i have had this type of pain in my neck for 3 days now, and it is killing me. i was not hit be anyone, but when i tilt my head back the pain shoots up my spine to the base of my head and feels like i am getting electrocuted. a small dizzy spell hits at the end. i cant imagine this happens from sleeping wrong (stiff neck) but it is not getting better. what should i do?
2007-04-30 15:12:33 · 2 answers · asked by bwatersflyers 1 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Pain & Pain Management
Other than the dizziness, what you are describing sounds like some pinched nerves in your neck. The suboccipital nerves carry sensation from the back of your neck up to the top of the back of your head. If these are pinched or squeezed, the sensation feels like a jolt over this area, similar to how hitting your funny bone (your ulnar nerve) results in a jolt down to your little finger.
Unfortunately, these nerves come out in a VERY tight area with lots of muscles going in lots of directions. Any swelling in any of these muscles from a sprain can result in those nerves being pinched.
It is not clear where the dizziness comes from, though. If this continues, you will definitely want to discuss this with your doctor.
If it is just the zinging that continues, taking advil, ibuprofen, or any NSAID regularly for the next couple of weeks will help keep the inflammation down until it heals.
As always, discuss these and any questions with your doctor.
2007-04-30 15:38:47 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
oh, I have had that. It is horrible. My tongue kind of goes numb and maybe parts of my face. The pain is so bad I am only guessing what is actually being affected.
You are catching a nerve and pinching it. Like you, I have not been hit. I think I just naturally have a nerve that catches easily. I only get them about once a year to ever 18 months and it is only 1 time for a matter of seconds. But, that is enough to remember the agony. I cannot imagine going three days!
You need to get to a doctor or a chiropractor. Either you can get an alignment or starts some physical therapy. Three days is an awful long time to go on with that kind of damage. It is possible you will need a cortisone shot or something similar to bring down any swelling that may be compressing the nerve. A neck brace may help until you can get to the doctor's office. I personally don't like them, but they are available at any drugstore or Walmart. Good Luck.
2007-04-30 15:40:06 · answer #2 · answered by vcanfield 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You may have a very serious neck problem. It would be wise to see your family Chiropractor and/or a Neurologist.
Best wishes and good luck.
2007-04-30 15:17:25 · answer #3 · answered by Doctor J 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋