Chronic pain
Cervicogenic Headaches
SeaneenM999 · 19/01/2023 17:34
Has anyone had this and if so how long did it last?
NeverDropYourMooncup · 19/01/2023 17:44
Until I
Bought a shaped neck pillow
Did my physio exercises to strengthen the neck & upper back muscles and kept doing them after discharge
Improved my posture
Cold packs are really helpful at the time, though.
SeaneenM999 · 19/01/2023 18:00
Thank you for the reply. How long did yours last? I've just started a very physical job and not long after developed sore shoulders, pain in the base of my head and tension type headache. I'm thinking the heavy duties I'm doing has started this off. It's horrendous.
NeverDropYourMooncup · 19/01/2023 18:12
Couple of weeks after I started looking after it. If I've let things slip and slouched at my desk, for example, I'll feel it start up again for a couple of days. But that's easily sorted.
Sounds like you need to seriously look at how you lift things as well as your posture. It's likely you're pushing your head forward and putting strain on the muscles and then, because you're sore, you're pushing your head even further forward and lifting badly.
SeaneenM999 · 19/01/2023 18:26
I agree. I'm starting to think a heavy duty job is not the one for me. Is this going to make symptoms worse with the constantly heavy lifting. I had similar issues five years ago, an MRI revealed wear and tear of my neck but nothing else. It's soul destroying knowing I can't do any physical exercise without getting these symptoms. I am only 44! Really appreciate your feedback.
NeverDropYourMooncup · 19/01/2023 18:35
I had wear and tear/narrowing of disc space when I was 30 - I was told that almost everybody does.
Have you taken a Manual Handling course as part of your induction? You should have done. It's really easy to see how it happens to people when you look at them from the side when lifting - the main feature is how they push their head forward and then lift, putting far more pressure on that one area than they should.
Improve the technique - neck long, head straight, lifting with the legs as the power - and it rapidly makes a difference, as does making sure that you aren't leaning forward to see screens or bending your head down to look at your phone (it's been nicknamed 'Text Neck' for good reason). Think like a ballerina - shoulders back and down, long back, long neck as though you've got a thread lifting from your crown.
Asking your GP for a referral to physio would also help, as they will be able to see you and guide you to know where your head should be.
SeaneenM999 · 19/01/2023 18:51
Yes I was told that as well. Consultant was not worried, just said to carry on doing exercise/yoga. I work in a school kitchen and it's absolute madness, constantly serving, cleaning, lifting heavy containers etc. I done this job five years ago and that's when the problems started ending up with headaches every day for two years. It's kind of hard to watch posture when I'm bent over cleaning tables for a long period of time. Just went out and bought voltorol hoping it gives me a bit of relief.
Crikeyalmighty · 19/01/2023 19:15
I get those kind of head/neck pains but also was getting pins and needles in feet and hands very frequently and one leg feels a bit weak. Neuro saw me, did examination and doesn't think it's anything neuro (and I was sure it was) but osteopath thinks it's likely some kind of disc or spinal narrowing /arthritis going on causing it so I'm waiting on an MRI. I'm very guilty of fat too much time on phone looking down etc. I sympathise as I get it most days for hours and am trying not to take many painkillers- which only partially work. I'm 61 though and overweight - it's very debilitating at times
RoseThornside · 19/01/2023 19:39
I get them. Had one constantly for about 6 months before I finally went to doctors. Painkillers didn't make any difference at all. Doctor diagnosed tension headaches and told me to try and find time for myself.
I finally came across something on the internet and realised what they were. I followed the advice on stretching, improving posture, making sure I don't 'hunch' thereby squashing the discs at the back of my neck, and that has helped me get it under control.
Twonkyboo · 19/01/2023 19:41
I have suffered the headaches off and on for 5 years. Physio and being active really helps me but lifting is still not good for me. If I lift something heavy I know I will have a sore neck and headache for a day or two.
SeaneenM999 · 19/01/2023 20:04
They're an absolute nightmare. I went from having them constantly to getting them for two weeks before I ovulated so for all I know they may be hormonal related also. I was told at the time it was wear and tear with the possibility of osteoarthritis in the future. Had a very clear run of nothing for a good year or so then as soon as I start the strenuous duties it all kicked off again 😢
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