Chronic Neck and Back Pain: A Decade of Struggles

Neck and back pain for the past ten years?

Since junior high, I have been staying up late to study, which initially caused neck pain.
Over time, the pain spread to my shoulders and back, and eventually to my head.
Now, in my junior year of college, the pain has reached my lower back, and I experience tingling in my face below my ears and along the edges of my tongue.
Sometimes, my hands or feet suddenly become immobile, and I can only move them after massaging the painful areas.
Currently, the most intense pain is in my head, neck, and shoulders.
The pain in my head alternates between the right and left sides, but it mostly stays on the right side and is continuous.
At times, it is mild, while at other times, it is more severe, making it difficult to sleep.
I feel more comfortable after exercising, and physical therapy or acupuncture helps alleviate the pain.
However, when I return to my daily routine of attending classes and studying, the pain returns.

There is a lump where my head meets my neck, and another lump has developed in my neck, with a new one recently appearing on my shoulder blade, which is more painful than the first two.
Most doctors have said that the first two lumps are lymphadenopathy caused by a cold and advised against massaging them, while a few doctors suggested they are nodules that may gradually disappear with massage.
I personally feel that massaging them temporarily relieves the pain.
When I move my head or hands, I hear sounds similar to ligaments snapping, and the movements feel stiff and jerky.
Most doctors attribute my condition to a lack of exercise, while a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner believes I have a cold constitution with poor circulation of qi and blood.
A neurologist mentioned "tension-type headache," and I have undergone a CT scan, which showed no significant issues.
The rehabilitation specialist diagnosed me with "myofascial pain syndrome," while the internist suggested that my symptoms are due to anxiety and muscle tension.
What exactly is wrong with me?????

Shiyan, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2004/01/19

Dr. Chen Changmu reply Neurosurgery

1.
Your symptoms appear to be quite complex, but upon closer examination, they can likely be categorized as tension-type headaches.
This is because the symptoms began after staying up late to study, and thinking about studying triggers the headaches again.
Engaging in leisure activities tends to alleviate the symptoms.
This type of headache improves with the reduction of personal stress.
2.
As for the neck lump, I recommend consulting an otolaryngologist for evaluation and treatment.

Reply Date: 2004/01/19

More Info

Chronic neck and back pain can be a complex and multifaceted issue, especially when it has persisted for many years, as in your case. The symptoms you describe—pain radiating from the neck to the shoulders, back, and even affecting your face and tongue—suggest a possible combination of musculoskeletal, neurological, and possibly even psychological factors at play.

From your description, it seems that your pain began in middle school, likely exacerbated by long hours of studying and poor posture. This is a common scenario for many students who spend extended periods hunched over books or computers. Over time, this can lead to muscle imbalances, tension, and chronic pain conditions. The fact that you experience pain that alternates sides and can be relieved temporarily by massage or movement indicates that there may be underlying muscle tension or trigger points contributing to your discomfort.

The presence of lumps in your neck and shoulder areas, which some doctors have attributed to lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes), could be related to chronic inflammation or muscle tension. While some physicians suggest that these lumps are benign and related to past infections, others may consider them to be myofascial trigger points or muscle knots that can develop due to chronic muscle strain. It’s crucial to monitor these lumps and consult with a healthcare provider if they change in size, shape, or consistency.

Your symptoms of numbness and weakness in your limbs, along with the "tightening" sensation in your neck and head, could suggest nerve involvement. Conditions such as cervical radiculopathy, where nerves in the neck are compressed or irritated, can lead to pain and neurological symptoms in the arms and hands. The "snapping" or "cracking" sounds you hear when moving your head could be related to joint dysfunction or tight muscles around the cervical spine.

The various diagnoses you’ve received—tightness headaches, myofascial pain syndrome, and muscle tension—are all valid and reflect the complexity of your condition. It’s not uncommon for patients with chronic pain to receive multiple diagnoses as different specialists may focus on different aspects of the problem.

To effectively manage your chronic pain, a multidisciplinary approach is often the most beneficial. Here are some strategies that may help:
1. Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can develop a personalized exercise program that focuses on strengthening weak muscles, improving flexibility, and correcting posture. This can help alleviate pain and prevent future episodes.

2. Pain Management: Consult with a pain management specialist who can offer various treatments, including medications, nerve blocks, or other interventions aimed at reducing pain.

3. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Chronic pain can often lead to anxiety and depression. CBT can help you develop coping strategies and address any psychological factors that may be contributing to your pain.

4. Lifestyle Modifications: Incorporating regular physical activity, maintaining good posture, and taking frequent breaks during study sessions can help reduce strain on your neck and back.

5. Alternative Therapies: Techniques such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, or massage therapy may provide relief for some individuals. However, it’s essential to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment.

6. Regular Follow-ups: Keep a close relationship with your healthcare providers. Regular check-ups can help monitor your condition and adjust treatment plans as necessary.

In conclusion, while it may feel overwhelming to navigate through various diagnoses and treatments, understanding that chronic pain often requires a comprehensive approach can be empowering. It’s essential to advocate for yourself and seek out a team of healthcare professionals who can work together to address your unique situation. Remember, recovery is often a gradual process, and finding the right combination of treatments may take time.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Chronic Neck Pain: When to See a Neurologist

Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing discomfort and pain in the back of my neck for about 6 to 7 years. I often feel dizzy and mentally fatigued, and the pain occurs at irregular intervals. Therefore, I am considering getting checked at the hospital, but I am not sure which dep...

Dr. Ye Boshou reply Neurology
Discomfort in the posterior neck is most likely due to tendonitis, commonly seen in individuals who maintain fixed positions, such as drivers and office workers. It can heal with continued movement. Other conditions like hypertension or cervical spondylosis may warrant referrals ...

Chronic Neck Pain: Understanding the Impact on Daily Life

Hello doctor, I have been troubled by neck pain recently and would like to make an appointment, but I want to ask you first if this is actually a medical issue. When I was under 10 years old, my grandfather twisted my neck, and since then, I have experienced recurrent neck pain. ...

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Hello, based on your description, the most common cause of neck pain is cervical myofascial pain. Prolonged use of electronic devices in the same posture can lead to overuse of the trapezius muscle at the back of the neck, resulting in neck and shoulder discomfort. Initially, res...

Understanding Neck and Back Pain: Causes, Treatments, and Long-Term Solutions

Hello, Doctor! Recently, I visited a local hospital due to neck, shoulder, back, and lower back pain and stiffness, which restricted my upper body movement and required me to move slowly. The hospital performed X-rays and blood tests, and during my follow-up appointment, they inf...

Dr. Chen Yongxue reply Orthopedics
Hello: In response to your inquiry, the presence of bone spurs or calcification in the spine is quite common. This is essentially a result of spinal aging or changes following past injuries. The vast majority of bone spurs do not affect daily life (meaning there are no symptoms o...

Managing Chronic Back Pain: Insights on Degenerative Spine Issues

Hello, Doctor: I am a working professional with a habit of slouching, which often leads to shoulder and neck pain. I regularly receive chiropractic massages for relief, but I have been experiencing sharp and stabbing pain near the middle of my left back, close to the spine, for s...

Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello, it is suspected that there may be a spinal issue. It is recommended to consult a neurosurgeon. An X-ray or MRI assessment is advised. Best wishes. // Neurosurgeon Dr. Lai Chao-Kang