Neck problems with ear pressure and stiffness
Dear Sir or Madam,
The fact that I am asking a question about health conditions in an online portal is a proof of my helplessness. I am aware that without a thorough examination, it is very difficult to make a diagnosis - therefore, I am describing my symptoms as best as possible and can also provide relevant test results. Please forgive me for the detailed explanation of the problem.
A brief overview of myself: 40 years old, male, slightly overweight, smoker, no alcohol, normal eating habits. Mostly sedentary job (working on a PC), ergonomically designed with frequent movement breaks (fortunately, as a freelancer, I can arrange it this way).
My issues:
For the past 2-3 years, I have been experiencing back problems. This is not particularly severe and quite common. An MRI of the lumbar spine revealed a small tear in the disc and a slight protrusion in the cervical spine. A total of 9 MRIs were performed, as well as X-rays for spondylolisthesis and much more. Blood work was done, and no abnormal values were found, except for a latent vitamin D deficiency and borderline Vitamin B12 levels. Also, my inflammation levels are always slightly elevated (7 instead of 5). HIV negative and immune titer (I hope that's what it's called?) were also absolutely normal, ruling out immune deficiencies or diseases in that direction. Lyme disease was also ruled out. Thyroid function was normal. I have consulted specialists in each area to ensure that nothing is overlooked or misinterpreted. Neurologically, there are no abnormalities, my heart is fine, and lungs are also okay despite smoking.
The only diagnosis I can confirm with absolute certainty in recent days is atopic dermatitis, which seems to be on the verge of flaring up at times. Sometimes the skin burns here, sometimes there, sometimes there are scaly patches on the face at the hairline, sometimes the scalp, sometimes pimples on the legs, sometimes on the upper body.
My neck has always been a problem, and the psychosomatic approach was exhausted by trying antidepressants - without success. Even combined medications like Cymbalta for pain and depression did not help. However, for several months now, my neck or the entire upper body has become a true concrete landscape without warning. I cannot attribute the sudden onset or disappearance of the symptoms to any specific trigger (stress, diet, wrong movement, cold, heat). Subjectively, I feel that the weather has a stronger effect on me, particularly on my neck. I suspect that weather changes or temperature fluctuations - from cold outside to warm inside - may be contributing factors. I generally prefer cold over heat, I am not a sun worshipper.
The peculiar thing is: an orthopedist has realigned my 3rd and 4th thoracic vertebrae three times, but could not explain why they keep misaligning, even without any apparent overexertion or poor posture on my part. Conversely, when neck pain occurs and I, for example, push a heavy cabinet during a move or carry something down the stairs with someone else, the pain disappears for 2 hours. Equally bizarre are the accompanying symptoms, as recently, it is not just a bit of dizziness, difficulty swallowing, or a pulling sensation. No, I experience a disgusting pressure in my ears as if I had dived 10 meters deep. However, both the ENT specialist and an ophthalmologist found nothing abnormal despite thorough examinations with various equipment. I can confirm, to some extent, a periodontitis (being treated), but two orthopedists ruled out CMD based on specific movements.
Heat application, direct cold on the spot: all ineffective. Physiotherapy makes it worse, TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) has no effect, even osteopathy, acupuncture, and massages are ineffective. Medications are tricky due to my skin issues. The only medication I tolerate somewhat and that shows some effect is Ibuprofen. Strangely, the lower the initial dose and the shorter the intervals for taking it, the better the effect. For example, taking 6 Ibuprofen 200 every 2 hours works better than taking 3 Ibuprofen 400 every 4 hours. Trying Ibuprofen 800 sustained-release in the evening and morning brought absolutely no change. Novaminsulfon: no effect. Paracetamol: no effect. Diclofenac: somewhat effective but does not agree with my skin and stomach (despite gastric protection). I take Ibuprofen very rarely, only when the pain is particularly severe.
I am running out of ideas and suspect either a particular form of rheumatism (intensive bone density measurement has never been done) or (which is being newly researched): a connective tissue issue, which is now known to independently cause pain and intense problems in the back and neck
