
Why Do I Have Constant Dull Pain On The Left Side Of My Neck Radiating Towards My Head?

Question: I have constant dull pain on left side of neck and continuing upward to head behind and above the left ear. Today, is May 18th and I have had this since the first week of February. I first thought it a pulled muscle and iced it for several days, no change. Then, thought allergies, took Benedryl and Dristan, no change. Then, thought it might be chiropractic, I had six adjustments, no change. Any ideas? Would appreciate a prompt reply.
TV Foster, YYYY@YYYY
TV Foster, YYYY@YYYY
Brief Answer:
Take treatment as advised
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have gone through your question and understand your concern.
Possibility of cervical radiculopathy due to nerve root compression is most likely.
Physiotherapy of neck muscles include isometric exercise to strengthen muscle.
Pain killer with muscle relaxant like aceclofenac or etoricoxib with thiocholchicoside can be used.
Pain modulatory drugs like pregabalin or Gabapentin can be taken.
Visit to a neurologist is advisable.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Do get back to me for further information.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist
Take treatment as advised
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have gone through your question and understand your concern.
Possibility of cervical radiculopathy due to nerve root compression is most likely.
Physiotherapy of neck muscles include isometric exercise to strengthen muscle.
Pain killer with muscle relaxant like aceclofenac or etoricoxib with thiocholchicoside can be used.
Pain modulatory drugs like pregabalin or Gabapentin can be taken.
Visit to a neurologist is advisable.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Do get back to me for further information.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T


Dear Dr. Kumar:
Yes. Thank you for the suggestion regarding my medical question. I have been daily doing the suggested exercises to strengthen my neck. The pain continues the same as before. To add some clarity, I need to add that the pain appears to start at the base of my scull, sort of behind my ear and goes down my neck. Also, my neck is still quite stiff to turn to the left. If you think this is still due to a pinched nerve in my neck, would you suggest I see another chiropractor or a medical specialist.
Appreciate your follow-up, a strong indication of a true professional!
Thank you.
Yes. Thank you for the suggestion regarding my medical question. I have been daily doing the suggested exercises to strengthen my neck. The pain continues the same as before. To add some clarity, I need to add that the pain appears to start at the base of my scull, sort of behind my ear and goes down my neck. Also, my neck is still quite stiff to turn to the left. If you think this is still due to a pinched nerve in my neck, would you suggest I see another chiropractor or a medical specialist.
Appreciate your follow-up, a strong indication of a true professional!
Thank you.
Brief Answer:
Get a MRI of cervical spine region
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Restriction of neck movement with pain should be evaluated.
Neck MRI cervical spine region should be done after examination by a neurologist.
Only muscle spasm will not lead to persistence of symptoms for more than a month.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist
Get a MRI of cervical spine region
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Restriction of neck movement with pain should be evaluated.
Neck MRI cervical spine region should be done after examination by a neurologist.
Only muscle spasm will not lead to persistence of symptoms for more than a month.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana

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