damged neck amd shoulder causing daily headache in right side of head which ends up behind right eye

Your physio probably thinks it is a pinched nerve. That's great that the exercises are helping! I wonder if a short term course of corticosteroids would help. I know they do this with pinched nerves when the symptoms begin to present. Not too sure if they do this 4 years after the first pain episode. It's definitely worth checking with your doctor.

If your thinking about taking daily meds I would think starting with something like lyrica (or gabapentin) or amitryptaline (or nortriptyline) would be good places to start. You could also try a nerve block. I would consult a pain specialist (a specially trained anesthesiologist).

Best of Luck!

yeah, I understand. It really comes down to deciding what's worse, the pain or the meds. This is a personal decision that only you can decide. Only you know how bad your pain is.

For what it's worth, as far as meds go, the vast majority of people find lyrica and gapapentin to be pretty gentle. I've used gabapentin for a few years. Lyrica is supposed to be even more effective with fewer side effects. Lyrica is a little more expensive as there isn't a generic for it.

If your doctor thinks corticosteroids (like prednisone) are called for, you only take it for a short time (maybe a week?).

Your absolutely right. PT is like taking antibiotics for an infection. Even if you feel better, you keep taking it until you're done with the bottle. You're probably getting to the point where the swelling dies down enough that it no longer hurts. You need to continue so the muscle stops constricting around the nerve. The nerve also needs time to heal. If you stop too early this can't happen.

Maybe you can ask the PT for instructions, so you can continue with the exercises on your own at home.

I hope you find something that works for you!