HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes Stiffness In Neck Along With Back Pain?

default
Posted on Fri, 23 Jan 2015
Question: I'm in fear that I have a brain anurism I have stiff neck and bback it hurts when I touch my head .it aches in different areas
doctor
Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Certainly not an aneurism. Substances and anxiety likely cause.

Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern. I also read a couple of queries you had made mentioning the relation of these symptoms with your experience with cannabis (marijuana), codeine and alcohol.

First of all let me say that you certainly have no brain aneurism. An aneurism doesn't cause any of the symptoms you mention. Actually aneurisms don't cause any symptoms until they rupture producing a brain hemorrhage which is a life-threatening event, with many neurological symptoms you don't have, so it's out of discussion.

I think these subjective sensations you are experiencing represent no threatening condition. I believe it's not one single reason, rather a mix of everything, you came into contact at the same period with several substances with neurological effects due to their altering your neurotransmitter balance. Apart from codein withdrawal effects already mentioned by my colleagues, I wouldn't rule cannabis out as well as it is known to manifest in some people hallucinogenic effects (which include these abnormal tingling and burning sensations). Usually they evaporate quickly but can last for several days at times. Also along with the other substances it would trigger anxiety which in turn exacerbates the symptoms itself.
Your headache looks like typical tension type headache which is a primary headache (primary meaning no identifiable cause), very common, triggered and exacerbated by stress and anxiety.
So as I said I think it's a mixture of things which have caused this avalanche chain reaction, but gradually normal balance will be restored don't be afraid. What you have to do is relax and control your anxiety, if you find it difficult to do it by yourself you can be prescribed a benzodiazepine drug (like alprazolam which my colleague recommended), but only for a couple of weeks, do not use it for longer periods of time cause it could cause dependance, tolerance and side effects. You shouldn't need it any longer anyway.
You can also use over the counter painkillers like Ibuprofen for headache.

I hope to have been of help.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Olsi Taka (1 hour later)
I touch my head it hurts or the pain goes in the front where my eyes are or my jaw bone
doctor
Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Not worrying, typical for tension type headache.

Detailed Answer:
I understand that might seem frightening to you but actually it indicates there is no neurological brain lesion as they are not affected by pressure on the head.
Meanwhile tension type headache often has that feature due to scalp muscle tension.
I remain at your disposal for further questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Olsi Taka (3 hours later)
My scalp has sharp pains its like it travels everywhere including my neck and ears
doctor
Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Try to relax, it's nothing serious.

Detailed Answer:
I am sorry about the anguish you seem to be experiencing.

As I said before though scalp pain is not related to any brain lesion, while scary to you it reinforces my medical opinion, it's an issue of anxiety with tension type headache.
So please try relaxation techniques, over the counter pain treatment like Ibuprofen with a short course of benzodiazepines after consulting a doctor as I suggested before.

I am sure things will work out for the best.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Olsi Taka (1 hour later)
It feels as if the ache is crawling in my scalp then to my ear that wouldn't he head lice right
doctor
Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (9 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
No, not head lice.

Detailed Answer:

No, head lice is not the case. Lice's main manifestation is pruritus (itching), it doesn't cause any pain.
Furthermore it doesn't relate to other symptoms you described earlier (eyes, jaws, tenderness on pressure).

I would be happy to answer any additional question. If/when you have no more questions please close the query and rate it as you see fit.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Olsi Taka (1 hour later)
So why does it have a crawling sensation
doctor
Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (39 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Anxiety, muscle tension, substance abuse

Detailed Answer:
All of the factors I previously mentioned can cause that feeling, anxiety, muscle tension and use of the substances (though less likely the more time passes), all of those are related to subjective abnormal sensations like the ones you are experiencing.
I am not saying that lice or allergies don't ever cause abnormal sensations as well, but in medicine phenomena must be seen in their complexity, in relation to other symptoms, not isolated.
In your case both the appearance after the contact with cannabis, alcohol, codeine as well as other symptoms like pain, its distribution, tenderness on pressure, the whole picture really indicates anxiety and tension as the main culprit for your symptoms.

Wishing you good health.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Olsi Taka (4 hours later)
Do you think I should see a neurologist
doctor
Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Not for the moment.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

If you mean it in the sense of investigating for a brain lesion, no, I don't think it is necessary as I don't think you have any such issue.
If on the other hand you are finding it difficult to cope with the anxiety caused by this issue, and some anti anxiety medication is needed, you might need to see a doctor. It could serve also for you to be assured in person.
What specialty I guess depends also on easiness of access where you leave, a general practitioner could be enough. When it comes to anxiety, while us neurologists are well equipped to handle them maybe an equally good choice could be also a psychiatrist.

I wish you'll feel well very soon.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Olsi Taka

Neurologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 3673 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes Stiffness In Neck Along With Back Pain?

Brief Answer: Certainly not an aneurism. Substances and anxiety likely cause. Detailed Answer: I read your question carefully and I understand your concern. I also read a couple of queries you had made mentioning the relation of these symptoms with your experience with cannabis (marijuana), codeine and alcohol. First of all let me say that you certainly have no brain aneurism. An aneurism doesn't cause any of the symptoms you mention. Actually aneurisms don't cause any symptoms until they rupture producing a brain hemorrhage which is a life-threatening event, with many neurological symptoms you don't have, so it's out of discussion. I think these subjective sensations you are experiencing represent no threatening condition. I believe it's not one single reason, rather a mix of everything, you came into contact at the same period with several substances with neurological effects due to their altering your neurotransmitter balance. Apart from codein withdrawal effects already mentioned by my colleagues, I wouldn't rule cannabis out as well as it is known to manifest in some people hallucinogenic effects (which include these abnormal tingling and burning sensations). Usually they evaporate quickly but can last for several days at times. Also along with the other substances it would trigger anxiety which in turn exacerbates the symptoms itself. Your headache looks like typical tension type headache which is a primary headache (primary meaning no identifiable cause), very common, triggered and exacerbated by stress and anxiety. So as I said I think it's a mixture of things which have caused this avalanche chain reaction, but gradually normal balance will be restored don't be afraid. What you have to do is relax and control your anxiety, if you find it difficult to do it by yourself you can be prescribed a benzodiazepine drug (like alprazolam which my colleague recommended), but only for a couple of weeks, do not use it for longer periods of time cause it could cause dependance, tolerance and side effects. You shouldn't need it any longer anyway. You can also use over the counter painkillers like Ibuprofen for headache. I hope to have been of help.