I am 3 weeks out from Level 4, C-34567 and I had headaches before, real bad ones, would last for days, 1 week after I started getting headaches again, but not severe ones. Ones that are mild, but build up then come back down from the forehead around to the back of the head. I am hoping it is from the pain in the neck from the surgery still and not something that will stay forever as I feel the pain come from my neck up to my head sometimes.. any thoughts?
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I have had recurring pain since my surgery in 2014 but it's not as bad as it was. Recovery was so hard for me though. I was in excruciating pain. The Dr said it was caused by my neck muscles stretching to adjust to my 'new' neck length. It took a few months for that pain to go away... and a lot of medicine. I do get random headaches now but only if it's rainy and/or cold. The surgery caused osteoarthritis. Since you're recovery basically just started hopefully once you're healed you'll feel like a new person. Just keep in mind that healing takes time. Don't rush it.
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Thank you for your reply. I keep trying to tell myself it is going to be get better in the end and repeat what the Dr. said.. "in a couple years you might have been paralyzed." I was feeling so good before the surgery, no pain, no headaches, no muscle or nerve pain, and move my head in all directions.. that was hard to go from that to this.. but its for the better and my neck was not getting better.. It makes sense that the muscle have to adjust to the length.. (: teased my son, ,I am going to be 1 inch taller now.. ha I had to put some sense of humor in there since he was so worried about this surgery. Thank you again.
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I have the same issue. I have had C5 to C7 fused awhile back and recently I started having headaches. It's been 4 months now and nothing seems to help. I just had an MRI on my brain and neck. I hope to get some good news but your post is not very encouraging. Bummer!
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I have a very similar history. 2 1/2 years of chronic headache that nothing helps totally. Botox gave some relief, but not enough for the risk. No radiating pain down arm...but instead daily migraine.
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I had a spinal fusion of C3-C4 in 1996 following a bad fall. I had a 4.5 mm separation and am thankful to be alive. I have headaches. They go away for awhile, sometimes for extended periods of time. My neurosurgeon told me that I would live with headaches. I am in the middle of a doozie, I take Hydrocodone when it gets unbearable. I understand the frustration that accompanies such a procedure. Sometimes daily life is difficult. Easy things are hard.
I have had therapy, electro-impulse did help some. I remember the physical therapist telling me to take two balls, like tennis balls, put them into a sock and tie the end. Use this to lay on, right under the neck, and it can help with the neck spasms. Posture is important. Sometimes when it hurts so bad, it is hard to keep your spine perfectly straight. Trying to keep it straight can keep the muscles from spasming so much.
Some days I still take baby steps. It hurts and it is hard to go about daily activities. I do what I can; I relish the good days. I met a man who had the same procedure as mine some years ago. He could barely walk with crutches. I can walk; I do have a slight limp. My only advice is to do what works for you and thank God for every day that He has given to you. I have lived to meet my grandchildren and have a third great grandchild due in September. On the really bad days, I remind myself that I am so lucky to be alive today.
I have had therapy, electro-impulse did help some. I remember the physical therapist telling me to take two balls, like tennis balls, put them into a sock and tie the end. Use this to lay on, right under the neck, and it can help with the neck spasms. Posture is important. Sometimes when it hurts so bad, it is hard to keep your spine perfectly straight. Trying to keep it straight can keep the muscles from spasming so much.
Some days I still take baby steps. It hurts and it is hard to go about daily activities. I do what I can; I relish the good days. I met a man who had the same procedure as mine some years ago. He could barely walk with crutches. I can walk; I do have a slight limp. My only advice is to do what works for you and thank God for every day that He has given to you. I have lived to meet my grandchildren and have a third great grandchild due in September. On the really bad days, I remind myself that I am so lucky to be alive today.
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Just wait, until the arthritis sets in within a few years, and the headaches return with a vengeance! Trust me, it will, give it time!
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Only 1 migraine in 2 years but daily headaches that increase in intensity during the day. Tried all of PT, spine shots, surgery (x3) in the last 2 years so I would not have to take pain meds - am taking tylenol 3-4 times a day plus muscle relaxant and tramadol just to get pain down to a functional level but cannot think after about 3 in the afternoon and all of the symptoms are still here. So I am not in any better shape and maybe somewhat worse than before.
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Hello I had C3 thru C7 fused 6 months ago now I had headaches and it feels like pressure or pulling inside my neck. Any help please tom
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Unfortunately you may need pain management. I complain monthly and my Dr always says, you're going to feel it for the rest of your life. Your muscles are probably still in recovery mode. They are stretching and pulling. Try sleeping in a recliner. I slept that way for a while. Also, now, I have to sleep with two pillows under my head and a flimsy stuffed animal under my neck when I lay on my side. It gives me some support that the pillows don't. Try a body pillow too. I take Celebrex, Norco, and muscle relaxers daily. When it rains the pain is worse. When it's freezing outside, the pain is terrible. Luckily I live in the south so we don't get much freezing weather. Anyway, hope this helps.
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Brant, I had 2 fusions done. 1 in lower back and the other in my neck. I don't remember exact placement. I also have bad bone density which has led to the diagnosis of deteriorating disc syndrome and osteoporosis. If I fall or hit something I break something!
I had severe migraines before my fusions and I take 300 mg of Trazadone a day to just ward off the migraine, then Maxalt like you when they come. The only other thing I've found that helps is a dark, cold room - laying flat on my back with a small soft pillow under my neck. It relieves any pressure back there. Cold packs on the hands help also.
If that doesn't help I have Clonazepam on hand when they get real bad.
I pray this helped! God bless!
B Donovan ***this post is edited by moderator *** *** private e-mails not allowed*** Please read our Terms of Use
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Did they do a spinal block or an epidural? If they did a spinal block or accidentally punctured the Dura Mater in the epidural then the puncture of the dura mater may not have sealed off like it should have and cerebro-spinal fluid may be leaking - I have the "Spinal Headache" after a test even though I followed all of the instructions and 2 days later went in to the ER for a "Blood Patch" and after a few hours the Spinal Headache was gone...
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From what I keep reading, there are a lot of outcome same as mine. Had C4-C7, six months later, C7-T1 fusions. The headaches have gotten progressively worse, more like migraines now. Am disabled now, still in pain, miss my job, my life as it was. Afraid to go far from home now, headaches get so bad. Yes, I take meds when, but need to take ones that knock me out before I get relief. Blah, blah, dont want to whine, but it's never going to get better, only worse.
I stay close to home in case I need help!
Good luck and God bless all of us 'pains in the neck!
I stay close to home in case I need help!
Good luck and God bless all of us 'pains in the neck!
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Hi. I had C5-C7 fused in May 2017. I have SEVERE headaches starting at the base of my neck and goes into the whole left side of my head. It also feels like there is so much pressure that it feels like the top of my head is going to explode. Has anyone had any of theses issues?
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