Daily head pains, neck and upper body stiffness - 18 month Undiagnosed

Posted by manassen1 @manassen1, Oct 16, 2021

I am 38.
Symptoms. Severe daily head pains.18 months now.
Neck and upper body stiffen the longer I sit causing pulling pains.
Extreme tightness through shoulders, traps neck, ribs, upper back and across face as sitting continues.
Similar pain and tightness with any movement/exercise.Pain compounds after sitting.
Significantly less pain standing and lying down.
Treatments to date. Brain CT scan
Angiogram neck and head.
Chest Xray
MRI brain and neck.
Acupuncture/dry needling.Chiros x 4.
Physio/ Osteo.
Dentist [mouth guard]
Lumber puncture/blood tests Nerve tests Full body bone scan
Neurologists x 3
Rheumatologists x 2

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John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Oct 16, 2021

Hello Dave @manassen1, You will notice that we changed your title to better describe your discussion and hopefully attract members with similar symptoms and experience. You certainly have gone through a lot of testing by different specialties. If must be frustrating to not have a diagnosis or treatment that helps for over 18 months. You mentioned that you had a lumbar puncture. Some of the symptoms you describe sound similar to spinal headaches. I'm not sure it's relevant in your case but you may want to take a look it anyway.

-- Spinal headaches: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/spinal-headaches/symptoms-causes/syc-20377913
-- " A diagnostic hallmark of PDPH is a postural headache that worsens with sitting or standing, and improves with lying down."
Postdural puncture headache: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5370299/

Were you seen at a major teaching hospital or health facility for your symptoms? Just wondering if you have thought about seeking a second opinion.