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Severe headache neck traction
I had pain in upper chest, trapezius spasm a nd left hand pain and swelling for which I went for physiotherapy. I was given IFT, dythermy and neck traction(7 kg). I was ok on day one. Day 2 same process but had headache after neck traction. Now the headache has gone worst. Have pain and spasm in entire upper back, tingling in arms and upperback, pain at the base of skull , anywhere on head, tingling in skull, tightness in skull. Neck is a bit stiff. Cannot sleep at night properly due to pain. Connected to family physician and he advised to stop physio and has given some medicines. But it's not working. Suppose there must be some chance that the traction was applied wrongly then what can be done? I am very tensed and worried. Please advice. I have to travel in 15 days and this headache is unbearable.
Kindly advice.
Answers (10)
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Your symptoms (severe headache, neck stiffness, tingling in arms, pain at skull base) may indicate Cervical nerve root compression / Cervicogenic headache / Possible disc involvement or vertebral joint strain due to over-traction or incorrect application.
Yes, if traction was improperly applied (wrong weight, angle, or duration), it can worsen or create new symptoms. 7 kg might be excessive for some individuals, especially on the first few sessions, without gradual progression.
Next Steps
Consult an Orthopedic Specialist or Neuro-Spine Physician
A cervical spine MRI may be needed to rule out disc bulge/herniation, nerve impingement, or vertebral issues aggravated by the traction.
Health Tips
-Use a cervical collar (soft) temporarily to limit neck movement and support healing.
- Avoid using pillows or use a cervical pillow.
- Maintain upright posture; avoid slouching or looking down at phones/screens for long.
- Warm compress on the upper back and base of the neck (NOT very hot) for 10-15minutes.
- Gentle deep breathing exercise to reduce tension, which can increase pain sensitivity.
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Visit Head to Heel physiotherapy clinic , porur , chennai ,
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Please take an online consultation for best diagnosis and treatment.
Next Steps
Postural issue.
Health Tips
upper back muscles strengthening exercises and stretching exercises under supervision of qualified Physio.
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Continue with pain relief modalities
Consult to specialist for headache
Health Tips
Maintain healthy lifestyle
Drink plenty of water
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Ask your physio to not give traction but take SWD+IFT+US therapy.
Apply hot pack with diclofenac ointment twice a day for 15mins.
As you might be a ffering with cervical radiculopathy, this needs some different treatment. Consult back if want to know more about reducing neck pain completely.
share your x-ray or mri for proper treatment suggestion.
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Dr. Abhishek Harihar (PT)
Physiotherapist
3 yrs exp
Bagalkot
The symptoms you are telling are not just neck related, check with trapezius tightness
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Dr. Steephan John (PT)
Physiotherapist
6 yrs exp
Bangalore
kindly take some muscle relaxant and apply hot pack on pain area or get a proper assessment and manual therapy treatment from nearby physio
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Dr. Shivani Taywade
Physiotherapist
5 yrs exp
Bangalore
Neck traction, while generally safe when properly administered, can sometimes cause complications, especially if the force is excessive or the procedure is not suited to your condition.
Next Steps
1. Stop All Neck Traction and Physiotherapy.
Health Tips
Your symptoms after neck traction are potentially serious. Do not delay-seek urgent medical evaluation to ensure there is no serious injury or complication, especially before your upcoming travel. Related Could the neck traction have caused a vertebral artery dissection What immediate steps should I take if I suspect a vertebral artery dissection How can I differentiate between a primary headache and a secondary one caused by neck trauma Are there any long-term risks associated with cervical artery dissection What are the symptoms of a transient ischemic attack that I should watch for
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Dr. Jacob Roshan Mathew (PT)
Physiotherapist
21 yrs exp
Bangalore
Traction can cause aggrevation in some conditions. However, usually symptoms recede after 3 to 4 weeks
Try another physiotherapist
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Ms. Shefali Gandotra (PT)
Physiotherapist
20 yrs exp
Jammu
Relax. Stop traction and continue with other pain relief modalities
Next Steps
Also consult with a general physcian regarding headach
Health Tips
Maintain hydration
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