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What Causes Severe Headache, Pain And Stiffness In Neck And Shoulders With Osteoarthritis?

Posted on Fri, 6 May 2016

Question: On Thursday, I started with some stomach problems- pain, and a feeling of being very hungry- needing to eat right away. By Friday, pain started decreasing, and started to have a severe headache all over head, and pain and stiffness in neck and shoulders. Today, stomach seems OK, but headache and neck pain continue. Temperature is very low- slightly below 97. I tried Tylenol and this didn't help. I already have severe osteoarthritis.

Answered by Dr. Dr. BR Hudda (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Get an X Ray cervical spine done and check your blood pressure

Detailed Answer:
Hello ma'am;
Welcome to HCM.
I have read your query and understand your concern.

Pain in stomach which subsided on taking food might be related to gastritis or stomach ulcer due to stomach hyperacidity.

Headache with neck stiffness might be related to number of conditions like
1.Cervical spondylitis
2.High blood pressure
3.muscle spasms

Here, I would like further information to guide you better
have you checked your blood pressure?
are you having giddiness or uneasiness?
relevant medical history like diabetes or any other disease

In my opinion you should go for X Ray cervical spine and visit nearest emergency room for checking of blood pressure.

You shouldn't take Tylenol alone, it may stomach hyperacidity so take it after food or with antacids .
physiotherapy and hot fomentation will relive your muscle related issues.

Hope I could answer your question, please write back to me with these details so that I will be able to tell you more precisely.
waiting for your reply.
Best wishes

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Deepak

Follow up: Dr. Dr. BR Hudda (9 hours later)

This morning on awakening, my headache is completely gone, and my neck is down to my ordinary arthritic pain. I have had cervical CAT scans and MRIs, and I do have arthritic problems. But the pain I was experiencing seemed more related to the headache which encompassed my entire head, and even around my eyes.
Instead, this morning, it's my stomach which is acting up. I have some pain, and severe indigestion- worse than I've ever experienced. I've taken some Tums. I'm also a bit light headed- which often happens when I have a stomach problem.
I took my blood pressure with a home BP monitor. At first, it was very high. But after an hour it went down to where it usually is- 121 over 73. I'll keep monitoring it.
I did look up gastritis, and I'll try to stick to the foods they suggest.
One question I have is whether this could have been caused by Percocet.
This has been the only medication that helps me, and not being able to take it is quite frightening. I live with a great deal of pain.
Also, it does appear that my stomach, head, and neck symptoms all came at the same time. Could they be related?

Answered by Dr. Dr. BR Hudda (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Percocet may cause hyperacidity and gastritis

Detailed Answer:
Hello
welcome again
Morning headache might be related to High blood pressure or cervical muscle spasm, I would advise you to check it regularly, if it fluctuates to be on higher side than you must take anti hypertensive drug.
I would suggest you to go for eye check up, blood test like blood sugar and lipid profile as well.

Percocet contains acetaminophen and oxycodone which may cause hyperacidity in stomach and gastritis.
so I would advise you to take these medicines after food or you can take antacids.

You should practice yoga, meditation and relaxation exercises which will definitely help you.

Hope I could answer your question, please do let me know if you have any more queries.
Best wishes

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Naveen Kumar