I wondered if anyone had experience of neck problems causing migraine or dizziness? Find that if I look upwards, I feel dizzy and sick for a few days with migraine aura sometimes. Went to the hairdressers and the lad who washed my hair pushed my head down slightly when he put the towel on and again for a few days felt really rough. Told my gp and she listened to my neck and said it was a crude test but she couldnt "hear" any problems. she has put me on aspirin though which has scared me to death as I know it is used to thin the blood and prevent strokes!!!

Did you face forwards over the bowl, or have to bend your neck backwards at an awkward angle? If not sitting at the right height then you can get damage to your neck. I used to get a sore neck at the hairdressers until I started to use the forward facing way. I'm only 5' 1" tall, so the seats are not high enough for me.

A few years ago i had really bad neck and shoulder problems which were started by a whiplash injury from a car crash, it all settled down and then after being at the hairdressers and being in there a few hours i came out and felt a little dizzy. The next day i woke up and sat up and felt something go, i was in agony and couldn't move my neck. From then on in i suffered for almost 2 years before i started to have daily physio and acupuncture at a rehab centre  linked to my work. I had that for 2 weeks and only just started to get a few twinges from time to time.
Not sure if this is what you mean or not.

You might have some arthritis in the neck or an inner ear problem .  I would be asking for a second opinion , and an x-ray might be an idea .
My Dad had a problem like this a year or so ago ( without the migraine ) and i think  he was diagnosed  with Labrynthitis .
Also , i would be a bit concerned taking an Asprin without a good reason , they can do more harm than good . 
Hope you get sorted with a definate diagnosis soon .

Thank-you all for your replies. Yes, it was a backwash. I was diagnosed with spondilytis around 25 years ago but to be honest, my neck hasnt been a problem for many years. I do have arthritis in other places including my lower back, so I suppose it could be that. Yes, the aspirin thing. I did do a bit of research and like you say, it did say it can do more harm than good. this is why I was shocked when my doctor prescribed it. She does tend to panic a bit. I will go back and ask to be referred to someone. It really is scaring me. the inner ear thing is a good point too. I did suffer from vertigo  a while back which went along with my thyroid problems. OMG, I am a total wreck, arent I. Well I do have a lot of problems but I tend to carry on and try not to let them get me down. After all, I am alive and there are so many worse problems than mine. Appreciate your comments.

You could try seeing a chiropractor as the spine is a major causes of migraine.   I also feel sick when looking up, in my case it's definitely a spine thing.

yes, my best friend gets exactly this, the headaches aren't full blown migraines but are pretty horrible. shes been getting physio on her neck and its helped enormously.

Ah, makes you feel so much better when you hear other people with the same problem. will definitely go back and get some help.

Good , let us know how get on .

Will definitely let you know. Thank-you

honestly, she pays a fair bit for private physio (i think about £20 a session for 1 a month) but its helped her enormously, i would really suggest it

There are rare occurences of a backwash causing health problems - but I stress they are very rare.

I had heard of that too JG. I think it is very rare but worth being aware of anyway.

Annie
I've had exactly the same thing, quite some years ago.  I had quite bad vertigo and the doc gave me tablets for it - which did no good at all.  I went back over and over - then they assumed it just had to be ears, but I was at the end of my tether, nothing they did helped. They ended up checking for a brain tumour, which I didn't have.

I just wish that someone had suggested neck earlier!  It wasn't even a doctor.  I wouldn't see a chiropracter, as I had heard some bad stories.  Ended up having cranial osteopathy.  The osteopath immediately knew that I had a neck problem, within seconds of touching me.  The first session had me worried, I had to sit up all night where I felt so sickeningly dizzy.  After that, each treatment got better and better.

The only things likely to antagonise it now is back washes at the hairdresser, and looking upwards, such as painting a ceiling.  I was pretty cynical about an osteopath being able to help.  I am now a convert!  At least for this type of problem.  If you just had one appointment I think you would know the same day if they could help you.  I've been great since I got it sorted.  :-)

I have had exactly the same problem. My doctor advised me to carry on seeing my chiropractor but also to have a deep tissue massage. This really helped although quite painful at the time and for a while after. As I had had enough of forking out for private therapies I have now been referred to physio, a bit slow going but a lot of the exercise really help to stretch it out especially as I do them at least once an hour.
Forward hair washing is advised too as already suggested. Also make sure you keep a check on your blood pressure levels - any possibility of ear infections as well.
I appologise profusely if I have repeated any other poster's suggestions but I raced to reply, being a fellow sufferer, and wanted to add my support.
Stay warm and well and hope you feel better soon

Yes, I think think maybe my doc did prescribe the aspirin because I am having problems with blood pressure at the moment. Still dont like the thought of taking it. as I mentioned, I did have problems around 25 years ago and I remember my pain specialist did manipulate my neck, which did help. I think I read somewhere that stroke can be caused by having your neck manipulated and I think this is at the back of my mind, the same as the back wash. I havent read the links you gave me yet but i do seem to remember a poor american lady had a stroke whilst having a back wash. I'm 63 and the youngest of 8, none of whom have heart problems or stroke so maybe I wouldnt be at great risk but will still have to ask questions before I have any treatment. I also seem to remember that all those years ago I bought a pillow that was shaped so that it gave a sort of traction while you slept and that helped too. Will have to have a look and see if I can find one. Cash is a problem of course, being a pensioner!!!! and on my own (apart from my three doggies) but we do have a good nhs physio department so will get on to that next week. The pain is now going down my arms so it does seem to be pretty bad. Thanks again. I feel better already. Just knowing other people have or have had the same problem. These forums (fori??) are brill!!! You are all so supportive. Thank-you

Mmm, read the link now. will have to have a word with my hairdresser. Tell him one of his lads could be putting his customers at risk. He did actually push my head down and I should have told him then and there but you know how it is. will have a quiet word. Dont want to get him in trouble so will mention it gently.

> The pain is now going down my arms so it does seem to be pretty bad.

trapped nerve maybe?

Yes could well be. Will make an appointment tomorrow. Cant go on like this.

Oooh, poor you.
Try not to sleep or lie on your tummy, and do try an orthopaedic pillow.
Chiropracter or osteopath much better than GP.
Karen :(

Cooperscrossing is dead right my migranes improved after I solved my neck ache.

> Chiropracter or osteopath much better than GP

100% right :-)

Aspirin has been used by millions and millions of people for many years; it is not a dangerous drug. If it was dangerous it would not be sold over the counter, as it is.   If you have bleeding ulcers, similar problems, or are on an anticoagulant (like Warfarin), don't use it. 

Aspirin is a good anti-inflammatory which I expect is why your GP recommended it.

> The pain is now going down my arms so it does seem to be pretty bad.

Sounds like a disc/nerve - i would be asking for a scan .
Also , if it's  the left arm then it could be heart .  When a person has lots of medical problems it can be hard to sort out which symptoms are from which complaint !
Hope you get it solved soon .

will take that on board Cairnmania!. Just realised why my neck is so bad this week. stupid really but you do these things without thinking and forget about it. On sunday, this week, my daughter and grandkids took me to see the Halle in Manchester. It was a mothers day thing. Brilliant. With puppets and stuff for the kids. Afterwards we called to see my son. He lives 7 FLOORS UP in a block of flats and was leaning over the balcony to watch out for us. I LOOKED UP!!! It just confirms everything doesnt it. Anyway, have to see my gp next week but - a coincidence.!! I recently joined an over sixties group organised by our local football club (Rochdale) (up the Dale!!!) For £2 you can do tai chi, swim, do several sports and use the gym. If you have health problems you can have a one to one session with a physiotherapist. I'm told it is really good, lasts an hour and he sorts out what you can and cant do. Well I have an appointment in a couple of weeks to see him so I will see what happens then. Hopefully my neck will settle if I dont look up again but I know I will have to do something because of the migraines but this will be a start. Will also talk to my gp about it next week and see what comes out of that. I will keep the chiropractor thing in mind if I dont get anywhere over the next few weeks. Thanks again for all your input. I feel so much better now because of all the support!! Brill ta.

PS Will report back what happens for the next person who may have these problems.

annieq3 - when i was younger I had a neck injury which in turn gave me really bad migraines etc. My dad used to do a little exercise which I felt really worked:  He sat on the sofa, me on the floor facing away, back against his legs. He would put his hands around my neck, cuping my head and VERY GENTLY lift my head upwards from my body, taking all its weight. He would hold it like this for 5 or 10 mins and it was as if my neck had had a chance to stretch and relax without the weight of my head to support. Odd, but def worked. My OH and I still use it after a hard days work and it is really relaxing.

I have same problems and go to oesteopath every 3 to 6 months as stress can set it off - as well as the looking up to see.  She also has given me exercises to help stretch neck and back muscles - as my injury due to spondalitis and years of heavy lifting

Hi
Same problem here.
Have seen a neurologist and had an MRI. Had injections into various nerves in my neck (did not work), so back to square one. Also seeing a surgeon at Pain Management Clinic and I am on various medication. One of them is actually a epilepsy drug. Good luck and just keep on at them, it has taken me 23 years to get to where I am now.

I have cervical spondylosis and get similiar problems though not migraineous headaches, but still do get headaches and dizziness.  Can go for months with nothing and then have a really bad period.

Goodness and you think you are the only one. The neck stretching thing. Dont know if I dare do that but the pillow I mentioned I used to have did sort of do that. It stretched your neck out and it definitely helped me. Hope you all get some sort of relief from whatever you  try.

Just wanted to add that i also got a kind of numbness down my arms and into my hands as well when it all first came on.
Having a hands on physio, not one who checks you over and sends you away with exercises but one who gets hands on, massages and uses ultrasound is what i recommend. I also used a McTimony chiropractor in my area which was recommended by friends who have also been, i had a twisted vertebrea and that had to be moved each time back into place.
I can say that acupuncture was the best thing for me over all. I had a couple of sessions over a couple of days, yes i felt slightly ill over those few days, feeling giddy but with that and massage i was right as rain after i finished the sessions.
I saw specialists as well who stated that i had a bad case of whiplash, they refused an MRI scan as said it wouldn't show anything up that they couldn't feel.

BOSTON TEA "My dad used to do a little exercise which I felt really worked:  He sat on the sofa, me on the floor facing away, back against his legs. He would put his hands around my neck, cuping my head and VERY GENTLY lift my head upwards from my body" (Sorry, dont know how to do the refer to other post thing)

I was absolutely fed up last night as no improvement. When I went to bed I lay on my back and put the pillow (a quite firm one) right into the back of my neck and sort of stretched my head back as far as I could comfortably do. (Hard to explain) Kept waking in the night in other positions so did the same again. Feel much better this morning. Could be natural progression of healing but it seems to be a big jump. Trying to copy Boston Tea's method which is similar to that flippin pillow I keep talking about. Will see how things progress. Still have to get it sorted though of course.

Hi annieg3

As a hairdresser I know all the risks,althogh rare, of backwash basins.
Im really sorry you had a bad experiance and I hope your neck gets better soon.

To quote   "Hairdressers should be trained not to overextend your neck while washing your hair. However, if you feel any discomfort while having your hair washed, ask the hairdresser to stop and to provide extra support for your neck, such as a cushion or rolled up towel."

We were always taught never to press down on a clients neck when shampooing as its the pressure on the nerves that can do the damage,restricting blood flow etc, and yes people are right,very rarely it can cause a stroke.

Can I just ask you,Do you remebember if the bit of the basin where your neck sits had a foam rubber cushion or piping attachment round the edge ?. If not the salon is in the wrong and you are well within your right to complain.... I would even if it only prevents them hurting someone elses neck this way.

Heres a link to the neck cushion  that should be used so you can see what im talking about

http://www.thesalonthing.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=74&products_id=413

At the very least they should give you a rolled up towel to give extra comfort, but they are required to have this foam strip round the basin edge.

Hope this helps a bit
Take Care
Philly xx

When I had whiplash, one of the exercises the physio told me to do was to lie on my back across my bed with my head over the edge, gently allow my head to relax downwards unsupported (effectively dangling, but with my shoulders supported) then slowly turn my head to either side as far as I could.

Thanks Philly. that is interesting. yes you are right. I must "complain". The hairdresser I go to is the top salon in the town (I can only go when they have special offers) and I have known the owner for years. I cant remember about the back-wash neck thing but will certainly check that out next time I go in a couple of weeks. I cant see John having anything but the very best stuff as he does really care about his clients. I think, because I consider him a friend, I feel a bit awkward about telling him. Ridiculous I know. Better if I didnt but I must do because his lad definitely did push my head down. Trouble is pinpointing which lad it was. He has a lot of staff but i have a vague idea and Claire, my hairdresser, will hopefully remember. Thanks for that.

No problem annieg3......Dont feel awkward about saying something,Client heath and safety is paramount in any salon,the experience is meant to make the client leave feeling great not awful...  if hes a friend he should be more able to take on board what youre saying than if it was anyone else as you know him and you will say it in a friendly way.
Let me know how you get on
P xx

Edited to add this.... also if the lad in question didnt know he was being rough if you say something he can be told how to put it right next time he shampoos someone else....Hairdressing is a constant learning curve

Numbness etc. and problems with arms again I would ask Gp to carry out x-ray, as I say I was diagnosed with cervical spondylosis and also have this, some times not to bad and other times it can be quite severe and it the CS causing nerve compression.

> Edited to add this.... also if the lad in question didnt know he was being rough if you say something he can be told how to put it right next time he shampoos someone else....Hairdressing is a constant learning curve

I agree, I doubt the lad did it deliberately but he may not know what to do and won't learn if no one tells him.
Hope your neck is better soon Annieg3

Referring back to my earlier post today. Cant tell you how much my neck and headache/dizziness have improved today after doing the pillow thing last night. I cant believe it is just that it has taken its course as yesterday it was absolutely awful. I just sat about which is not like me. didnt even take the dogs out. I feel the stretching, however subtle and ameteurish has helped a great deal. Think the manipulation thing is definitely the way to go or at least I must look for a pillow similar to the one I had all those years ago which helped so much.
As for the hairdresser. I have turned this over in my mind and feel that I will write a note to John, the owner. If I ring, he may be very busy (he has an academy in the salon as well) and if I go in, it will be a bit uncomfortable to ask to see him privately as I dont want to talk about it mid salon!! Also I will get all nervous and end up apologising myself for even mentioning it, which is what I am like, very non confrontational. If I send him a note then I will be able to put everything down in a calm way, instead of blurting it all out and missing some points out. I will make it clear that I dont want to get the lad into trouble but that it must be sorted as he could do damage to someone else who may not feel they can complain. I know he will be really upset (John, I mean) and will act on it straight away.

Annie, I know exactly what you mean about being non-confrontational and not wanting to cause a scene, and for what it's worth I think you're quite right to be discreet about it. But tell him about it you must, because it's too important to let pass. I think you're doing exactly the right thing in exactly the right way. :-)

Good. Thanks for that. Am writing it now and will post it off tomorrow!!

I agree with JG too Annie, best way to go about it, hope it continues to improve.
M

Will let you know as soon as I get a response!!

Just a quick update. I posted said letter about the injury to my neck to the salon owner John. Didnt hear anything but was in the following week for a cut and blow. He met me as I walked into the salon and said "I'm really sorry about your neck ann" I said "I had to tell you John" and he said "I needed to know that this had happened". That was it really. I had said that the letter would be the end of the matter as far as I was concerned so left it at that. He wasnt in the salon when I was paying for my hair do, but to be honest, I thought I might get a free do, just as a goodwill token but no. Maybe I expected too much, although had I been someone with more "front" I might have made a really big fuss about it. Ah well. I cant not go back as Claire who does my hair is amazing and has given me confidence to do things again, after a few really awful years.
I did take note of the neck rest thingies on the back washes and they were sort of padded. As far as the doctor is concerned, I havent pushed it yet as am seeing her for other problems at the moment and hate to take a "list" in when I go. Will leave it till next time I go in. I do have an appointment with a physio in May who will be going through which type of exercises I can do with my back/neck problems etc, but will also hopefully have had a chat to my doc about it before then. thanks again for all your help.

annieq3 - Glad the stretching exercises are helping a little.
My OH is a hairdresser and says she has been aware of backwash problems for years and has supports on all stations. Her juniors are trained to add extra towels for certain clients and to make sure chairs are adjusted to suit. She always listens out for any of her clients with health problems and makes sure they always get a front wash.
Hope you're feeling better.

Yes and yes a neck problem can cause migraine, Ive had a headache on and off the past week because I cricked my neck last week. Ive had a bad shoulder and beck off and on for a year now after a stupid accident caused my me, first I notice my neck ache then the migraines back, get the necy clicked back no migraine until i do it again.

Putting your head back for a wash is a problem for me I get my hairdresser to pit my chair further back so I dont have to put my neck further back and it seems to do the trick, its all linked to the nerves in your neck and head.

those neck basins have had a bad reputation for a long time ,i thought they'd been sorted out.sounds like the nerve was pinched.the aspirin is ma good idea as it helps reduce inflamation,is a painkiller as well as protecting against stroke.i think your doctor was on the ball.gentle stretching will ease any trapped nerve away from being trapped.also can someone gently massage your neck and shoulders?hope you feel better soonx

As you may of been aware from another topic i have been ill recently and due to it all i ended up with a trapped nerve in my neck which has caused many problems including feely woozy and spinning out.
I have just come back from 40 mins - got 10 mins free of physio, which included a great massage and also acupuncture. I feel so relaxed and its taken so much of the pain and tension away, bliss. This may be worth looking into as well, i do swear by acupuncture.

> i do swear by acupuncture.

i'll back you up on that, accupuncture is great!