Connect with others who understand.

  •   Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  •   Real advice from people who’ve been there
  •   People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
All Resources Treatments A-Z Personal Assistant Help Center Crisis
Powered By
Real members of myRAteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Is Occipital Neuralgia part of RA symptoms?

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Roseburg, OR

I have these sudden sharp pains at the base of my skull when I yawn or turn my head. Just thinking it might be another addition to my symptoms.

April 11
 · 
Reactions
myRAteam

Are sudden sharp pains at the base of your skull related to RA symptoms?

Sharp pains at the base of your skull could be related to RA affecting your neck. When RA impacts the cervical spine (neck region), it can cause pain at the base of the skull, along with other symptoms.

RA in the neck happens when your immune system Show Full Answer

Are sudden sharp pains at the base of your skull related to RA symptoms?

Sharp pains at the base of your skull could be related to RA affecting your neck. When RA impacts the cervical spine (neck region), it can cause pain at the base of the skull, along with other symptoms.

RA in the neck happens when your immune system attacks the joints in your cervical spine, causing inflammation and damage. This can lead to several types of discomfort:

- Pain at the base of the skull
- Pins-and-needles sensations
- Warmth or burning feelings
- Limited mobility in the neck
- Headaches

The pain you're experiencing when yawning or turning your head could be from inflammation in those neck joints. A myRAteam member described similar feelings, saying they feel "as though something fell on my head and pushed it into my neck and shoulders. It hurts to turn my neck in any direction."

It's important to talk to your rheumatologist about these new symptoms. They can examine you and possibly order imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs to see if RA is affecting your cervical spine. Getting checked early helps guide treatment that can ease your symptoms and prevent further damage.

April 11
A myRAteam Member

Clarice Fir Greta 2

April 25
A myRAteam Member

I've had occipital injections in the back of my neck to resolve severe migraines taking place. I still have these severe migraines we are trying to resolve so the occipital injections are no more and we are moving onto something else. My point of the matter, I have experienced migraine pain level bringing in the occipital injection to be used back of neck rather than the sides for care. I did this care under my pain specialist as I see him to assist for the migraine issue resolution. The RA specialist is fully aware of the steps we are taking to lower the migraine severity.

April 12
A myRAteam Member

Please be careful with yiur eyes. Yiu need to see a ophthalmologist the Eye dr
Please

April 25
A myRAteam Member

The burning helped the nerves a lot. Usually a Tylenol or Aleve helps now. I know it's going to come back at some point, because the nerves regenerate.

April 20

Related Questions

View All

see below

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
March 23, 2022

Is it really just RA

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
September 4

RA Shoulder Pain: What It Feels Like and 4 Ways To Find Relief
Can Diet Help Ease Your RA Symptoms?
Vasculitis: The Risks of RA Inflammation