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Throbbing Headache After Sitting, Neck Problem. Quit Taking Naproxen. What Is Causing Headaches?
Question: For two weeks now I have been getting a dull throbbing headache every time I sit down. If I am up and moving around I feel fine, then sit down and after a few minutes feel a headache coming on in the back part of my head. Been to the Dr. 3 times and they believe it is stemming from a problem with my neck...been on 500 mg. Naproxen and muscle relaxers which I quit taking because it made me feel too sedated...but the headaches are still around... I sleep fine and for the most part feel fine except for when I am sitting...not sure who to turn to next to figure out what is causing the headaches...thanks for your help!
Hello
Thank you for sending your question.
Your question is a good one and I will work on providing you with some information and recommendations regarding the problems you are experiencing.
From the descriptions provided to me it looks like you are experiencing headaches due to compression of occipital nerves at the nape of the neck and is called as occipital neuralgia. Other possibilities to be considered are vascular headache like migraine and cervical spine disease.
Occipital neuralgia is a medical condition characterized by chronic pain in the upper neck, back of the head and behind the eyes. These areas correspond to the locations of the lesser and greater occipital nerves.
My recommendation would be for you to see your Neurologist for a good physical examination and consultation. Medications like Amitryptylline and topiramate would be of benefit to you if your headache is disabling.
I thank you again for submitting your question. I hope you find my response to be both helpful and adequate.
If you have any additional concerns regarding your question I would be happy to address them.
Sincerely,
Dr Shiva Kumar R
Consultant Neurologist & Epileptologist.
Thank you for sending your question.
Your question is a good one and I will work on providing you with some information and recommendations regarding the problems you are experiencing.
From the descriptions provided to me it looks like you are experiencing headaches due to compression of occipital nerves at the nape of the neck and is called as occipital neuralgia. Other possibilities to be considered are vascular headache like migraine and cervical spine disease.
Occipital neuralgia is a medical condition characterized by chronic pain in the upper neck, back of the head and behind the eyes. These areas correspond to the locations of the lesser and greater occipital nerves.
My recommendation would be for you to see your Neurologist for a good physical examination and consultation. Medications like Amitryptylline and topiramate would be of benefit to you if your headache is disabling.
I thank you again for submitting your question. I hope you find my response to be both helpful and adequate.
If you have any additional concerns regarding your question I would be happy to address them.
Sincerely,
Dr Shiva Kumar R
Consultant Neurologist & Epileptologist.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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