Has anybody else had this weird throbbing sensation in back of neck

Hi guys

I have a veritange symptom. The doctor doesn't even know what I mean when I describe it, and says it is all in my head (well, yes - I suppose she is right!)

It is basically a strong throbbing sensation in the arteries at the back of my neck and head, sometimes with a slight headache feeling and often with tension in upper back/neck. I am not sure quite what causes it although I believe some foods, stress and tension make it worse. I don't get it every day and when I am sitting or standing it is much less noticeable, but it makes it impossible to sleep when it happens as it is much worse lying down.

Its often accompanied by feeling too hot but having a low core temperature (below 36 C).

I figure it might be high blood pressure or some weird type of migraine.

The only possible reason for it that Dr Google came up with were slightly terrifying things like a blocked artery, encephalitis, etc which concerned me initially but then I thought, well I'd probably already be dead if that was the case

As I say the doctor thinks I have a good imagination and tension headaches didn't quite fit the description, so I am not sure.

So I thought I'd give it a shot and see if anyone else has had this and or knew anything about it.

Thank you loads

SP

[ButterflyCallie]

I get this occasionally and have put it down to insufficient dose on my thyroid meds

[Hidden in reply to ButterflyCallie]

Oh that's very interesting. Thank you. It is unpleasant for you but reassuring for me that someone else gets this too. Cheers!

[twospoons]

Sounds like it might be mild serotonin syndrome. I know this because I've just had a major episode myself. I take NDT and was getting mild headaches and mood swings so thought I'd supplement with 5HTP. Major mistake. It started with hunger pangs then slight nausea, then a galloping heart rate, sweats, shortness of breath, myoclonus and the shivering. It's like being on E but without the euphoria or knowing when it'll stop.

There is a know relationship between thyroid activity and 5-HTP sensitivity and serotonin levels. See nature.com/mp/journal/v7/n2.... I'd check your diet or supplements for a causal factor. I'm reducing my thyroid dosage and cutting out the 5-HTP.

[humanbean in reply to twospoons]

twospoons Just out of curiosity, what dose of 5-HTP created the problems you describe?

I've been taking 50mg of 5-HTP for over 5 years and it works wonders for me.

However, increasing the dose makes me feel jittery and unwell. What puzzles me is that the most common dose of tablets/capsules sold is 100mg, and the 50mg tablets are quite a bit harder to get hold of. I've even seen some brands sold in a 200mg dose which is absolute lunacy as far as I'm concerned.

I actually wonder how many people have developed problems because the tablets are sold in too high a dose.

[Hidden in reply to twospoons]

That's a possibility because I had a test that showed my serotonin and dopamine were low. But then you might mean that yours was too high, I'm not sure. I've heard of 5 HTP but I don't know what it does? Is it in any foods by any chance?

Thanks so much, its really helpful to me that this is a known thing. I hope you feel better because it is really not so good.

Cheers

[humanbean in reply to Hidden]

5-HTP does not exist in normal foods. In a healthy person who is not taking any 5-HTP it is made in the body from other substances.

upload.wikimedia.org/wikipe...

Tryptophan is converted into 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan). 5-HTP is converted into serotonin.

People take 5-HTP as an anti-depressant and it must not be taken with other anti-depressants. This is true of all anti-depressants, not just 5-HTP.

[Hidden in reply to humanbean]

Thanks for clarifying humanbean. I guess if 5htp was not being converted, or was being converted to too much serotonin, one might start to notice some problems. I don't have enough serotonin though, so no worries there maybe it is just yet another adrenal fatigue symptom.

Cheers

[Hidden]

I'm sorry to hear you've had such a rough time of it. It seems unfair that just when we are stressed and could do with a break our bodies decide to go to pieces! I do believe stress especially chronic stress is very damaging and I have certainly had alot of it too, so maybe that's what this odd symptom is about.

Sounds scary to have it all over your body. I'm glad it has improved for the moment. I have adrenal fatigue quite badly, maybe you do too? Dr Lam has some great stuff about adrenal fatigue. I wonder if this symptom is an adrenal reaction.

Thanks for your help and stay strong

[Hidden]

That sounds really interesting, I will defo look that up. Thanks so much and all the best to you

[Hidden]

Awesome, thank you! Your very welcome to follow me around

[Hidden]

Yeah I looked it up and it sounds very interesting. I will keep reading and thanks so much for all the links, I really appreciate it.

[Anthea55]

I have occasional feeling of thickness at the base of my skull, with a feeling of being a bit wobbly and slightly muggy head. This used to happen occasionally and last for less than a day. As you say, it's difficult to explain to the doc.

Recently it went on for over 2 weeks, so back to the doc - blood tests all ok, etc. Then took myself to the osteopath who eased my neck, which was rather tight. This did the trick - had to go back to osteopath a few times, but now it hasn't happened for several weeks, so fingers crossed that I've found the solution for me and brain now back in action. I try to do neck exercises whenever I think about it.

Hope you find something that works for you.

[Heloise in reply to Anthea55]

Hi Anthea, I think your osteopath was very astute. I've been posting Dr. John Bergman ever since Blue Pettals introduced him to the forum. That crucial area of the neck which can interfere with the cerebral fluid if the curve is gone causes many problems. He feels Parkinson's and bipolar may be two of them.

The stored stress that builds up needs to be released.

What are the exercises you use? Dr. Bergman recommends one pulling the neck forward while leaning the head back. Tense muscles can be devastating.

[Anthea55 in reply to Heloise]

Thanks Heloise, that's fascinating. I felt sure that something was interfering with messages to my brain. I've wondered if sitting badly is part of the problem.

Many years ago I knew a doctor who manipulated necks for headaches etc, but I don't think anyone does that now.

I just do simple exercises from the NHS physio - neck rotation, right and left; head bending right and left; head forward chin down to chest.

I'll look up Dr John Bergman - his exercises will be an improvement.

[Heloise in reply to Anthea55]

Bergman has vast knowledge and has many videos on you tube. I've been watching this one about tinnitus. The one on the nervous system is great as well. He also has the chiropractic manipulations on video as well as his teaching sessions.

youtube.com/watch?v=yvQGPIr...(Not working as expected?)

[Heloise in reply to Anthea55]

I forgot about his saying regarding cervical vertebrae "C3,4,5 keep you alive".

[Hidden in reply to Anthea55]

That's interesting, I do hold a lot of tension in thetop of my back between the shoulders. How much did your osteopath treatment cost, if you don't mind? Thanks for your help, glad your doing better now

[Anthea55 in reply to Hidden]

I don't like to put costs on here publicly. First visit will cost more as they take your history etc, followups less. Ring up the practice you think of going to and ask them.

The really important thing, in my experience, is to find someone good. Best if you can get a recommendation from someone who has used them. This one is about 15 miles away, but worth it.

[Hidden]

I used to get a throbbing, buzzing sensation in the back of my head, top of my neck. I had a lovely GP at the time who seem to know what it was. He said it was viral and to do with my inner ear. He said it would pass which it did although I have had it a couple of time since. He did give me a latin name for it but I cant remember this.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Oh cool thank you. That does sound alot like it. Perhaps I just have a bit of a virus hanging about. That would be nice and simple

[Wolfiesmom08]

Yes I know exactly the sensation. I don't have it when I'm laying down but it only happens certain a times of the month so I'm pretty sure it's hormonal. It could be a symptom of a migraine. I don't have a solution or name for it. Only my sympathies.

[Hidden in reply to Wolfiesmom08]

Well your sympathies are very welcome! I'm honestly just glad that other people know what I'm talking about. I'm quite prone to both migraines and tension so its probably got alot to do with that. I'm sorry you have it too. I hope we find a solution. Thanks for your help

[Hidden]

Thank you so much. I will keep you posted for sure!