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Why would slight pressure on my neck cause a headache?

Posted , 6 users are following.

AndrewC1
AndrewC1

Hi all,

I hope you can help me identify the cause of my headaches, which are increasing in severity.

If external pressure is applied to either side of my neck or carotid arteries, such as from a shirt collar, I immediately develop discomfort and pain, which leads to a frontal headache. I first noticed the symptoms 16 months ago, when I found I could no longer wear a necktie for the entire workday without developing a headache.

After several months, I could no longer wear a tie at all. Now, I cannot button the top two buttons of dress shirts, and even some loose T-shirts cause pain. At my current rate of decline, I may soon have constant pain in the absence of external pressure.

My doctors are at a loss. I am an otherwise healthy man in my mid-forties.  I have had a battery of tests, including CT scans, MRIs, and MRAs of my head and neck.  They have been normal except for the presence of mild fibromyalgia dysplasia (FMD) in my internal carotid arteries.  (The FMD is located inside my cranium, above my neck, and is not causing stenosis.  My doctors do not think it is causing my symptoms.)

I would greatly appreciate any help or ideas.

Many thanks,

Andrew

1 like, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • ms37466
    ms37466 AndrewC1

    Posted

    I've never heard of FMD. I'm sorry for your pain. I've learned that all of my symptoms, including my light sensitivity, are symptoms of my Chiari 1 malformation, so I've stopped looking for answers because it is just stressing me out. Focus on relaxing and taking care of it.
  • Shelly0069
    Shelly0069 AndrewC1

    Posted

    Hi Andrew,

    if I were you I'd re-post this to the Fibromyalgia section u will probably get more detailed answers.

    i suffer with neck and shoulder pain which lead to awful migranes and now get sinus...ear ache...sore throat.....all E.N.T problems

    But I have not heard of this problem before!!!!!

    Sorry

  • DizzyL
    DizzyL AndrewC1

    Posted

    The FMDSA website says that it does cause headaches. You need to find out how bad yours are affected and get treatment. Maybe you need to get a second opinion on your treatment?
  • Hollyberry
    Hollyberry AndrewC1

    Posted

    I'D had migraines for about 40 years, so when I went to my GP it was "just a different type of migraine". I was sent to hospital twice when I called the 111 service ( in the UK) 7 drs saw me, no real ideas. On a scale of 1-10 of worst headaches I'd had in my life, these were 20! I had never known such pain. 

    In in desperation I went to a chiropractor, recommended by a friend. Within seconds she diagnosed the exact problem. Very top of my spine was rotating slightly and then locking, trapping the muscles, nerves and blood vessels. 

    Manipulation on and dry needling helped. I also swim on my back 3 times a week, arms at my sides in a " snow angel" action. Might look stupid but it's worked.

    however , I only have to fall asleep on an extra pillow and I wake in pain. I have to make sure I sleep on an orthopaedic type pillow, memory foam with a ridge along each long edge. 

    So so the slightest misalignment in your neck can cause horrendous pain. I would not have believed a headache could be that bad, and I don't call a dr or the emergency number lightly.

    As you've had so many clear tests, that is reassuring and it might be worth a consultation with a chiropractor. 

  • AndrewC1
    AndrewC1

    Posted

    Hi all,

    I wanted to share that after many months, many specialists, and many attempted treatments, I have finally found relief for my neck pain and headaches.  It turns out that the root cause appears to be muscle tightness in my neck and shoulder,   I started taking a muscle relaxant (cyclobenzaprine or Flexeril), and my symptoms started to improve within a few days.  Physical therapy and strectching exercises appear to be helping as well. 

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