Inflammation of Carotid artery and neck pain

[SBBugg]

About six months ago my left neck began to hurt and I noticed what I thought was a lump there. I went to a head and neck specialist and he said that I had inflammtion of my Carotid artery(Carotidynia).  The lump, I guess, was just the bifurcation of my artery that was swollen. The doctor told me to take an anti-inflammatory(ibuprophen) for 2 weeks. The pain finally diminished, but about a month later it started in my right neck. The pain now runs all the way down my neck and into my shoulder and right chest a bit.  It especially hurts if I apply pressure to my pulse(Carotid artery).  It feels like inflammed nerves or something. So, I went back to another doctor and he gave the same diagnosis. He said unfortunatley the cause is unknown. Now I am on a stronger anti-inflammatory. I just want to know the cause so it won't come back. I also got blood work and a head and neck xray completed, but am still waiting for results. Has anyone ever had this?  Any similar symptoms?  Should I be more concerned? Thanks

[candyflower]

I would go see an internal medicine doctor.  Some theories about Carotidynia are:  It is caused by migraines or after infections.  I would speak to an internal med doctor and get it checked to make sure you dont have some circulatory problems.

[Lipstick39]

Did you talk to your Endo?  I am hypo and take the same RX. Feeling pain in my neck. Going to Endo tomorrow! Any info you could share would be helpful.

[BABYTA]

I, HAVE THE SAME...DR, SAID NOT TO RUB OR TOUCH THE ARTERY AS IT WILL BOTTOM OUT THE BLOOD PRESSURE. I'VE HAD THIS FOR 1 WK AND IT GIVES PAIN A NEW MEANING. JUST RECOVERING FROM PNEUMONIA AND I THINK THE TWO MAY HAVE A COMMON BOND ??? I'M, 69, FEMALE IN GOOD HEALTH/FIT, ACTIVE.....I, COULD JUST CRY IF IT WOULD HELP. I, READ THAT DAILY STRETCHING IS GOOD FOR IT. I'M USING A CANE BECAUSE I'M SO DIZZY...DR, DOES NOT SEEM AT ALL CONCERNED, SAID THAT HE HAS HAD IT. USE MOIST HEAT AND TAKE TYLENOL IS MY RX...GOOD LUCK

[HSS56]

Hi, I recently discovered the same issue, but havent seen a doctor, and I'm very sure I know the cause. If you carry heavy things, such as bags or whatever even just in your hand to often or long periods of time, it cause tenderness to the entire side of your neck. I've been trying to carry less weight in my bookbag, which is a shoulder bag, and switch to the other shoulder every now and then. This technique works quite well, oh and if you crack your neck within ONE hour prior to waking up or earlier, You'll experience that pain also, because it's to early to crack your neck because the muscles haven't quite stretched out, so it causes swelling. I hope this is helpful to you!

[gabesun]

U are doing  good job. Also have aches in my right neck. i take raw honey morning and night aches go away and whenever i stop taking honey i feel aches again. I asked a in a pharmaceutical store was told it could b as a result of blood shortage

[Bassmamma]

This sounds like Polymyalgia Rheumatica. Which I have been diagnosed with.  Steroids will get rid of the inflammation but watch out for Temporal Arteritis or giant cell arterisis which sometimes accompanies it.Tthese usually happen in people over 50 years old.  I have the ball swellings in the neck above the collar bone too.  the arteries at the back of my head and temples were sore and I am having a Temporal Artery Biopsy to see if it is TA, although it doesn't always show up. I have severe neck pain which settles on steroids but the arterial pain continued hence the extra investigation.  Both my parents had this and Polymyalgia so I think it may be gene related.  they don't know what causes it but stress, or post operation or injury somtimes trigers them.  A CAT scan will show arterial damage if any. Good luck.