Ask a doctor on the topic of Neurology

Occipital neuralgia cervical complaints headache

January 26, 2017 | 25,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Frauke Gehring

Dear Sir or Madam,

For over 2 years now, I have been suffering from constant, oppressive headaches on the right side of my head, as if someone is constantly pressing their fist there. Sometimes I also experience mild dizziness, ringing in my right ear, brief stabbing pains in my right forehead and temple, as well as on the top of my head, and my right eye waters very often.

I received an MRI report on my cervical spine, which states that I have a moderate protrusion of C5 and C6 and a severe protrusion of C6/7, which is compressing the neuroforamen. On some days, my chin tingles for a certain period of time. I can only partially tilt or turn my head to the right or left. According to the report, the disc protrusion is towards the inside, but the spinal cord is not damaged.

An orthopedic doctor also mentioned occipital neuralgia...

Now my questions... are all my symptoms attributed to this diagnosis? I am afraid that there may be something else underlying (e.g. MS...). I regularly attend manual therapy sessions, but they provide me with little relief. My primary care physician only prescribes Ibuprofen regularly...

Thank you for a prompt response, as I am very anxious.

Sincerely,

H.H.

Dr. med. Frauke Gehring

Good day,

Actually, your complaints fit perfectly with the findings described, and MS or other inflammatory systemic diseases manifest very differently. They cause symptoms throughout the body.

However, your treatment is not sufficient. Ibuprofen should only be given temporarily for more severe complaints. Otherwise, this condition is treated with regular exercise and muscle building. A gym can help you stay on track, or you can do exercises for 15 minutes three to four times a week, for example with a vibrating rod.

Please avoid bending your head for too long (mobile phone!) and straighten up regularly. You will soon feel better.

Best regards, Dr. Höllering