Question
I am 43 years old, diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.  Over the past few weeks, I have developed a nagging dull ache at the base of my skull (both sides) and down my neck.  It aches to the point that holding my head up is an effort.  My jaw has also tightened up - I've always had "popping" in my jaw (left side) but now there is pain that radiates outward from the jaw joint as well.  The neck/skull pain is the most distracting however.  It's impossible to sit, walk, sleep comfortably.  The pain isn't severe - but it's continuous and wears on me.  Ibuprofen and OTC muscle relaxers have minimal effect.

I'm not sure if it's a muscular issue or something more serious.  Would a chiropractor be my best choice or should I see my family doctor about this?

Answer
Dear Tonia,
The amount of information provided would not be enough for a health care provider to diagnose what is causing all of the distress you are experiencing, however, certain things do come to mind.  Your symptoms suggest that the neck needs to be examined by someone with expertise to determine if there is an upper cervical subluxation (vertebra misalignment insulting the spinal cord).  This would be beyond the training of the ordinary family doctor, so you would want to find a chiropractor who specializes in the upper cervical spine.   If I were in the situation you describe I would certainly seek a chiropractor who is particularly skilled with problems in the upper neck area.  
Best wishes,
Dr. Brown