inflammation at C1, C2 of cervical spine causing cervicogenic headach

@cathy1111, thank you so much for all the information! I greatly appreciate it. Of the things that you mentioned, I have been following an anti inflammatory diet for a couple of weeks. My husband has been looking up recipes and making many soups and breads. He understands No sugar, no dairy, no processed foods, no white flour, and him being a vegetarian and doing all the cooking, we do not have meat at all.
I also use a tens unit but it hurts on my neck and makes my muscles move and contract, even on the lowest setting. I also use a THC/CBD cream 1:1 ration and apply a heating pad. I use a lot of ice on my neck and head. As you mentioned at the beginning, I never thought it was my neck but for 5 years, up until this started last May, I was swimming 40 laps 5 days a week. I use to run. I ran for 40 years until my neck and back could not stand it anymore. While swimming, I wore a snorkel as to not move my neck.
I really need to learn relaxation techniques, progressive relaxation, guided imagery, and self hypnosis. If you could send me some links, I would appreciate it.
At the beginning my scalp burned, so went to a dermatologist, then ear and facial pain, I thought I had an ear and sinus infection so ENT. Both told me it was neurological but having neck issues in the past , I went to Orthopedic. I was convinced it was occipital neuralgia. They gave me a nerve block that did not work. Eventually , the pain in my head, face ear and behind my eye was so great I started taking muscle relaxants and Opiates. I also have Pelvic Organ prolapse that I was scheduled to have surgery for but had to cancel due to the tremendous head pain. I knew I could not recover with the head pain. I had to stop most medications because they caused constipation which worsens the prolapse. I also take Eliquis so no nsaids. I can only take Tylenol. I fear I may be damaging my liver. Eventually, I saw a local neurologist, who only wanted to prescribe Lamotrigine and I refused to take it. I was already taking gabapentin.
I am being treated at Mayo and so far they have done an SPG, which has been very effective but needs repeating every so often. The also have done a Dorsal Root Ganglion block at C2 and will be repeating it at the end of this month. The 1st was in January.
Iwebt to my local ER about 5 times and was sent away with the muscle relaxers and opiates, before going to Mayo ER. They admitted me for 3 days and tested me very thoroughly. After aCT Spect scan they determined I have structural/ arthritic issues and much inflamation at C1, C2. It also revealed issues at C3 , C4 but surgery is the only fix for it. Like you I do not want any surgeries. I already have put a very necessary, long recovery surgery on the back burner. I am 70 and the longer I put the prolapse surgery off the greater the risks with age.
I think the relaxation techniques, imagery, hypnosis would greatly help me. I 100 % need it. I do get a massage and she constantly tells me how tight I am and says relax but I literally don’t know how!
I also cannot find a comfortable position for sleeping. I have gone through half a dozen pillows. Even when I do fall asleep out of sheer exhaustion, I am easily awaken. I need something to help me sleep. I had a medical marijuana card when we lived in Florida for other issues but we now live in Georgia and it is illegal. What are the terpenes and cannabinoids for pain and sleep?
I have asked you for so much information but at times I am desperate! My life has come to a stand still because I don’t know when I will be at a 10 so I stay home to be close to pain relief!
Thank you again!!!!

I will do most anything to avoid back surgery. I watched both parents and older brother go through one surgery and then another and another. I have DDD and spinal stenosis. I have had spinal cord stimulators implanted. I have a fantastic pain management doctor who keeps me going. If only Workers Comp didn't take so long in okaying or denying procedures, I wouldn't be in the pain I am in.