I have developed random pressure/stiffness vertically along my neck below my ears

[jmr106]

I do have Gastritis (inflamed stomach) verified by Upper Endoscopy and have had it for over a month, but unsure if it is related. I'm on Pantoprazole 40mg twice per day and Famotidine 20mg three times per day, but they're both acid reducers. I have researched and see that Pantoprazole over a length of time (I've been taking it for about a month or a little more) can cause Magnesium deficiency and Iron deficiency due to basically having too little acid and the Gastritis interrupting the body's ability to properly take in nutrients needed.

I've been on the meds for about a month now, so I'm thinking it isn't the cause unless I've just now reached the point where something has gotten low. I started taking reasonable Magnesium supplements today (250mg tablets) and I'm eating more iron-rich foods.

What else could cause a random and light cramp-like pain running vertically on either side of my neck and also a light headache that basically feels like it is on the 'outside' of the skin on my head? Among other odd things, I've felt occasional 'cold' feelings on the back of my head, pressure on the back of my head and neck, etc. No reason to believe that I'm sick with anything like a cold or illness not listed.

I also get lightly flushed pink cheeks when I'm really tired at the end of the day. Any ideas? Sometimes it feels like my neck is 'pulsing' a little bit. With the Gastritis, I feel 'pulses' in my stomach, as well. I have also been shaky all over for the past few days, which is why I suspected either low Iron or Magnesium. Magnesium seems to cause that quite frequently for a lot of people. I just don't know what this random cramp is in either side of my neck extend from just behind the back of the jaw to just above my shoulders. My neck feels "stiffer" in those particular areas for some reason.

[Sara_MHModerator]

Hello and welcome to the forum.  I am sorry for the delay in responding but it allows me to ask how you are doing after a bit of time taking your supplements?  Are you showing any improvement?  Since this is on the outside as you describe, could this not be muscular related?  Does stretching give you any relief when done gently and do non steroidal anti inflammatory medications give you any comfort?