I have been experiencing pain in the base of my head (both right and left, but mostly left, sides). I first thought it may be a muscle thing as I often suffer from tense upper back and neck muscles. While rubbing around back there I found a small lump right near what I think is a tendon in my upper neck/base of the head on the left side. My boyfriend seems to think it's a knot due to muscle tension, but after massaging it still remains and has been there for a while. Could this be a gland of some sort or should I be concerned?

Any help would be greatly appreciated http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

i'd recommend going to your family doctor to get it checked out. could just be something like a cyst.

My mom also suggested that it could be a cyst...I am seeing a doc next week. Would cysts cause pain though?

My mom also suggested that it may be a cyst. But would a cyst cause pain in my head and uncomfortableness? I am seeing a doc next week but in the mean time, I am really worried - that whole side of my neck is sore/tense...

Sorry - thought that first one didn't go through

not sure about it causing pain. i have a small one behind my right ear, but it doesn't bother me. if you have someone look it and if it has a small opening, then it's most likely a cyst. but i'd definitely get it checked.