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.

Hello
I came across this post after searching for c1-c2 arthritis. My symptoms are similar with occipital area pain. Have you had any success in finding a resolution? Thank you

Hello
I am an earlier respondent in this discussion. I had sudden onset intense left side neck and head pain over two years ago. It lasted for over two years and I saw an ortho pain management doc who said it was cervical. I had every level of cervical spine injected including level 1 and 2 that just some docs will do bc it is risky.
Occipital and auricular nerve injections helped some. Cold gel packs and Advil were a daily event and sleeping almost sitting up avoids pressure on my head.
I had a total neurology work up that showed nothing significant.
After two years my neck pain diminished but my head pain morphed into chronic daily headaches (maybe hypnic bc they occur during the night). I still must sleep on an incline. My neurologist suggested Botox and I’m getting it now but it’s too soon to tell if it works.
I’ve also had an SPG block that can help with some areas of head pain.
My experience tells me that the cervical spine and neck and head all work together and sifting out what causes pain is not easy. I was told for a long time my neck pain was related to arthritis. Maybe it was but maybe not.
I’m 75 and i do have arthritis in my spine but it was not that simple. My head was part of it too.
We all have to advocate for ourselves bc we know what we feel. Docs can help us but they can be wrong too.

Fantastic pain management doctors has me intrigued. What exactly do they do to manage your pain for you?