Constant head/neck pain (with fibromyalgia) for most of my life (I'm 40 y/o white female)
Constant head/neck pain (excruciating, debilitating) for 25 years, since I was 15. They have been attributed to my fibromyalgia, a deformity in my first cervical disk, (point of interest - my mother had C3-4 disk replacement, no trauma-she was 24, and her brother had same thing at 36, same location w/o precipitating event), cluster, migraine, TMJ, mixed, intracranial hypertension (I now have a shunt - no relief of pain.) Had electronic stimulators driven up my spine, had them removed, botox (relief for 6-8 days), in her back and then out again), removal of a benign thyroid tumor. Seen 15 or more physicians, pain management clinics, complete array of holistic interventions, every drug protocol including inpatient detox x2. Currently I take Valium, darvocet, low-dose Vivelle,and Ambien. Internist says no more surgery, (go home and be happy) I'll "probably outgrow it" in a few years. Neurosurgeon scheduled surgery in 4-6 weeks to replace occipital and (new) placement of temporal stimulators. So, in addition to fibromylagia with constant muscle pain and soreness, I have this relentless hammering headache. I am in desperate need of relief. Should I try a Rheumatologist? Can you help me? Thank you.
Cheryl,
I'd see a headache and Migraine specialist. Take a report and films (if you can) about the disk deformity with you. He or she can assess the amount of disc involvement, work with you on the intracranial hypertension problem, and probably do far more for you than a rheumatologist.
Take a look at the article Migraine and Headache Specialists - What's So Special? If you need help finding a Migraine specialist, check our listing of Patient Recommended Migraine and Headache Specialists.
Good luck,
Teri
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I feel sorry after reading about your pain. My wife has suffered from same symptoms, it started with lower back pain, than whole back, followed by neck and head ache. At times the pain became so sever that I had to take her to hospital and they would give her 5 units of morphene. Which only would last 2 to three hours. Than her symptons got worse and worse and eventually she had to be hospitalized. She stayed in hospital (Torrance Memorial and than UCLA ) for three months but without any improvement. In desparation I tried a chiropractor, after his daily adjustments for about 4 weeks, now she is feeling much better, there are times when she has zero pain and there are times when she have level 10 pain. But she is not using any pain medication. The most positive effect that I have seen on her in regards to chiropractor is her blood pressure has normalized. May be you should give a chiropractor a try.
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Hi Cheryl, When I read about your pain it sounded alot like mine! I've had head/jaw pain for about 15 years as well. My mother has trigeminal neuralgia in the exact same place as where my pain is. I've had injections in my face, three good teeth pulled (in the back,) massage, chriropracty, seen medical doctors and taken pain pills. The migraine pain medicine seems to help the most. Our healthe insurance is no longer very good but if I were you, I'd consider going to Mayo Clinic. I also take an antidepressant which I think is definitely a factor in pain. I'm a retired nurse and still don't have the answers but hope that you know you're being thought of that you;re 
and not alone.
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Hi,
And let me tell you some interesting news....... I have suffered with EXCRUCIATING HEADACHES myself stemming from the neck area. Had surgery for C-5 C-6 and of course like the neurologist said NOTHING would come of it to relieve my anguish. I am living on just tylenol, advil and aleve. However you like myself know the reprecussions of these meds.
I found a site that Jerry Lewis belonged to. He suffered as well with CHRONIC PAIN ...................I iwll find out the site name and get back to you
Till then be STRONG REMMAIN POSITIVE and iN FAITH
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