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What Causes Sharp Pain At Back Of Head With History Of Having Disc Fusion In Neck?
I have previously had 3 disc fused in my neck and 10 years later I had an artificial disc put in above the fusion at c4. The last couple of weeks I have been getting sharp pains in the back of my head on the right side that last a short time and then go away. Sometimes it has an affect on my right eye. What would be causing this?
Wed, 3 May 2023
Hi,
Sharp pains in the back of the head, particularly on one side, can be caused by several factors, including nerve compression or irritation, muscle tension, or vascular problems. In your case, with a history of disc fusion in the neck, the pain may be related to nerve compression or irritation.
The nerves that control the sensation and movement of the head and neck originate in the cervical spine (neck) region. When there is a problem in this area, such as a herniated disc or bone spurs, the nerves can become compressed or irritated, leading to pain, tingling, or numbness in the head and neck region.
It is also possible that the artificial disc in your neck may be causing the pain. Although uncommon, some people may experience complications following artificial disc replacement, such as implant failure or migration, which can lead to nerve compression and pain. The fact that the pain is affecting your right eye may indicate that it is related to the trigeminal nerve, which controls sensation in the face and head.
Irritation of the trigeminal nerve can cause sharp, shooting pain that can affect the eye. Your provider may order imaging studies such as an MRI to evaluate the spine and the artificial disc and to identify any nerve compression or irritation. In summary, sharp pains in the back of the head with a history of disc fusion in the neck can be caused by nerve compression or irritation, muscle tension, or vascular problems.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician
Sharp pains in the back of the head, particularly on one side, can be caused by several factors, including nerve compression or irritation, muscle tension, or vascular problems. In your case, with a history of disc fusion in the neck, the pain may be related to nerve compression or irritation.
The nerves that control the sensation and movement of the head and neck originate in the cervical spine (neck) region. When there is a problem in this area, such as a herniated disc or bone spurs, the nerves can become compressed or irritated, leading to pain, tingling, or numbness in the head and neck region.
It is also possible that the artificial disc in your neck may be causing the pain. Although uncommon, some people may experience complications following artificial disc replacement, such as implant failure or migration, which can lead to nerve compression and pain. The fact that the pain is affecting your right eye may indicate that it is related to the trigeminal nerve, which controls sensation in the face and head.
Irritation of the trigeminal nerve can cause sharp, shooting pain that can affect the eye. Your provider may order imaging studies such as an MRI to evaluate the spine and the artificial disc and to identify any nerve compression or irritation. In summary, sharp pains in the back of the head with a history of disc fusion in the neck can be caused by nerve compression or irritation, muscle tension, or vascular problems.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician
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