I was recently diagnosed with bulging discs and pinched nerves in my cerival spine. My symptoms were what I like to call my funky head pains. Sensitive areas on top of my head and also the base of my head and of course pain in my neck. I was put on steroids which did nothing (but make me gain 7 lbs) and then the anti inflammatory Relafen. I have had a contrant buzzing and occasional clicking in my left ear for 2 months now. No one can tell me if it is from my neck or my meds. I finally decided to go to an ENT which I am doing next week. I was reading e-mails from quite a few people with some of the same symptoms. I was wondering what was the cause and is there a cure. Also will my pinched nerves ever be healed. I am going to physical therapy 3 times a week. It is very painful. I am getting depressed I just want to feel like myself again. It's been one long painful year.

http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/srchcont.asp?src=clicking+ears&op=mm

The above link might help you find out about your clicking ears. As far as your cervical spine problems, many of us have the problem and you need to see an orthopedic specialist as these type of spine conditions usually don't get better, but worse. You did not mention how old you were or what type of job you have, these could be causes of spinal problems - even way back i.e accidents, injuries, bad posture and bad nutrition, etc. and physical therapy and anti-inflamatory medication is at present the best thing for nerves that are pinched as they get 'hot' (inflammed) and send a painful signal to you - so never apply heat to an already hot and painful area, unless the therapist does it to 'relax' muscles controlled by those nerves.
If there is degeneration of the spine in your family, or you had a bad diet while young and growing up, you are probably stuck with your illness, as millions of us are today. Stress and tense muscles in these areas can cause bouts of more pain, and that's where the medications are needed. Sorry you have to go through this, I know how you feel, as my whole spine is degenerating and the disks have holes in them like sponges, causing the nerves to get pinched too. On the site that you'll be looking at, try and find a spinal ailment close to your's and see what the doctors have to say there too. But the best thing to do is see a specialist.
Good Luck.
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Thank you so much for your response. I know I am not alone with pain which is helpful. I am a 46 yr old woman who has had an office job for over 28 years. I am sure that has a lot to do with it. Also I am a highly stressed person. Actually I think I have been worse since they told me it was my neck causing the head pains. I am afraid to move it wrong. I have not seen an orthopedic yet. I will read the link you sent me and I will set up an appt. as soon as I can. I am sorry for your problems. May I ask how you are and what you do?

Thanks for asking.. I'm 55, was born with a heart problem and also have degenerative arthritis along with my spinal issue. I also worked a desk job most of my life and in OB/GYN, computer administration, and more.. and as many others, never was taught about appropriate posture. I'm a recovering alcoholic, dry for 25 years, and work in therapy to help others recover from drug and alcohol abuse, and child abuse. Now that I have cancer, I work mainly from home in contact with our clinic through the net. When not in too much pain, I try to help in this forum, which I just discovered this year and think it's a great way for me to stay in contact with super people. If you have questions that you'd like to keep private, you are welcome to PM me any time. I live in Germany so the time might be a little off in answering, but I always respond, if I'm not in hospital.

Glad I was able to help you, and please keep us posted.

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