Hello. Thanks for asking from HCM.
I can understand your concern. From your history, it appears that your headache is associated with
stiff neck,
photophobia (fear from light) and occurring after steroid intake and
back pain.
Now according to your symptoms, I can think of few differential diagnosis
: Tension headcahe - It is usually dull aching, may occur whole day, whole head, no relief even after sleep, more with eye straining.
For relief, you can avoid eye straining activities, mental stress, take proper sleep. You can take pain killer like
Diclofenac sodium after proper prescription.
:
Migraine - It is usually hemicranial or half head, throbbing, photophobia, may be associated with
vomiting, redness in eyes, excessive watering from eye. It usually occurs in episodes and seasonal.
For relief, avoid precipitating factors like sunlight, stress, some food like cheese. You need to
consult doctor for medication and management. He/she might prescribe Diclofenac sodium/propranolol/naproxane depending upon severity of your symptoms.
: Rare condition pseudotumor cerebra. It is a disease in which steroid intake can cause increase in intracranial pressure (pressure in brain). It manifests as headache, vomiting, blurring of vision, gradual deterioration of consciousness.
It is an emergency condition. Consult doctor as soon as possible. You need to stop steroids immediately. Meanwhile at home, you can take Diclofenac sodium after proper prescription.
Hope it will help you. Thanks. Take care.