anyone had a cervical epidural?

[huskerfan71]

So I have 2 decompressions and still have horrible headaches.  I contacted Dr. Greenfield and he thinks the problem might be aherniated disc in my neck.  I went to a spine dr today.  He wants to try a cervical epidural.  He thinks if thay gives me relief then mthe herniated disc is for sure my problem.  I think he wants more of a guarantee before we think about surgery. I am a little freaked out about this procedure.  He says it's not like a lumbar puncture, because they go into the space next to the dura.  Any thoughts or advice on this one?

[selmaS]

  Not sure, but I believe it would.....I was told to do the exercises and I still do them...in fact I really feel they helped strengthen my neck as I was told mine was like a bobble head bcuz of CCI..and I have a bulging disk and was told I would need a fusion at some point...I know how wobbly my head/neck was post op...and I also know I had more ROM post op then I ever had,,,,,so it was not for ROM it was to help decrease scar tissue and keep muscles from getting tight....

[huskerfan71]

Neck exercises.....no.  Not since immediately following surgery.   I feel like I freely move, so I never worried about doing them anymore.  I wondered about scar tissue, would that show up on an mri?

[selmaS]

   I understand your reasoning and agree you can not and should not have daily headaches.

Have you been doing the neck exercises post op? I know scar tissue is something we need to help avoid and doing them helps.....

Keep me posted.

[huskerfan71]

I have been researching as well and I haven't found too much.  I am not having any issues (numbness, weakness, etc.) other than the headaches.  The headaches feel so much like the headaches caused by obstructed CSF, like the ones before my decompressions.  That's why I assumed the pain was related to my chiari, however Dr. Greenfield feels its from my neck.  The spine guy isn't so sure it coming from my neck.... aaahhh!  

I guess I try the epidural.  Dr. thinks it is a way to help decide if that's what's causing the pain.  I don't know where I will turn if I find out my neck isn't the problem.

I can't have this headache everyday.....

[selmaS]

  Hey, I just checked and a research was done with Cervical epidurals but pre op and symptoms worsened....and surgery was done and symptoms got better......but they do not say anything about post op.....

[selmaS]

  I have not heard of this type of epidural.....I do have bulging disks and was told I may need a fusion....but since my decompression I do not seem to have the issues in my opinion that would warrant more surgery.

I wish I had more info to share on this, but I don't.....keep us posted on your progress.