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What Causes Neck Pain And Pain Behind The Head To The Left Radiating Towards The Top Every Morning?

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Posted on Thu, 6 Dec 2018
Question: Morning headaches. Not severe, don't wake me up. I just wake up with them and it generally goes away once up. I noticed that if I change position in bed, I also get relief.
I felt like a very localized snap in the back of my neck as few weeks ago, it felt like a disc slipped out. THAT woke me up!! the pain in my neck remained for the following 2 days.
chronic neck and upper back pain as well as anxiety.
Getting MRI for neck.


doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:

Possible conditions listed below. Get a brain MRI done.

Detailed Answer:

Hello!

I have read your question and understand your concerns.

Since you refer improvement after changing position, these types of headaches (especially if localized at the back of the head) may be caused by pinched nerves (upper cervical nerves).

Other conditions to consider also may be intracranial hypotension, lesions in the ventricular system, high blood pressure.

Since you are going for an MRI of your neck, I suggest you get a brain MRI as well in order to understand better your condition.

Discuss with your Doctor about these issues.

Hope you found the answer helpful. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Take care,

Dr. Erion Spaho,
Neurologist, Surgical
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (1 hour later)
Thanks for reply
The headaches mainly on back left side radiating to top of head.
Sometimes they go away whe I move, sometimes not. Usually goes away during the day, may re-appear later in evenings.
Physio thinks it’s from neck, pinched nerve.
My doctor not receptive, thinks mostly from stress. Stress is not new, headaches are.
The headaches are not severe and I don’t have any other symptoms.
Will get mri for neck but I doubt my physician will listen and order one for brain.
Forgot to add, when stretch neck down in certain direction, I can replicate headache when holding position long enough. Also, when over extending neck backward pain in neck.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (16 hours later)
Brief Answer:

Pinched nerve is more possible.

Detailed Answer:

Hi!

Okay, a pinched nerve (occipital neuralgia), is what I thought as the first possibility.

MRI will provide more information about this condition.

If it is possible to have the brain MRI it will be good to exclude other conditions.

Hope this helps.

Regards,

Dr. Erion Spaho,
Neurologist, Surgical
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho

Neurologist, Surgical

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 4502 Questions

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What Causes Neck Pain And Pain Behind The Head To The Left Radiating Towards The Top Every Morning?

Brief Answer: Possible conditions listed below. Get a brain MRI done. Detailed Answer: Hello! I have read your question and understand your concerns. Since you refer improvement after changing position, these types of headaches (especially if localized at the back of the head) may be caused by pinched nerves (upper cervical nerves). Other conditions to consider also may be intracranial hypotension, lesions in the ventricular system, high blood pressure. Since you are going for an MRI of your neck, I suggest you get a brain MRI as well in order to understand better your condition. Discuss with your Doctor about these issues. Hope you found the answer helpful. Let me know if I can assist you further. Take care, Dr. Erion Spaho, Neurologist, Surgical