Cervicogenic Headache

Hello @helloshelly7969 -- I'm sorry about the headaches. I really didn't know what a cervicogenic headache was until I looked it up. I did a search of Connect and found one post about this specific type of headache by @jem626 but it was back in 2011 before Connect had much activity. If @jem626 is still following Connect she will receive an email notification and hopefully can offer some suggestions for you. Here was her original post:

-- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/ive-just-gone-through-the-2nd-worst-headache-in-my-life-one/?utm_campaign=search

I also found some information that may be helpful for both of you on the Mayo Clinic website here under Item G in the Article Outline:

Diagnosis and Management of Headache in Older Adults
-- https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196(17)30871-6/fulltext#sec1.7

John

Thank you John. You always have positive feedback. This headache is one that has progressively gotten worse over the last couple of years. This year it has become a part of my life that has me missing out. The pain is so deep. The swollen eyes,facial pain, light and noise sensitivity and nausea keep me home. I guess it's just the next step. I have RA and OA. I already take Humira, Methotrexate, Folic Acid, Predisone and Gabapentine. My heating pad helps, wish it was more portable. Haha.

@helloshelly7969 Sorry you are going through that. I hope you get to feeling better soon. I used to stay in my house because of my pain too, I know what you're going through.

So did you grow some courage? Curious how you deal now?

Thank you for your support too.

Hello @helloshelly7969

I too am so sorry to hear of your headache pain and associated symptoms. Pain of any type is very debilitating and can also be isolating. How very difficult!

As you know, here at Connect, we are not medical professionals, just patients like yourself. However, you mentioned several meds you are taking for various disorders and it made me wonder if the symptoms you are describing might be a side-effect of some of those meds. Have you discussed this possibility with any of your prescribing doctors or perhaps a pharmacist? (Pharmacists can be a wonderful resource and they don't charge for their time!)

I certainly wish you better days ahead and wisdom to get through the hard times! I look forward to hearing from you again.

Teresa

Thank you for your support. Yes is the short answer. Gratefully I have had the same doctors and pharmacists for many years. They all know my issues, besides been on meds for years too. But this too would be my response. Maybe the fact that the OA in my neck is severe is the cause of the headache. My primary wants me to see a neurologist. This concerns me as a nerve block scares me more.

@helloshelly7969 I do understand. I also have a lot of disc problems in my neck and the pains from my neck into my head are very annoying. You know, if you make an appointment with a neurologist, he might offer you some other suggestions other than nerve blocks. It might not hurt to make an appointment and just learn some more about dealing with pain. By the way, have you seen a pain specialist?

I have hesitated to go for the nerve blocks, but when winter weather comes back and the pain returns, I'm probably going to reconsider.

Wishing you well and looking forward to hearing from you again.

Teresa

Thanks, I know what you mean. No, have not gone to pain specialist either. Not interested in opioids rather do a stretch or something. Guess courage is needed.

A friend sent this . . .read a real pain in the neck https://www.spineuniverse.com/conditions/neck-pain/neck-pain-animation.