neck pain minor headache in the back of head... brain tumor? please read!?
Neck pain minor headache in the back of head... brain tumor? please read!?
For a couple of years, I've had a really bad neck. I previously went to the doctors in Jan and they told me to go to a PT to stretch it out. I did and did the excercise they gave me. However I did not do them that often like they told me too. A couple of weeks ago I found out that ONLY when i turned my head to the left and back forward to the front, I could here a little crack or pop in my neck (cervical spine area)... Ever since then my neck/shoulder area kinda has been really bad even after I stretch. I can never sit in place for more than a minute because of my neck. Another things that has recently appeared was that this pain was kind of getting worse.. Not only can i keep my neck still when watching a movie or sitting down, but I did not sleep very well (lack of sleep).. In the morning i constantly would have stiff neck and minor headaches. Sometimes these symptoms would go away if i do somethign that gets my mind off of it. I have full range of motion its just that left side of the neck/shoulder isnt going away. I've taken a muscle relaxant and advil but dont want to be dependent on it....
I have read that neck pains may cause a brain tumor? I am worried? do i have it?
Public Comments
1. i had something similar to this. the vertebra in my neck constantly pop out and then shift to the side. for about a year or so i went with horrible pain and headaches caused by it. the pain only got worse because i had nothing to snap the bones back into place with. to help, i got one of those memory foam pillows. it has 2 raised parts, one is bigger than the other. i use the bigger side and it pushes the bones back in placce, but as soon as i get up they come out again. eventually you get used to it and when it gets really bad just use the pillowBUT this may not be what you have. check the bones in your neck. are any of them stick out or off to the sides? if you think there's something wrong with you you need to see a doctor. you could have a tumor but you might not and they only way to tell is to see a doctor
2. You need to go to a chiropractor not a physical therapist.Sounds like you are slightly pinching a nerve because you neck is out of alignment.The pillow is a good idea as well(my husband has one).They sell them at wal-mart as well as the chiropractor having them.The are made from the memory foam,the thickest part is for when you lay on your side and the smaller part is for when you lay on your back.But go to a chiropractor first because they may not want you to use one. And hun, neck pains do not cause brain tumors-neck pain can be a sign of a brain tumor but is a rarity.
3. It sounds like you have a pulled muscle or maybe a pinched nerve in your neck. I have problems with tension headaches and pain in my neck and shoulder area that sometimes lasts for days. A chiropractor may be able to adjust your spine if that is the cause and give you relief. Otherwise, you should probably see your doctor and ask about getting more intensive physical therapy and possibly different medications that will help relieve the pain. I really don't think you need to worry about a brain tumor. Neck pains don't cause brain tumors but I suppose they could be a symptom of it. Brain tumors would cause severe headaches and loss of coordination or fine motor skills - like you couldn't touch your finger to your nose with your eyes closed or you couldn't walk on tiptoes without losing your balance, etc. If you are really concerned that it is something that serious, your doctor can do tests or scans that will put your mind to rest. In the meantime, try getting a pillow that provides neck support. You can get them at most home or department stores. Also, do the stretches you learned from your last time through physical therapy. And finally take Advil or Motrin every day 2 or 3 times a day for a while. Try warm, moist heat compresses on your neck and if at all possible, try to get a massage to release tension built up in the muscles. If your neck continues to hurt, you will have to see a doctor.
4. Neck pain does not cause a brain tumor.
Lie on your back with rolled up towel under the lower part of your neck and upper shoulders. Put a tennis ball under the place on the upper neck where it hurts. If you start feeling numbness there, remove the tennis ball.
The muscle relaxer is fine. Ibuprofen, 2-4 might help. Drink plenty of water and don't take pills on an empty stomach.
5. You are drawing your own conclusion and getting worried without going through a proper medical check up. I think you should immediately consult a good physician ( an orthopedic and/or an oncologist if you so think ) and get yourself checked and treated.
6. I doubt you'd have a tumor. honey, I feel your pain. Litterally. I had whiplash. The back left side of my neck huuurts.
I went to an osteopath. PT, chiropractic, and my doctor didn't manage to do much at all. Honestly, PT made me sooo much worse. I couldn't wear a bra for a year.
My ostepath gave me my normal(ish) life back. I can usually move and such without pain. I went from like a 7 every day down to a 3. Try it!
