Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Pain In The Back Of Neck And At Base Of Skull?
Question: Yesterday, I had major pain in the back of my neck and at the base of the skull. I had no other symptoms. I was able to sleep comfortably during the night. I have only slight pain right now -- but it started yesterday with slight pain and it became quite uncomfotable as the day progressed. Could this be a pinched nerve? Should I go to the ER?
Brief Answer:
Cervical spondylosis, Migraine
Detailed Answer:
Hi there.
Welcome to Healthcare Magic.
I have read your query and understood your problem.
Do you feel the neck pain radiating to your shoulder or arms ?
Do you have headache, sensitivity to light or louor noise ?
According to the history you have provided, it is possible that you could have a pinched nerve due to Cervical spondylosis, muscle spasm due to other conditions, Migraine headache or other vascular headaches,
Usually pinched nerve occurs when the intervertebral disc prolapses and causes compression of the nerves going to your neck and arms. This results in pain at the back of the neck which can radiate to the shoulders and arms and can cause tingling sensation in these areas, sometimes associated with weakness of the muscles of your palm or shoulders.
Usually it can occur due to bad neck posture, excessive forward bending, prolonged working in front of the computer, trauma, infections etc.
Firstly, avoid bending your neck forwards during the day or night. The head must be at level with the shoulders.
Avoid working long hours,smoking, drinking alcohol, bright lights, loud noise, pollution.
You can use a soft cervical collar to provide you relief at the moment. You can apply pain killer gels over the affected area and can take over the counter Paracetamol tablets for pain relief to you see your Doctor.
It is advisable to consult your Doctor to examine you properly and perform necessary investigations to find the cause of your pain and manage the condition appropriately.
I hope I have answered your query.
Thanking you.
Regards,
Dr. Aashish Raghu
Cervical spondylosis, Migraine
Detailed Answer:
Hi there.
Welcome to Healthcare Magic.
I have read your query and understood your problem.
Do you feel the neck pain radiating to your shoulder or arms ?
Do you have headache, sensitivity to light or louor noise ?
According to the history you have provided, it is possible that you could have a pinched nerve due to Cervical spondylosis, muscle spasm due to other conditions, Migraine headache or other vascular headaches,
Usually pinched nerve occurs when the intervertebral disc prolapses and causes compression of the nerves going to your neck and arms. This results in pain at the back of the neck which can radiate to the shoulders and arms and can cause tingling sensation in these areas, sometimes associated with weakness of the muscles of your palm or shoulders.
Usually it can occur due to bad neck posture, excessive forward bending, prolonged working in front of the computer, trauma, infections etc.
Firstly, avoid bending your neck forwards during the day or night. The head must be at level with the shoulders.
Avoid working long hours,smoking, drinking alcohol, bright lights, loud noise, pollution.
You can use a soft cervical collar to provide you relief at the moment. You can apply pain killer gels over the affected area and can take over the counter Paracetamol tablets for pain relief to you see your Doctor.
It is advisable to consult your Doctor to examine you properly and perform necessary investigations to find the cause of your pain and manage the condition appropriately.
I hope I have answered your query.
Thanking you.
Regards,
Dr. Aashish Raghu
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
