Brief Answer:
I wouldn't expect X-ray to show anything for this type of problem

Detailed Answer:
Hello again.....Again, from our last conversation to me it sounds as if things are on the mend. I'm not sure what the actual cause to this episode was if you've never had anything like this before.

I suppose it could've also been a simple occipitally based headache of some type but probably a CT or MRI of the neck is still in order if this doesn't resolve completely within a few more weeks time. I don't think you really want to go through an EMG for something like this unless neurological examination reveals clear deficits of motor control in any of the following muscles: Anterior & Lateralis Rectus Capitis; Omohyoid; Sternohyoid; Sternothyroid; Longus Capitis; Longus Colli---in other words, I am assuming that the nerve compromised is a branch of C2 by your description of where the pain/pressure is located.

If the neurologist cannot detect any weakness in the muscles I've listed and if they are in agreement that this is even a nerve root type of problem then, you've pinched the sensory portion of the nerve. However, an electrical study such as an EMG or Nerve Conduction Velocity is invasive, costly, and not comfortable. Furthermore, it's not a greatly sensitive test to use when there is no muscle weakness to describe. In other words, you may find people willing to do these studies strictly on patients that complain of pain but they more often times than not come up negative. That means the electrical, in my opinion, is not likely to help localize or tell you anything more about PAIN than you already knew before doing the test. Plus you get to experience and deal with even MORE PAIN when they stick you with at least another 10-15 needles and shock you 6-8 times with electrodes just to tell you the test is negative.

I would not do it to anybody who was a friend or family member of mine. I would simply tell them to take some mild neuropathic type of pain medication such as gabapentin or pregabalin, do some exercises, and check back with me in a few weeks.

I can assure you that your nerve or muscle did not "evert" or jump out of its place suddenly causing the pain. That simply cannot happen from an anatomical point of view. I suppose it could be a muscle strain and you've got the list of possible muscles that could've been affected. Joint? Doubtful in my opinion although a CT scan of the cervical spine will settle that question.

And yes, I believe tincture of time is all you really need but if medication were something you desired then, I would consider nothing more aggressive than Motrin, Naprosyn, or possibly gabapentin or pregabalin though personally (if it were me) I'd probably only take Tylenol....I hate pills for myself....I prescribe them for others...but hate them for myself! LOL.

I hope these answers satisfactorily address your questions. My appreciation by the way for your very gracious comments on the last thread. I hope these answers are as helpful and provide you with some information of use if you end up seeing the neurologist.

I know you have the web address but I'll provide again so it's readily available in case you wish to

bit.ly/drdariushsaghafi

Do let me know what shakes out but my impression is that things will continue to improve...how quickly is the variable I can't answer....but you'll be fine. Please keep me informed as to the outcome of your situation.

The query has required a total of 27 minutes of physician specific time to read, research, and compile a return envoy to the patient.

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