Headaches that start in the back of the skull and upper neck; usually spurred (or increase in intensity) by valsalva maneuvers, such as: coughing, sneezing, heaving, laughing, etc.
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Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral means outward from the center.
Neuropathy means a disease of the nerves.
Peripheral Neuropathy (neuropathic pain) describes the pain one experiences in their extremities (or at least outward of the brain and spinal cord) from damaged nerves.
Muscle Spasticity
Many use the terms muscle spasms and muscle spasticity interchangeably, but they are incorrect in doing so. While both can cause a tightness/stiffness and an involuntary control of those muscles, they are different in origin. Muscle spasms are a result of a damaged central nervous system or nerves, while muscle spasticity is a muscles reaction to an injury to the muscle itself. From a Chiarian’s perspective, the difference can be seen in that we tend to have muscle spasms in our necks that are caused by damaged nerves; that pain coupled with the fear of moving, causes a tenseness that can lead to muscle spasticity in the neck and upper back.
Recommended Doctor for Diagnosis: Orthopedic Doctor/Surgeon, Physical/Rehabilitation/Occupational Therapist
Testing: clinical visit
- Treatments: Heat Therapy, Relaxation Techniques, Massage Therapy
- Medications: Muscle Relaxers such as Methocarbamol (Robaxin)
Postherpetic Neuralgia
Nerve pain as a direct result of the varicella zoster virus. Typically confined to the skin (dermis), follows an outbreak of shingles (herpes zoster).
Post-Traumatic Syringomyelia
Refers to a syrinx (cyst filled with cerebrospinal fluid in the spinal cord) which develops specifically after trauma to the spinal cord.
Radicular
Relating to or involving nerve roots. In the case of radicular pain- damage to a nerve root can actually cause pain that transmit into the lower extremity directly along the course of a spinal nerve root.
Fibromyalgia [FM]
A condition known for widespread musculoskeletal pain; often centralized at “trigger points”. These are spots on the body, often joints, where the pain seems to radiate from. Other symptoms include fatigue, memory and mood issues, sleep disturbances and cognitive difficulties (Fibro fog).
Symptoms sometimes begin after a physical trauma, surgery, infection or significant psychological stress. In other cases, symptoms gradually accumulate over time with no single triggering event.
It has been theorized that the widespread pain and other issues come from a processing issue within the brains pain receptors. There is no known singular test for Fibromyalgia; rather a diagnosis comes from a complete history, symptoms and physical exam. A variety of medications have been found to help ease the symptoms of Fibromyalgia as there is no cure.
allodynia
Pain in response to something that should not cause pain; like a light touch. In contrast, see: Analgesia
