Grapefuit size lump at the base of of neck/top of spine!?

Question

I have a job, that I have had for over a year, where i am looking downwards at papers on my desk all day and here lately (about 2 weeks) i have noticed this large lump at the base of my neck/top of spine that is painful when i look down and lay on my back to sleep. My neck is stiff but i dont think its a pulled muscle. Plus I keep getting headaches at the base of my skull in the back. Is this kinda like humpback (sounds silly i know) from looking downwards all day or could it be something different or worse? I DO plan to go to the doctor just wanted to get some ideas before i go!

Answer 1

The doctors is absolutely the best place to go. Make a list about your neck. Include your job, what is the physical motions you go through. When did you first notice it. When did it first start hurting? Is the pain stationary, or does it move. Is it painful to touch? What helps the pain and discomfort. Does heat or cold help. How do you sleep, on you back or side? Do you use a pillow, how firm or soft. How thick is your pillow. If you make a list on the computer yo could give him a copy to look at while you go over the list. Good luck. PS take somebody along with you so they can write down answers to all of the items. It is alot easier to remember taht way.

Answer 2

Possibility - There is a book that teaches about muscles, pain and referred pain anywhere in the body. The principle is that the muscles get knots called trigger points which make the muscles tight that then press on nerves. It teaches how to get them to release which gets rid of the pain.
The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook by Davies.
I also use a chiropractor and massage therapist as needed.

Answer 3

It may be that a cervical vertebra is out of place, or you may have a Calcium deposit resulting from an old injury. A doctor or chiropractor should be able to tell what it is. It may take an X-Ray to determine it.