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What Causes Stiffness In Neck, Headaches And Lightheadedness After Acupuncture?

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Posted on Fri, 23 Jan 2015
Question: I had acupuncture recently; acupuncturist did a "generic" treatment which involved a needle in the middle of my neck and the top of my head; since this my neck is stiff, I have headaches and feel light headed; after a MVA, a respected neurosurgeon saw my films, said a Chiropractor never should have manipulated it and, if I have further problems, he could do a 45 minute surgery, etc. My neck was never an issue until the Chiro; that went away but, 3 plus years later, the side effects of the needle in neck is disturbing. It appears that lack of knowledge of the whole big picture ends up having someone try things without knowing if it's a good idea or not. Four years of neglect; once healthy and active, yet, the term Chronic Pain has closed doors and failure to address the awful surgery, has me still treated for something other than failed surgery. What possible could have happened when the needle was inserted in neck and top of skull? Seems every time I try to get help, something goes wrong. And, believe it or not, I had little need to see doctors; but, getting lost in the cracks; I just had a SPECT and should know much more - finally, a doctor who listened, and has taken action to diagnose; not treat with drugs, but, he doesn't know about the change in my neck. Any ideas?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (59 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Probably subarachnoidal hemorrhage.

Detailed Answer:
Hi, I had gone through your question and understand your concerns.

A possible complication of acupuncture in head and neck area is subarachnoidal hemorrhage from cervical and cerebral vessel damage.

This explains your neck stiffness and headaches.

Chronic pain is a different issue and may be related to peripheral neuropathy.

I assume the SPECT was done at the sacral region, this should show and the problem of leg nerves found by EMG.

I didn't catch the time when you had acupuncture, but if it was done recently, you need to consult a Neurologist and discuss this new concern of yours, besides other health issues related to pelvic operations.

Hope this answers your question. If you have additional questions or follow up questions then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your questions.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (22 minutes later)
Thank you. I feel like going to another doctor; trying to explain, if it isn't a big concern, is a waste of time. I have come to conclusion that I could easily be considered a hypochondriac - I'd never believe I could be in a situation like this and that attempts to help only worsen matters.
Thanks for your time. I just want my life back and, unfortunately, as good as the military is, they are overworked and I got lost in the cracks for so long and then, failure to address new symptoms, treated for Chronic Pain with opiates, my body has suffered enough; The hardest to accept is that I repeatedly reported issues from surgery but, only attempts made were drugs and injections - for MVA.
Understand my dilemma? Would you expect the neck issue to resolve itself?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (7 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Neck stiffness needs a evaluation

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for asking again.

Neck stiffness needs a evaluation and correct diagnosis of the cause. After that we could say is there need for any treatment modality, or it will pass by itself.

Maybe you have been consulted and treated by too many doctors and this fact creates confusion.

About the neck issue again, you need to be clear about the cause of it.

One last evaluation of this concern and after that maybe you can try to stay away from doctors for a while.

I believe this will settle down your " hypochondriac " state.

Hope this helps.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
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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 Stiffness In Neck, Headaches And Lightheadedness After Acupuncture?

Brief Answer: Probably subarachnoidal hemorrhage. Detailed Answer: Hi, I had gone through your question and understand your concerns. A possible complication of acupuncture in head and neck area is subarachnoidal hemorrhage from cervical and cerebral vessel damage. This explains your neck stiffness and headaches. Chronic pain is a different issue and may be related to peripheral neuropathy. I assume the SPECT was done at the sacral region, this should show and the problem of leg nerves found by EMG. I didn't catch the time when you had acupuncture, but if it was done recently, you need to consult a Neurologist and discuss this new concern of yours, besides other health issues related to pelvic operations. Hope this answers your question. If you have additional questions or follow up questions then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your questions.