Headaches after decompression surgery

[Mikec5595]

Hello, I just wanted to see if anyone could shed some light on my issue. I had decompression surgery on May 29th of 2014. My neurosurgeon did not cut into the dura because csf flow was restored after widening the foramen magnum. He stated that I would have no restrictions after four weeks. I tried doing some push ups and running but I noticed terrible headaches a day after doing these activities. Could these migraines be related to the surgery? I haven't even reached two months post op so I think my body is recovering and that's why I am getting these headaches.

[Just_Gina_Fair_Banks]

I encountered similar just walking a month after surgery.  I felt fantastic, so we spent the day at a museum, and it was just too much.  I paid for it dearly, and I did not return to that "feel good" state for some time!  Just doing PT with no weights would cause a slight headache because I had ruffled those nerves.   I even had some numbness and tingling, which freaked me out a little,  but my doc said it was just my "excited" nerve endings relearning their paths.  I don't have too much of that now 16 months postop. The biggest thing I deal with is neck fatigue, not pain, and some tension headaches because of tight shoulders where I carry stress!  My doc recommends therapeutic massages of the hear and shoulders (if you're to the point where you can tolerate someone touching your head); but shoulders are GREAT!!!

[Mel5056]

Yes i agree with selma.  Way too early and that was your body telling you so. I am only 2 weeks post op and tried doing a few things (very light things but wanted to test my limits).  Found out that resting is really all i can do.  Although i did have the tonsils removed too so recovery is slow.  Goid luck and take your time!

[selmaS]

  Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum.

Goodness yes, it is far too soon to be doing push ups....only your body can tell you for sure but if you have pain, it is too soon.

It can take up to 2 yrs for  the nerves to heal...so take it slow...even tho the dura was not opened this is still a major surgery and you need to go slowly in order for your body to heal.