Headache and neck/trapezius pain

While participating in a tug-of-war on Saturday, the 4th,  I experienced a severe pain across the lower back of my head.   I began to hyperventilate, became overheated, both lasting for ten minutes or so.  After taking Tylenol, the pain subsided somewhat, but I am still experiencing some residual pain at the lower portion of the back of my head and tightness in my trapezius muscles.   Any advice on exercise to alleviate the pain and stiffness?

about the only things I can suggest is some heat to reduce stiffness and cold to reduce any swelling. After treating with heat doing some gentle stretches of the effected area may also help. Using some kind of sports rub like Ben-Gay, Aspercream, etc may also help reduce discomfort and pain. If it isn't better in a few days you should probably see a doctor.

My guess is that you have pulled a muscle or two and possibly pinched a nerve as well based on what you described. Take it easy and if doing anything causes an increase in pain then stop. The stretches should not cause pain. Possible discomfort yes, pain no.

Welcome Triadtrans,

Others have given you some great advise already. If the pain is really bad and you can handle ibprofen (like dani said) then I would do ibprofen every 8 hours and tylenol every 6 hours (but becareful with the tylenol as they're now saying that 650mg should be the max for one dose and not 1000mg like it use to be and still says on the back of bottles). And alternate between ice and heat, and rubs like Jim said. And if it gets to be too much, then it would be best to pay a visit to your doctor, maybe they can give you a referal for the physical therapy to do some massages on your sore areas, or prescribe you something a bit more stronger. But things like this is not uncommon, and pulled muscles can take weeks to heal, just dont over do yourself and listen to your body, if it says stop, then stop, you dont wanna make things much worse where it turns into something that will never go away. But again welcome.

-hellokitty

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Chronic Pain Moderator

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