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Welcome to the Neck Pain Forum

Anyone else with a history of herniated discs / neck surgery have migraines also ? I had a ACDF surgery approx 10 years ago, still have chronic neck pain. Obviuosly I also have migraines or I wouldn’t be on this website

Gregory,

Neck pain issues can be complicated. Are all of your “headaches” Migraines? Neck problems can cause cervicogenic headaches, a secondary headache specifically caused by a source in the neck. (For more info, see Cervicogenic Headache – What Is It? at http://www.helpforheadaches.com/articles/2010/Cervicogenic_Headache.htm.)

On the other hand, recent research indicates that neck pain can be a symptom of Migraine. In fact, it’s a more common symptom than nausea.

Put those two together, and that’s why I wonder if you have both cervicogenic headaches and Migraines. Maybe something to discuss with your doctor?

No, I do not think all of my headaches are migraines . That link does not work, by the way.

Gregory,

I just wonder whether you have two different headache disorders going on and if finding out would help you get some relief. Don’t know what’s with the link. It didn’t work when I clicked it either, but it looks right. Let me coy and paste it again…

http://www.helpforheadaches.com/articles/2010/Cervicogenic_Headache.htm

Gregory,

I too have cervicogenic headache along with my Migraine issues. I have a few herniated discs, arthritis and other problems that add to the problems. In my case, after having a current MRI done as well as a postural x-ray, I was put under the care of a pain management specialist who did 6 blocks to help diagnose whether my chronic Migraine issue had anything to do with my neck and other spinal problems. It didn’t. But if it did, I would have had the option of radiofrequency ablation of the affected nerves. In my case I would likely not have undergone the procedure anyway, but it’s good to know there are options. Additionally, for those with cervicogenic headache, osteopathic care or physical therapy may be valuable, as might a TENS machine or other neurostimulator. This illustrates the importance of getting proper diagnosis of your problems instead of just chasing symptoms. I often hear of people suffering needlessly because they are treating only one disease/disorder and not both.

Are you seeing a headache specialist? What does your neck specialist suggest for you?

I hope you are able to find something that helps you. To me, my neck pain is bad enough, but add to that the Migraine and the added neck pain from an attack, and the spasms of Dystonia, and I can get really miserable. I feel for you…

Ellen,
I also have spasms from Dystonia in my neck. I also have Occipital Neuralgia. I did get an x-ray of my neck and have arthritis and spondylitis. I have neck pain on and off even when I’m not having a Migraine. When I get a Migraine the pain in my neck is horrible. Also I’m a Chronic Migraineur. I did have Botox injections a few months ago which worked very well for my head, not so much for my neck.

I got the injections from my ENT. My neurologist at Jefferson Headache Center in Philadelphia said he would give me several more injections than my ENT gave me, but there seems to be a problem getting insurance approval there. There was no problem with my ENT. So I’m not understanding that at all. Maybe because they do give many more injections??? But I’m waiting to hear, hopefully in two weeks. Meanwhile….

Elaine,

Yes, I do remember you writing about the trouble getting the Botox injections. Have you tried asking your doctors what the problem is?

Botox is one of the approved therapies for focal Dystonias. This may be why you had an easier time with the ENT than the neuro, although this does seem a bit strange. Neuros are usually the doctors that treat Dystonia patients.

Elaine, I will add that, until I had the 6 blocks in my neck, I never suffered occipital neuralgia. A while after those blocks, I developed a problem with the nerve though. Now every time I turn my head it shoots from my neck to my temple. My DO thinks I have developed a spur that is causing the issue. With two weddings coming up in a few months (both my kids) it is going to have to wait until summer. It is painful, but nothing compared to my Migraine and other headache problems.

Do keep us informed how things are going. This is not such an uncommon problem as many patients think…

I have spurs and arthritis in my neck.I have good days and bad days.I also can not be around anything that has smell.I do know I ask my boss to ask people not to wear anything to work.By law you can and they have to do something about it.Also law pass that no one can let you go from their job because of Migraines.