact occipital neuralgia symptoms? While there’s no specific diet for occipital neuralgia, some patients report that certain foods or beverages can trigger pain episodes. Keeping a food diary and working with a healthcare provider can help identify potential dietary triggers.

How can proper ergonomics help manage occipital neuralgia? Maintaining good posture and ergonomics, especially during prolonged periods of sitting or computer use, can help reduce strain on the neck and occipital nerves. This may include adjusting chair height, monitor position, and using ergonomic accessories.

The Future of Occipital Neuralgia Treatment: Emerging Research and Therapies

As our understanding of occipital neuralgia continues to evolve, researchers and medical professionals are exploring new avenues for diagnosis and treatment. These emerging approaches hold promise for improving outcomes and quality of life for those affected by this challenging condition.

Areas of Ongoing Research

• Advanced imaging techniques for more accurate diagnosis
• Novel pharmaceutical interventions targeting nerve inflammation
• Refinements in neurostimulation technologies
• Exploration of regenerative medicine approaches
• Investigation of genetic factors influencing occipital neuralgia susceptibility

What role might regenerative medicine play in treating occipital neuralgia? Regenerative medicine techniques, such as stem cell therapy or platelet-rich plasma injections, are being investigated for their potential to promote nerve healing and reduce inflammation. While still in the experimental stages, these approaches could offer new options for patients who don’t respond to conventional treatments.

How might genetic research impact occipital neuralgia management? Understanding the genetic factors that may predispose individuals to occipital neuralgia could lead to more personalized treatment approaches and potentially even preventive strategies for those at higher risk.

Navigating the Healthcare System with Occipital Neuralgia

For many patients, managing occipital neuralgia involves navigating a complex healthcare system. Understanding how to effectively communicate with healthcare providers, coordinate care among specialists, and advocate for oneself can significantly impact the quality of care received.

Tips for Effective Healthcare Navigation

• Maintain detailed records of symptoms, treatments, and their effectiveness
• Prepare questions in advance of medical appointments
• Seek second opinions when necessary
• Research and understand insurance coverage for various treatments
• Consider joining support groups or patient advocacy organizations
• Stay informed about the latest developments in occipital neuralgia research

How can patients effectively communicate their pain experience to healthcare providers? Using pain scales, keeping a detailed pain diary, and being specific about how symptoms impact daily life can help providers better understand and address individual needs.

What role do patient advocacy organizations play in occipital neuralgia care? These organizations can provide valuable resources, connect patients with specialists, and offer support networks. They may also be involved in funding research and raising awareness about occipital neuralgia.

Occipital neuralgia presents unique challenges for both patients and healthcare providers. Its complex nature, often mimicking other headache disorders, requires a comprehensive approach to diagnosis and treatment. By understanding the causes, recognizing symptoms, exploring treatment options, and staying informed about emerging research, those affected by occipital neuralgia can work towards better pain management and improved quality of life.

As research continues and new therapies emerge, there is hope for more effective and targeted treatments in the future. In the meantime, a combination of medical interventions, lifestyle adjustments, and proper follow-up care can help many patients find relief from the debilitating effects of occipital neuralgia. By staying proactive in their care and leveraging available resources, patients can navigate the challenges of living with this condition and work towards a more comfortable, pain-free future.

Occipital Neuralgia – Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

Occipital Neuralgia is a condition in which the occipital nerves, the nerves that run through the scalp, are injured or inflamed. This causes headaches that feel like severe piercing, throbbing or shock-like pain in the upper neck, back of the head or behind the ears.

Occipital neuralgia can be the result of pinched nerves or muscle tightness in the neck. It can also be caused by a head or neck injury. Occipital neuralgia can either be primary or secondary. A secondary condition is associated with an underlying disease.

Although any of the following may be causes of occipital neuralgia, many cases can be attributed to chronic neck tension or unknown origins.

• Osteoarthritis of the upper cervical spine
• Trauma to the greater and/or lesser occipital nerves
• Compression of the greater and/or lesser occipital nerves or C2 and/or C3 nerve roots from degenerative cervical spine changes
• Cervical disc disease
• Tumors affecting the C2 and C3 nerve roots
• Gout
• Diabetes
• Blood vessel inflammation
• Infection

Symptoms of occipital neuralgia include continuous aching, burning and throbbing, with intermittent shocking or shooting pain that generally starts at the base of the head and goes to the scalp on one or both sides of the head. Patients often have pain behind the eye of the affected side of the head. Additionally, a movement as light as brushing hair may trigger pain. The pain is often described as migraine-like and some patients may also experience symptoms common to migraines and cluster headaches.

Occipital neuralgia can be very difficult to diagnose because of its similarities with migraines and other headache disorders. Therefore, it is important to seek medical care when you begin feeling unusual, sharp pain in the neck or scalp and the pain is not accompanied by nausea or light sensitivity. Begin by addressing the problem with your primary care physician. They may refer you to a specialist.

Diagnosis of occipital neuralgia is tricky, because there is not one concrete test that will reveal a positive or negative diagnosis. Typically, a physical examination and neurological exam will be done to look for abnormalities. If the physical and neurological exams are inconclusive, a doctor may order further imaging to rule out any other possible causes of the pain. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test may be ordered, which can show three-dimensional images of certain body structures and can reveal any impingement. A computed tomography scan (CT or CAT scan) will show the shape and size of body structures. Some doctors may use occipital nerve blocks to confirm their diagnosis.

Treatment of occipital neuralgia aims to alleviate the pain; however, it is not a cure. Interventions can be surgical or non-surgical.

• Heat: patients often feel relief when heating pads or devices are placed in the location of the pain. Such heating pads can be bought over-the-counter or online.
• Physical therapy or massage therapy.
• Oral Medication:
  • Anti-inflammatory medications;
  • Muscle relaxants; and
  • Anticonvulsant medications.
• Percutaneous nerve blocks: these injections can be used both to diagnose and treat occipital neuralgia.
• Botulinum Toxin (Botox) Injections: Botox injections can be used to decrease inflammation of the nerve

• Occipital Nerve Stimulation: This surgical treatment involves the placement of electrodes under the skin near the occipital nerves. The procedure works the same way as spinal cord stimulation and uses the same device. The procedure is minimally invasive and surrounding nerves and structures are not damaged by the stimulation. It is an off-label indication for an FDA-approved device.

• Spinal Cord Stimulation: this surgical treatment involves the placement of stimulating electrodes between the spinal cord and the vertebrae. The device produces electrical impulses to block pain messages from the spinal cord to the brain.
• C2,3 Ganglionectomy- This treatment involves the disruption of the second and third cervical sensory dorsal root ganglion. Acar et al (2008) studied the short-term and long-term effects of this procedure. The study found that 95% of patients had immediate relief with 60% maintaining relief past one year.

Patients are encouraged to regularly follow up with their primary care providers and specialists to maintain their treatment. Surgeons like patients to return to the clinic every few months in the year following the surgery. In these visits, they may adjust the stimulation settings and assess the patient’s recovery from surgery. Following up with a doctor ensures that the patient is getting correct and effective care. Patients who undergo occipital nerve stimulation will follow up with a device representative who will adjust their device settings and parameters as needed, alongside their doctors.

Currently Recruiting:

• Evaluation of Occipital Nerve Stimulation in Intractable Occipital Neuralgias
• Ultrasound Guided Platelet Rich Plasma Injections for Post Traumatic Greater Occipital Neuraliga
• A Comparison of Dexamethasone and Triamcinolone for Ultrasound-guided Occipital C2 Nerve Blocks
• A Prospective Controlled Treatment Trial for Post-Traumatic Headaches

Recently Published:

• Sweet, J. A., Mitchell, L. S., Narouze, S., Sharan, A. D., Falowski, S. M., Schwalb, J. M., … Pilitsis, J. G. (2015). Occipital Nerve Stimulation for the Treatment of Patients With Medically Refractory Occipital Neuralgia.  Neurosurgery, 77(3), 332–341. doi: 10.1227/neu.0000000000000872J This systematic review compiles treatment recommendations for the use of occipital nerve stimulation to treat occipital neuralgia. The review found various articles supporting these recommendaitons.
• Janjua, M. B., Reddy, S., Ahmadieh, T. Y. E., Ban, V. S., Ozturk, A. K., Hwang, S. W., … Arlet, V. (2020). Occipital neuralgia: A neurosurgical perspective. Journal of Clinical Neuroscience, 71, 263–270. doi: 10.1016/j.jocn.2019.08.102 This paper investigates the different causes of occipital neuralgia and surgical interventions that have aided in relieving pain. The paper also provides case examples for each cause and corresponding treatment. The paper found that the C2 nerve is the most common site for compression causing the pain. Treatments such as C2 neurectomy and/or ganglionectomy offer the most pain relief for patients.
• Texakalidis, P., Tora, M. S., Nagarajan, P. , Jr, O. P. K., & Boulis, N. (2019). High cervical spinal cord stimulation for occipital neuralgia: a case series and literature review. Journal of Pain Research, Volume 12, 2547–2553. doi: 10.2147/jpr.s214314P This study uses a literature review to support the author’s personal experiences treating occipital neuralgia with spinal cord sitmulation to show the efficacy of the treatment for this condition. The study found that high cervical spinal cord stimulation results in 40-50% success in patients with occipital neuralgia and thus, spinal cord stimulation may be considered as a treatment option.

• Amy’s Occipital Neuralgia Story
• Michael’s Story

Patient Pages are authored by neurosurgical professionals, with the goal of providing useful information to the public.

Julie G Pilitsis, MD, PhD, FAANS

Chair, Neuroscience & Experimental Therapeutics

Professor, Neurosurgery and Neuroscience & Experimental Therapeutics

Albany Medical College

Dr. Pilitsis specializes in neuromodulation with research interests in treatments for movement disorders and chronic pain.

Olga Khazen, BS

Research Coordinator

Neuroscience & Experimental Therapeutics

Albany Medical College

The AANS does not endorse any treatments, procedures, products or physicians referenced in these patient fact sheets. This information provided is an educational service and is not intended to serve as medical advice. Anyone seeking specific neurosurgical advice or assistance should consult his or her neurosurgeon, or locate one in your area through the AANS’ Find a Board-certified Neurosurgeon online tool.

Headaches, Ear Symptoms, and Neck Pain –

Headaches

• Headaches can be grouped into two varieties. Both types have similar origins and, as such, are probably variations on the same continuum.
  • Tension-type headaches (TTH)
  • Vascular headaches (VH), such as migraine and cluster headaches
• Headaches are commonly associated with TMD in a number of ways.
  • First, the headaches can be an extension or spread of the facial pain and not true headaches originating within the skull. This is Referred Pain.
  • Secondly, the headaches can be separate entities whose manifestation is related to the TMD pain. In this case, the headache’s variance should worsen and improve in unison with the variance in the TMD pain. In this scenario, the TTHs tend to occur on the sides of the head (temporal), but can be generalized or have a front to back or back to front pattern (occipital-frontal).
• TMD can be a trigger for the VH headaches or the headaches and TMD may share causative factors (co-morbidities), i.e. stress, pain, insomnia, etc. Successful treatment of the TMD problem should result in improvement or resolution of the headaches in both of these situations. In contrast, the headaches can represent a Separate Entity unrelated to the presence of TMD. In this case, the headache’s occurrence and variance are inconsistent with the presence and intensity of TMD pain. In this scenario, successful TMD treatment may have little impact on the headaches, and the headaches may require direct medicinal therapy, such as Midrin, Indocin (indomethacin), Topamax (topiramate), or Elavil (amitriptyline), among others.

Ear Symptoms

• Ear pain, tinnitus (ear ringing), and stuffiness (clogged sensation) are commonly associated TMD symptoms. In this country, most sufferers assume these symptoms are indicative of an ear problem and seek the services of an ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat Physician or Otolaryngologist).
• Sometimes these symptoms are manifestations of ear pathologies, however, for many or most adults, these symptoms signify a TMD problem. Part of the explanation resides in the close anatomical relationship of the ear canal to the jaw joint (TMJ). The ear canal resides at the back of the jaw joint. Hence, referred pain, as with headaches, is one explanation. In addition, there is tissue that communicates between the two structures that could account for the common manifestation of ear symptoms with TMD. TMD treatment commonly improves these symptoms, but complete resolution of all ear symptoms in all cases cannot be predicted.
• Dizziness can be a complaint associated with TMD, however, this symptom is less common than pain, tinnitus, and stuffiness.

Neck Pain

• Neck pain can represent Referred Pain, a Co-Morbidity, or a Separate Entity. As Referred Pain or as a Co-Morbidity, the neck pain and TMD symptoms should wax and wane in sync. If neck pain worsens with neck movement, the source of the pain is likely not related to TMD and resides in the cervical anatomy.
• Degenerative cervical changes are common, especially in an aging population. They are the most common separate source of neck pain, and in patients with arthritic TMJ problems, osteoarthritis of the neck would be normative.
• Because both neck pain and TMD are musculoskeletal problems, TMD therapy, especially medications and physical therapy, can also improve neck pain that is a separate entity.

Don’t suffer from pain. We can help you with the diagnosis and treatment of any jaw problems, facial nerve pain, snoring and sleep apnea.

To learn more about our services and what we can do for you, or to make an appointment, call us today!

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Pain in the neck – the causes of occurrence, in which diseases it occurs, diagnosis and methods of treatment

Arthritis

Hernia

Protrusion

Arthrosis

Trauma

Osteochondrosis

Myofascial syndrome

4924

09 June

Pain in the neck – the causes of occurrence, in which diseases it occurs, diagnosis and methods of treatment.

Almost two-thirds of people have experienced neck pain at least once in their lives – cervicalgia. Such pain does not always indicate a serious illness. But if relapses occur more and more often, this can be an alarming signal.

Varieties of pain

Conventionally, the causes of cervicalgia are divided into two groups:

1. arising from diseases of the spine (herniated discs, arthrosis, dysfunction of the intervertebral joints) and subluxation of the vertebrae (whiplash). The consequences of such injuries can manifest themselves throughout life;
2. arising from other causes: infectious and endocrine diseases, tumor processes, rheumatism.

Possible causes

Myofascial syndrome

Prolonged overstrain of the neck muscles, sprains, hypothermia lead to pain, which is characterized by moderate intensity and short duration. In this case, there is often a limitation of the mobility of the head and a spasm of the neck muscles, in which seals and pain are felt when pressed.

As a rule, pain in myofascial syndrome disappears on its own within a few days.

Cervical osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic lesion of the spine, which occurs as a result of deformation and destruction of the intervertebral discs. Loss of elasticity, compression and destruction of the discs lead to overload of the intervertebral (facet) joints, arthrosis, pinched nerve roots and pain. With age, due to the drying of cartilage, the distance between the vertebrae decreases, which causes damage to the intervertebral joints and ligaments.

Facet joint dysfunction

Damage to the structure of the intervertebral, or facet, joints is one of the most common causes of pain in the neck.

The thinning of cartilage on the articular surfaces leads to the appearance of bone growths – osteophytes. They narrow the lumen of the intervertebral foramina and compress the nerve endings. As a rule, this causes dull pain (gradually increasing, of low intensity), especially in the morning after sleeping in an uncomfortable position (on a high pillow, in the prone position). When moving, it increases, and at rest it weakens. The pain may radiate to the back of the head, ear, temple, or shoulder.

Herniated and protruded intervertebral discs

Compression of the intervertebral discs that have lost their elasticity leads to their protrusion (protrusion) into the spinal canal and the subsequent formation of a hernia.

As a result, compression of the spinal cord occurs, leading to a violation of the sensitivity of the hands (numbness, burning, weakness) and pain. Shooting (irregular, one-sided) pain is aggravated by tilting, rotating, or tilting the head back, so that the person instinctively tilts the head forward and in the direction opposite to the location of the pain.

Cervical myelopathy

Prolonged compression of the hernia of the spinal cord leads to a violation of the spinal circulation.

Painful sensations occur not only in the neck, but also give between the shoulder blades, to the shoulders. They increase with movement and do not stop even after taking painkillers. Characteristic signs are the appearance of goosebumps, numbness of the limbs, problems with fine motor skills. Dizziness, memory impairment, changes in gait are possible.

Whiplash

Whiplash injury of the cervical spine occurs in a person with a sharp bending of the neck forward or backward, followed by recoil in the opposite direction. This type of damage most often occurs in an accident. In this case, stretching and damage to muscles, ligaments, intervertebral discs and cervical vertebrae occur. In the most severe cases, dislocations and fractures of the cervical vertebrae occur.

The consequences of an injury can be pain in the cervical region and shoulders, migraines, spasms of the muscles of the neck, impaired mobility.

Associated symptoms include blurred vision, fatigue, and headaches.

Neck pain due to muscular-tonic syndromes

Muscle tonic syndrome is a condition that is caused by prolonged spasm of several muscle groups in the head, neck, and chest. Compression of the neurovascular bundles leads to pulling, sometimes severe pain. In particular, the syndrome of the scalene muscle is a symptom complex in which the innervation and blood supply of the scalene muscles of the neck, going from the cervical vertebrae to the first and second ribs, are disturbed. This syndrome is characterized by pain and stiffness in the neck, more often in the morning, a certain position of the head (the head is tilted forward and slightly towards the tense muscle). The pain can be mild, aching, but sometimes sharp, aggravated at night, with a deep breath, when the head is tilted to the healthy side. Sometimes pain is transmitted to the shoulders, to the axillary and interscapular regions, to the anterior chest.

Neck pain from other causes

Constant and prolonged pain in the neck can be caused not only by diseases of the spine.

First of all, infectious diseases should be excluded, in particular, nonspecific or tuberculous spondylitis, epidural abscess. Persistent pain that worsens rather than improves at rest may be a sign of vertebral metastasis. These symptoms are accompanied by fever, general weakness, sweating. When pressing on the spinous processes, local pain occurs.

Damage to the spine is also possible with rheumatoid arthritis. As a rule, at an early stage of the disease, pain occurs in the neck, neck and head. The pain may radiate to the forehead and eye sockets, aggravated by bending and turning the head. Loss of sensation in the neck and arms.

Diagnostics and examinations

First of all, the doctor pays attention to the clinical symptoms: the localization and distribution of pain, impaired sensitivity in the neck, shoulders, arms, decreased reflexes, general condition, the nature of the pain (increased by movement or at rest).

The doctor may prescribe:

• complete blood count

Blood test. Complete blood count (without leukocyte formula and ESR) (Complete Blood Count, CBC)

Synonyms: UAC. CBC without differential.

Brief description of the study Complete blood count

Blood consists of a liquid part (plasma) and cellular, shaped elements…

Up to 1 business day

Available with home visit

390 RUB

Add to cart

blood chemistry: minimal profile

Up to 1 business day

Available with home visit

3 990 rub

Add to cart

urinalysis (urinalysis with sediment microscopy)

Method of determination

Determination of physical and chemical parameters is carried out on an automatic analyzer using the “dry chemistry” method.

Hardware microscope…

Up to 1 business day

Available with home visit

410 RUB

Add to cart

C-reactive protein (CRP, CRP)

C-reactive protein is an acute phase protein, a sensitive indicator of tissue damage during inflammation, necrosis, trauma.
Synonyms: Blood test for CRP; C-jet …

Up to 1 business day

Available with home visit

665 RUB

Add to cart

To clarify the diagnosis, the doctor will need the results of computed and magnetic resonance imaging

Which doctors should I contact?

If you experience pain in the cervical region, first of all, you need to visit:

• therapist;
• neurologist;
• oncologist (at the conclusion of the therapist).

What should be done when pain occurs?

The Shants collar will help relieve pain and relieve tension in the cervical region.

It unloads and relaxes the muscles, reduces the pressure of the vertebrae on each other, helps restore normal blood circulation in the cervical spine.

Treatment

Conservative and surgical methods are used to treat patients with neck pain.

Conservative methods include drug and non-drug therapies.

Non-drug treatment, in particular, therapeutic exercises, ensures the restoration of the correct muscle balance, relaxation of overstrained muscles. Favorable influence is provided by methods of orthopedic treatment, manual and physiotherapy.

Only specialists can perform traction and massage.

Drug therapy is primarily aimed at eliminating pain. For example, blockades with local anesthetics reduce the intensity of pain. Most of the drugs used to treat neck pain are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as diclofenac. Also, in combination with anti-inflammatory drugs, the doctor may prescribe muscle relaxants – drugs whose action is aimed at relieving muscle spasms and reducing the tone of skeletal muscles.

With symptoms of compression of the nerve endings and spinal cord (sensory and motor disorders, paralysis), surgical treatment is indicated. The doctor assesses the benefits and risks of such operations individually. An alternative to surgical interventions on the spine in some cases are percutaneous high-frequency denervation of the facet joints and percutaneous laser vaporization of a herniated disc, which are minimally invasive neurosurgical procedures.

Sources:

1. Clinical guidelines “Rheumatoid arthritis”. Developed by: Association of Rheumatologists of Russia, LLC “Russian Rheumatological Association “Nadezhda””. – 2021.
2. Clinical guidelines “Neuromuscular scoliosis”. Developed by: Association of Traumatologists and Orthopedists of Russia, Russian Association of Spine Surgeons. – 2021.

IMPORTANT!

The information in this section should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. In case of pain or other exacerbation of the disease, only the attending physician should prescribe diagnostic tests. For diagnosis and proper treatment, you should contact your doctor.
For a correct assessment of the results of your analyzes in dynamics, it is preferable to do studies in the same laboratory, since different laboratories can use different research methods and units of measurement to perform the same analyzes.

Ear pain in cervical osteochondrosis: causes and treatment

People diagnosed with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine have a rather difficult life: almost every day they are forced to experience pain of varying degrees of intensity, which prevent them from leading a full, active life. But even such a difficult situation can worsen even more – very often several more join one disease. So, for example, a sudden pain in the ear with osteochondrosis of the cervical region can be taken by surprise. This sensation is characterized as extremely unpleasant, and its intensity often becomes unbearable.

What should you know?

Can the ear hurt with cervical osteochondrosis, or is this symptom not associated with the underlying disease, but indicates the presence of another pathology in the body? You can only get an answer to this question after a certain amount of time has passed. If the pain does not subside even after the instillation of drugs into the auricle, is long-term or cyclical, then appearing, then fading again, most likely, it stems from your main ailment. In other cases, we can talk about otitis media, SARS, infections and other conditions associated with the ingress of pathogens into the ear.

Causes of pain

Can the ear hurt from cervical osteochondrosis for no reason? Medical experts answer this question in the negative. There is always some kind of trigger – a push that provoked the occurrence of an unpleasant symptom.

Unhealthy food

Do not be surprised if the pain in the ear area appeared due to the fact that you neglected the advice of your doctor and ate generally unhealthy food. Neurologists give their patients recommendations on proper nutrition for a reason – it is this that is the main regulator of our well-being. If ear pain occurs with osteochondrosis of the cervical region, first of all, review your diet. Let the percentage of fresh vegetables and fruits, cereals and legumes, clean drinking water increase in it.

Overweight

In overweight patients, over time, a large number of diseases associated with excess adipose tissue in their body may appear. This is due to metabolic disorders and, as a result, to malfunctions in the work of various organs. In this case, dietary nutrition and moderate physical activity will come to the rescue, which will help eliminate extra pounds and normalize well-being.

Sedentary and unhealthy lifestyle

Even the absence of excess weight is not a reason for abandoning physical culture or sports. Ear pain in cervical osteochondrosis is sometimes diagnosed in slender people who, to the detriment of their health, spend a lot of time in front of a computer screen. Try to get out to the gym, run in the morning, swim in the pool, and if there is not enough time at all, at least walk one stop to the house at the end of the working day. Smoking and alcohol abuse cause not only the aggravation of osteochondrosis, but also other, much more severe and difficult to treat conditions. Doctors recommend that smokers gradually reduce the number of cigarettes they smoke during the day, try to compensate for the addiction with the previously mentioned physical exercises. Also reconsider your attitude to the use of alcoholic beverages, do not get carried away with their use during the week. If it is difficult to give up alcohol for good, then allow yourself no more than 1-2 glasses of really good wine on a day off.

Subcooling

Ear pain that occurs with osteochondrosis of the cervical region can be caused by banal hypothermia of the head. In this case, congestion or tinnitus is often also observed, and the sensations are extremely unpleasant (shoots in the ear, as the people say). Getting rid of the symptoms is quite simple – with intense pain, you can take paracetamol or ibuprofen, and drip an aqueous solution of furacilin, preheated to a comfortable temperature, into your ear. Going to the doctor is a must!

Neck injuries

Fractures, cracks in the bones and joints, damage to the soft tissues of the neck as a result of bruises or muscle sprains explain the fact that your ear begins to hurt from cervical osteochondrosis. If an injury is suspected, it is imperative to see a surgeon , who will refer you for an X-ray and prescribe appropriate therapy.

Age changes

Over time, all metabolic processes in the body gradually slow down, a person begins to experience various kinds of ailments – this is a normal physiological process. The leaching of calcium from the bones, as well as collagen and elastin from the muscles, entails all sorts of pathologies. An elderly patient may complain of hearing loss (hearing loss), a condition in which it lays in the ear, and so on.

How does your ear hurt?

Symptoms can be of the most diverse nature: most often it is acute pain or congestion. Be sure to tell the doctor about the type of sensations experienced – this will help with the correct diagnosis.

Diagnosis

In the clinic “Energo” you are promptly diagnosed with the disease that caused the onset of frightening symptoms. The otolaryngologist will collect an anamnesis, conduct a careful visual, manual and instrumental examination, if necessary, refer you for additional examinations and, of course, prescribe an adequate treatment for the situation. Patients can make an appointment at any convenient day. The phone number for communication with the operator is indicated on the website in the “Contacts” section.

Therapeutic procedures and methods of prevention

Depending on the diagnosis, our otolaryngologist will recommend certain procedures as an important addition to the treatment of ear pain in cervical osteochondrosis. For example, a doctor may advise physiotherapy (most often warming up), manual therapy, which is aimed at reducing pain directly in the neck. Among the methods of alternative medicine, acupuncture stands out. Any disease is always easier to prevent in time than to treat, so avoid hypothermia, watch your diet, pay enough attention to rest and sports. And, of course, do not let the situation take its course if you have already found the first warning symptoms in yourself.

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