
What Causes Pain At The Base Of The Skull?

For some time now I have experienced pain at the base of my skull. When touching it, it almost feels like knots.
I am always asking my fiance to massage my eck and always feel like I need to rub my neck. I often hear a 'pop' sound when I take a deep breath or apply pressure just under the skull/shoulders and breathe in.
I have seen a physio and had an Xray who ensured there is no misalignment and nothing funny appeared.
I do have a desk job and have been told that it is possibly due to my posture and from sitting with my head forward off my shoulders.
I am leaving my desk job soon, so am hoping this will improve but would love any feedback.
If I turn my head to the left/right and feel around beside my spine it feels lumpy, but am thinking this is just muscles.
Any advice is appreciated.
This could be cervical spondylitis
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have studied your case and I believe you are probably having cervical spondylitis. This is a disease which is common in person who keep their neck in same position for long time like Desk job.
As you have said that your x ray is normal so it is in very early stage . In my patients with early cervical spondylitis I have following suggestions.
1. Avoid using very high pillow, avoid working for long hours on laptop,TV .
2. Meet a physiotherapist and start neck muscle strengthening exercises and intermittent traction .
3. Wear soft cervical collar during your work.
4. Take muscle relaxant like Myoril or Myospaz.
5. Voletran ointment is also helpful along with hot water fomentation.
I hope these measures will help you in pain relieving. Let me know if there is any other followup question is there.
Thanks

Answered by

Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma
Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement
Practicing since :2002
Answered : 4486 Questions
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