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What Cuses Neck Pain At The Base Of Skull?
Question: Hello,
For a couple months now, I have had neck pain which is basically at the base of my skull and extends from the spine all the way out to basically the bone right behind the ear. It is always tender to the touch and I believe is constantly giving me headaches in the front of my head. I went to a neurologist and he ordered me a CT scan with contrast of the neck area but there was nothing that came back in the scan to show anything out of the ordinary. Any ideas what could be causing this?
Thanks!
Brief Answer:
Further investigation warranted
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
I would go back to your neurologist as their are some further investigations that I believe may be warranted. Pain in this location can also be referred from inside the skull. Did the neurologist Scan your brain. A CT scan is good at looking at bony structures but not as good at looking at soft tissues such as muscles. An MRI scan is a much better invetigation and if this was also normal this would be more reassuring.
Its possible that further tests will be normal but this does not help your symptoms. This type of pain can be generated from the muscles in the neck. If this is the case then antiinflammatory medication can be of benefit as well as physiotherapy and massage. Heat can also help with the symptoms.
I hope this helps you
Best wishes
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
No, I did get a CAT scan of my brain over a year ago and nothing abnormal appeared from that. I didn't get a scan of my brain at that time because insurance didn't approve it. I did go to phyiscal therapy a little while ago and they said that my back and neck muscles are extremely tight. I don't know what would keep causing these muscles to stay tight.
Brief Answer:
An MRI may be worthwhile
Detailed Answer:
Thats reassuring. You could always push for an MRI scan as it may give additional information about the soft tissues in that region. Although rare your Dr's could consider a primary muscle problem i.e. a muscular dystrophy. There are some particular ones that affect the neck and shoulder region. This may require a muscle biopsy for diagnosis. whatever the diagnosis the modalities that I described on my last answer should help with your symptoms.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
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