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| Ansx6
- Fri Sep 30, 2005 7:50 pm |
Don't want to be repetitive bt i need answers! If anyone can help...I occasionally (once a week or so) receive pain in the back of the head near the base of the skull. It is painful to the touch or when pressure is applied and feels like a swelling of some sort, like a gland. It lasts usally for a few days and I don't know where this is coming from. Any suggestions? Thank you
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| DeLWolcott
- Mon Oct 03, 2005 11:51 am |
Sounds like a trigger point (muscle spasm) in the occipital area. Try applying heat (rather warm, not hot) to the back of your head while lying down, some very gentle massage to get good circulation going to the area, and gentle stretching leaning head to the sides and front for about 10 seconds each. Do NOT lean head back as this only contracts the muscles in the area that you are trying to relax.
These headaches do last for a few days. The spasm can be so intense that the muscle will feel bruised or sore even after the tension has been released. If you have someone around, ask for their help in massaging the neck and scalp, starting with gentle pressure at the base of the skull where you described, slow circles, then going to a full scalp massage with both hands even going to the temples, above and around the eyes and facial cheeks, including the jaw area. Blood circulation and relaxation are key. Do the stretching several times a day when you have a chance even if you do not have a headache. Do not force your head to go further than the pain allows. The flexibility will return as long as you listen to your body as you are stretching.
If these become more frequent (3+ times per week), get in to see your physician. If you begin to notice swollen lymph glands, fever, dizziness or any other new symptom, see your physician.
I hope this helps. This headaches are awful and it feels like you have a hump sticking out of the bottom of your head. Try to refrain from any muscle relaxers as this will mask your symptoms and could cause you to further injure yourself if you overdo the stretching. Contact your physician or his/her nurse for suggestions for a gentle pain reliever. Good luck!
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