Well that is what I am assuming it is. I started having pain in my neck about 4 pm yesterday. By 7:30 last night it hurt so bad I was nauseous and went to bed. I woke up around 1 a.m. and took some tylenol for arthritis that makes it bearable. I tried to go to work today. But I drove my daughter one street from my house to her friends house and I was in tears. I have been icing it since. My heating pad is at work. I am going to send dh for it when he gets home. I just don't know what I did. But the whole back of my head hurts. It goes into my left ear. I can tell what ever it is, is on that side. My doctor isn't even in on Wed. I have an appointment for tommorrow. But I am hoping I will feel better and not have to go. I can't afford any more medical bills right now. Any suggestions from any btdt?

By Bemerry84 on Wednesday, June 14, 2006 - 12:46 pm:

When this happens to me, I also get pain going down my left arm and into my hand. It lasts about two weeks. Ususally I go to the doctor and get Vicodin and a muscle relaxer. I feel for you Beth!!!! I just got over it myself last week. The pain is so unbearable and it raises my blood pressure also. Keep icing it ever 1/2 hour or so for the first 24 hours. I believe mine started this last time because I fell asleep in the chair with my head cocked to the side.

By Beth on Wednesday, June 14, 2006 - 12:52 pm:

I have never had this before. I don't have any pain down my arms at least yet. I believe you about the blood pressure because I feel so tense like mine is up. I am sure it can't be mengitis or anything because I don't have a fever.

By Ginny~moderator on Wednesday, June 14, 2006 - 01:37 pm:

Sounds like what I get when the arthritis in my neck acts up. Definitely, sorry to say, you need to see your doctor. You need something to reduce the inflammation and deal with the pain - and, more than anything else, you need a proper diagnosis.

I was having pain in my shoulder and all the way down my arm, and went first to my hand surgeon, who said it's not your hand/arm, and sent me to my orthopedic doctor, who, after x-rays, was very clear - it was all in my neck. I have exercises to do (because arthritis is an ongoing situation, not short term like a nerve pinch), and take anti-inflammatories when it acts up. It is acting up now, and I get pain in my shoulders and in one shoulderbone - frustrating, but at least I know what it is.

By Dana on Wednesday, June 14, 2006 - 05:24 pm:

I know for my damaged in my neck/back from accident a couple weeks the dr told me to ice it for 20 min and give it break. I use an ice pack when I get up and when I sit down after the days work. If I hurt during the day, I do it again. He does not recommend heat. Only ice. Well, I take that back, warm showers, ice and ibuprophen. Good luck to you. That is an awful pain to go thru.

By Kiki on Wednesday, June 14, 2006 - 07:40 pm:

I have two herniated discs in my neck and when they act up (like recently) it hurts like heck. I can relate to what you are going through. I have been trying to avoid surgery for years. I find that those icyhot patches that they sell in the markets are great for at night. Has the doctor prescribed any muscle relaxers? I only take those when it's really bad and I need to sleep at night. Sometimes soaking in a hot tub is relaxing too but I wouldn't do it that much.

I really hope you feel better.

By Kim on Wednesday, June 14, 2006 - 07:50 pm:

No advice, but I hope you feel better soon!

By Karen~admin on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 08:42 am:

I have herniated disks in my neck and back and I know what that nerve pain feels like. Ditto Ginny, you really do need a proper diagnosis. In the meantime, Advil may help inflamation and pain, and as Dana said, ice for 20 minutes at a time.

By Beth on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 09:48 am:

Well I ended up going to an Immediate Care place yesterday because my doctor was not open. I couldn't stand any longer and it was that or the ER. Only problem was that place was all the way across town and the ER was down the street. I was driving myself. I chose the doctor for obvious reasons. I did have a low grade fever when I go there so they had to rule out menningitis. He felt like it was a pulled muscle or something. He gave me a steriod, muscle relaxer and pain pill and I feel better today. Still staying home but better. Hopefully no flare ups after this.