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What Causes Tenderness At The Base Of Skull?
Brief Answer:
Tension type headache, neck arthritis most likely causes
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Judging by the description of you symptoms the most probable causes of your symptoms are tension type headache or neck arthritis. Certainly is not indicative of any worrying brain lesion (such as stroke, tumor etc) which do not manifest scalp symptoms.
Tension type headache is the most common type of headache, often accompanied by phenomena such as scalp tenderness. It is commonly triggered by stress and anxiety. Treatment consists in over the counter anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen or Naproxen. Relaxation techniques, light physical activity, yoga help as well. Only rarely when symptoms are very frequent is preventive daily treatment (antidepressants) contemplated, otherwise only anti-inflammatories for episodes.
Another possibility considering the location and your RA is neck arthritis. It commonly causes symptoms in the back of the head as well because the nerves for that part of the scalp exit from the upper part of the neck. The recent TBI might have served as a triggering factor. In terms of medication doesn't change much only the about mentioned Ibuprofen if bothering, but physical therapy is important as well for your neck and prevention of symptoms in the future.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Tension type headache, neck arthritis most likely causes
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Judging by the description of you symptoms the most probable causes of your symptoms are tension type headache or neck arthritis. Certainly is not indicative of any worrying brain lesion (such as stroke, tumor etc) which do not manifest scalp symptoms.
Tension type headache is the most common type of headache, often accompanied by phenomena such as scalp tenderness. It is commonly triggered by stress and anxiety. Treatment consists in over the counter anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen or Naproxen. Relaxation techniques, light physical activity, yoga help as well. Only rarely when symptoms are very frequent is preventive daily treatment (antidepressants) contemplated, otherwise only anti-inflammatories for episodes.
Another possibility considering the location and your RA is neck arthritis. It commonly causes symptoms in the back of the head as well because the nerves for that part of the scalp exit from the upper part of the neck. The recent TBI might have served as a triggering factor. In terms of medication doesn't change much only the about mentioned Ibuprofen if bothering, but physical therapy is important as well for your neck and prevention of symptoms in the future.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I appreciate your answer Dr. Taka. The tenderness is fairly intense, 8 or 9 on a scale. I do have a physical therapist who helps me with a stenosis by doing upper back and shoulder blade area exercises. I just worked out yesterday and was prone on a bench to do upside down fly and back exercises. I think I need to move to Palm Beach asap
Brief Answer:
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for the update. It is good that you are already working with a physical therapist. Yesterday's work out might have influenced the symptom flare. I believe that an exercise program aiming at neck posture correction and improving neck muscle support would be beneficial in the long term as well. For the short term Ibuprofen should help relieving the symptoms.
I hope to have been of help.
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for the update. It is good that you are already working with a physical therapist. Yesterday's work out might have influenced the symptom flare. I believe that an exercise program aiming at neck posture correction and improving neck muscle support would be beneficial in the long term as well. For the short term Ibuprofen should help relieving the symptoms.
I hope to have been of help.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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