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What Causes Extreme Neck Pain Near Skull Base?
Question: Hi
I've had extreme pain in the back of my neck (occipitals) near the base of my skull for 3 weeks with little relief!
My range of motion is not completely limited, but the discomfort is off the charts.
I feels as if someone is pulling down set of back of the neck muscles as hard as they can - making the back of my upper neck feel as if it's tighter than a drum.
I've used hours of heat bags and some muscle relaxants, but I don't get much relief from either.
Please please Help
Thanks
XXXX
I've had extreme pain in the back of my neck (occipitals) near the base of my skull for 3 weeks with little relief!
My range of motion is not completely limited, but the discomfort is off the charts.
I feels as if someone is pulling down set of back of the neck muscles as hard as they can - making the back of my upper neck feel as if it's tighter than a drum.
I've used hours of heat bags and some muscle relaxants, but I don't get much relief from either.
Please please Help
Thanks
XXXX
Brief Answer:
Cervical traction may help; need x-ray of cervical
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for posting
I have studied your case carefully; it seems to be much more than routine neck stiffness, so please tell me-
1. Do you have any pain, numbness, tingling sensation along with weakness in upper limb
2. X-ray report of cervical spine. If not, then you may get it done please-ray in open mouth view position.
3. How it started?
It could be mild dislocation/bony pathology at base of neck.Meanwhile, I would like to treat you with cervical collar, and Baclofen along with tramadol/paracetamol (preferred medicines) .Cervical traction is a good option you may discuss with your treating physiotherapist/doctor.
Hope this information suffices and I shall be glad to answer any further query.
Take care
Regards
Dr.chugh, Orthopaedic surgeon
Virtual clinic http://bit.ly/drmchugh
Cervical traction may help; need x-ray of cervical
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for posting
I have studied your case carefully; it seems to be much more than routine neck stiffness, so please tell me-
1. Do you have any pain, numbness, tingling sensation along with weakness in upper limb
2. X-ray report of cervical spine. If not, then you may get it done please-ray in open mouth view position.
3. How it started?
It could be mild dislocation/bony pathology at base of neck.Meanwhile, I would like to treat you with cervical collar, and Baclofen along with tramadol/paracetamol (preferred medicines) .Cervical traction is a good option you may discuss with your treating physiotherapist/doctor.
Hope this information suffices and I shall be glad to answer any further query.
Take care
Regards
Dr.chugh, Orthopaedic surgeon
Virtual clinic http://bit.ly/drmchugh
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Dr. Mukesh Chugh
Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement
Practicing since :1997
Answered : 1619 Questions
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