inflammation at C1, C2 of cervical spine causing cervicogenic headach

Hi
I did not have the C1 at Emory. I saw a neurologist in VA that my son was able to get me to see (He's a doc in MD).. He referred me to a doc who did C1 injections. Her name is Protopapas and she is in VA.
I am having PT in Greensboro where I live with the same PT who did dry needling. I trust her. I am having acupuncture at Emory out of the Pain Center. I had MFR therapy in north Atlanta but it got to be too much to drive 2 hours to and from. There are MFR therapists in the ATL area but none where I live.
My onset was July 2022, out of nowhere. It just started in my neck and moved up my head. The PT and acupuncturist and PT believe it is related to a whiplash type of trauma from a fall I had about 6 months earlier. I fainted and landed on my left side. The docs think the fall is unrelated, but I think it is a factor.
I'm an online college professor and I've totally revamped my computer position so it's at eye level to avoid any neck strain from looking down. I can't read on my iPad unless I hold it up and that's a challenge.
My PT told me to use both the cold gel packs AND moist heat. The gel packs numb pain but the heat helps relax muscles.
I had to buy an adjustable bed so I can sleep semi-upright. I can't really sleep otherwise. When I visit my adult kids I have to stack up hard pillows to simulate the adjustable bed, but it's not good. I just put up with it to be able to visit them.
I am better than I was in July 2022, so hang in there. I think it's a very long haul for me to complete recovery, but I have no choice but to keep trying different interventions.
I'm happy to talk further if I can be of any help or at least understanding.

You have been a tremendous help! Thank you so much!
I put my iPad on top of 2 throw pillows so that it is at eye level. I am a retired special education teacher.
I have had neck issues from being pushed around by students to running for 40 years. Over the past 5 years I have been swimming using a snorkel so I never had to move my neck but I haven't been to the pool or barely our of my home except to go to drs. At first I wentvto dermatologist because my scalped burned. Then I saw about 6 more specialists ENT, Neurologist, Dentist, Oral surgeon, Orthopedics, etc. Finally I went to Mayo and they admitted me for 3 days for testing and came up with C1 C2 inflammation but that was in July. I may ask for updated testing. I really appreciate your insights. I have felt alone,and very depressed!
Kathy

Odd coincidence, but I was an early childhood special educator for 15 years - mostly itinerant but I had a classroom too.
I earned a terminal degree and then turned to college teaching. I’ve done that for 18 years and I’m retiring in May.
I started with orthopedics with a doc who insisted neck and head pain was related to my cervical spine.
I went to neurology to rule out a serious brain issue.
I went to pain management after all else was failing and I’m now trying anything I can.
Mayo did not accept me at Rochester or Jacksonville.
I understand your feeling of being alone. Pain can be so isolating.

I too am trying anything I can. I know exercising would be great but I am afraid I might move my head in the wrong direction. I am going to try and just walk in a pool next week. I use to swim laps everyday.
What do you mean Mayo would not accept you? I didn't know there was such a thing. Did it have to do with insurance? I know they are not accepting Medicare Advantage now.
I have a video visit with Mayo next Thursday to decide what next. My anxiety is through the roof and it makes my pain worse.
What is your name? Maybe we can exchange email addresses.
Kathy

I’ll be happy to provide my email privately. Do you know how to do that?
Moderator, does the forum permit a participant to send a private comment?

I was wondering how to do that also so I looked and found this attached. I will try it!
Kathy

I tried to send you a private message withh directions supplied but the option is not available to me. I read further and saw that it is because I am a new member. The option is not available until you have been a member for a period of time. Not sure whst the period of time is, it just says "brief period of time" . Maybe you are able to send me a private message. I went to help center and it give directions on sending private messages in the selections.
Kathy

I’m on my way to ATL for acupuncture. I’ll check when I return later today. I’ve been a member for a while.
Thanks.

My pain management doctor is excellent. I live in the Albany NY area.

How does you pain manage treat you?