What Causes Headache Along With Neck Stiffness?

Posted on Thu, 12 Oct 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 12 Oct 2017 Answered on

Tue, 31 Oct 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello, Im hoping to get a quicker response on this question please. Since my road accident in 1991 my neck has become more stiff and painful giving me headaches over the years. From X-rays all seems ok, but my neck becomes very stiff and I have to move my head form either one side or the other depending on the pain and I can feel and I can hear the crack. It's very temporary relief and I can do this many times and still feel the crunching and crack. What is this and how can I get some relief from this neck pain?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (47 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You are suffering from cervical spondylosis.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
I have gone through your query,in my opinion you are suffering from cervical spondylosis.You can do hot fomentation ,do physiotherapy and take muscle relaxant like thiocholchicoside 4mg twice daily .You will get relief.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (2 hours later)

Thank you I just looked up what you said and the symptoms sound just like this! I would like to approach my doctor with this information can you tell me how a diagnosis is made to confirm this from my doctor please

Thanks

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
MRI scan will help.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
X-ray of neck in lateral view or MRI will help in the diagnosis. Medical drugs like pain killers - acetaminophen/ibuprofen and muscle relaxants might be helpful. Methylcobalamin supplements are also recommended for nerve compression symptoms. Cervical isometric exercises are beneficial to maintain the strength of the neck muscles. Neck and upper back stretching exercises, as well as light aerobic activities, also are recommended under the guidance of a physical therapist.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (23 hours later)

Dear Dr. XXXXXXX Tayal

Thank you for your reply, I have attached xrays of my neck done this year can you take a look and see if you can see any signs of cervical spondylosis.

Regards

Mr D XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
X-rays are almost normal.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.
I have seen the attached X-rays. The cervical spine and the lumbar spine do not show any major degenerative changes. Mild disc problem is best diagnosed on MRI scan.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar