A Chronic Pain In The Head
Recurring headaches occur for various reasons, such as underlying medical conditions and trauma. In some cases, the reason for chronic headaches is a spinal injury in the back or neck. A degenerated disc is a spinal injury that can cause excruciating pain in the head and should be treated. Other conditions, such as spinal stenosis and pinched nerves, can also result in chronic headaches.
Cervicogenic headaches
Injuries near the neck, including degenerative conditions, whiplash injury, or prolapsed neck, can lead to cervicogenic headaches. Even standing or sitting for an extended period can trigger cervicogenic headaches due to stress on the neck. An awkward sleeping position can also lead to this type of headache.
Possible symptoms
The signs and symptoms of degenerative disc disease depend on the location of the spinal injury. The most common symptoms include worsened pain with activities such as sitting and bending, paresthesia, and weakness of the limbs. The pain may get better with walking or changing positions. Pain can come and go, and may radiate from the affected area. A patient with cervicogenic headache may experience other accompanying symptoms such as neck stiffness and pain in the shoulders, arms, and around the eyes. Sometimes, sensitivity to light or noise and blurry vision can also occur.
Managing disc pain
The treatment of degenerative disc disease in any area of the spine is similar. The initial treatment includes medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), steroids, and muscle relaxants. Ice application, physical therapy (PT), and braces can also help. There are also alternative therapies, such as massage, chiropractor care, and acupuncture, that a doctor may recommend.
Failed conservative treatment
If non-surgical treatments do not help relieve the symptoms, the doctor may recommend other management options. The alternate options include nerve block and surgery. A nerve block is done by injecting steroids into the nerves. Surgery can help in cases of severe pain.
Take future precautions
To avoid worsening the symptoms, try the following methods. Avoid any activity that aggravates the symptoms. Practice and maintain good posture while sitting and standing. Physical exercise and stretching can strengthen the muscles, lessen pain, and improve posture.
Headaches be gone
The prognosis of a degenerated disc depends on the intensity of the pain. A mild or moderate condition may only require conservative treatment, while a severe condition may require surgery. If headaches continue to occur due to the disc issue, addressing the underlying cause is important. Speak to the doctor about treatments and the outlook after getting treated. With the right approach, chronic headaches can be a problem of the past.
