I had very similar pain and my doctor did a procedure called a Medial Branch Nerve Block and I have been pain free in that spot for over 4 years... I would check into it, it may save you from having to take those meds they will try prescribe you. Good Luck.
It sounds like your spine near your neck is straigtening and hitting a nerve.This is damage caused by whiplash.were you i a bad accident?
Hi Jenn and welcome to the pain management community.
I am sorry to hear about the pain you have been experiencing with little resolve from the medical community.
It sounds to me that your pain my stem from a pinched nerve in your neck caused by a herniated disc(s). To confirm that this is the case, you need to get an MRI scan of your cervical (neck) spine. X-rays or CAT scans do not have the resolution to typically see the herniation(s). I recommend either getting your PCP to refer you to a spine orthopedic specialist or physiatrist and they will order the MRI scan.
Physical therapy, epidural injections, and medications have shown efficacy at treating cervical radiculopathy. I would steer clear of chiropractors as adjustments of the neck have caused strokes in several individuals. Make sure you get the "all clear" from a medical doctor before seeing a chiropractor. Remember chiropractors are not doctors.
Please keep us posted on how things are going with your pain, diagnosis, and treatment options.
Take care.
femmy