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What Causes Pain At The Base Of The Skull?

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Posted on Thu, 18 Sep 2014
Question: HI,

For some time now I have experienced pain at the base of my skull. When touching it, it almost feels like knots.

I am always asking my fiance to massage my eck and always feel like I need to rub my neck. I often hear a 'pop' sound when I take a deep breath or apply pressure just under the skull/shoulders and breathe in.

I have seen a physio and had an Xray who ensured there is no misalignment and nothing funny appeared.

I do have a desk job and have been told that it is possibly due to my posture and from sitting with my head forward off my shoulders.

I am leaving my desk job soon, so am hoping this will improve but would love any feedback.

If I turn my head to the left/right and feel around beside my spine it feels lumpy, but am thinking this is just muscles.

Any advice is appreciated.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (16 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
This could be cervical spondylitis

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have studied your case and I believe you are probably having cervical spondylitis. This is a disease which is common in person who keep their neck in same position for long time like Desk job.
As you have said that your x ray is normal so it is in very early stage . In my patients with early cervical spondylitis I have following suggestions.
1. Avoid using very high pillow, avoid working for long hours on laptop,TV .
2. Meet a physiotherapist and start neck muscle strengthening exercises and intermittent traction .
3. Wear soft cervical collar during your work.
4. Take muscle relaxant like Myoril or Myospaz.
5. Voletran ointment is also helpful along with hot water fomentation.
I hope these measures will help you in pain relieving. Let me know if there is any other followup question is there.
Thanks
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma

Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 4486 Questions

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What Causes Pain At The Base Of The Skull?

Brief Answer: This could be cervical spondylitis Detailed Answer: Hello, I have studied your case and I believe you are probably having cervical spondylitis. This is a disease which is common in person who keep their neck in same position for long time like Desk job. As you have said that your x ray is normal so it is in very early stage . In my patients with early cervical spondylitis I have following suggestions. 1. Avoid using very high pillow, avoid working for long hours on laptop,TV . 2. Meet a physiotherapist and start neck muscle strengthening exercises and intermittent traction . 3. Wear soft cervical collar during your work. 4. Take muscle relaxant like Myoril or Myospaz. 5. Voletran ointment is also helpful along with hot water fomentation. I hope these measures will help you in pain relieving. Let me know if there is any other followup question is there. Thanks