Headache without relief

[robin42]

I had a Cervical Spinal Fusion 5 weeks ago,  I thought it would put an end to my headaches.  But 2 weeks ago I suffered one of my headaches that always begins in the back of my neck and pounds in my head for several days.  I have tried every pain medicines for relief (over the counter, migraine, narcotic) I have tried massage and acupuncture also.  Can you recomend something i could try for these headaches?

[Suri123]

Hi robin42, thanks for reply and updates by you. I still doubt whether your headaches could be due to childhood injury, if so why it has not been controlled by now after been treated by many doctors? Probably the migraines you are suffering and the stress you are going through might be repeatedly triggering the symptoms. Are you checking you blood pressure regularly? Are your migraines now under control and are you taking any medications for it. It is better you consult a neurosurgeon again for an evaluation and get a MRI head and cervical region. Also it is better to get an opinion from ortho doctor. Physical therapy and massages might be continued. Take care.

[robin42]

Thank you both for your response.  I had a fall from a 12 foot embankment as a 12 year old child, I was in traction for 1 month with a broken shoulder..the headaches started at about age 13 (i am now 48), always in the back of my head/neck with pounding that has never been relieved by any pain medicine.  I get these headaches about once a month they can last from 1 day to a week or more.  Besides having massage and acupuncture I have seen chiropractors, and have had trigger point release from a Neurologist, I even use Lidocain patches on the back of my neck.  I had a Cervical Spinal Fusion for Cervical Disc Displacement from Arthritis (I believe from the damage of the childhood fall)  I was sure the headaches were from the Arthritis in my neck, but since I've had a headache after surgery im not sure.  I know the headaches start in my occipital muscle at the base of my skull and then turns into a classic migraine (without nausea and light sensitivity).  My hope is that someone knows of a way to relieve the pain of these headaches.

[cabunny]

I know this is going to sound crazy, but try going to a chiropractor.

My husband went through something similar....he head a headache for 9 months straight. He had a CAT scan, MRI, went to see a neurologist, had took topamax but nothing nothing helped. No one could figure out what was wrong with him. He event tired yoga and meditation and acupuncture.  I know this is going to sound crazy, but try going to a chiropractor.  Within 3 sessions he could already feel a huge difference. For 9 months he had this and for 9 months we could not to a single thing to make it go away....within a few sessions with the chiropractor, his headaches were gone.

[Suri123]

Hi, how are you doing? Can you say the reason, why you underwent the cervical fusion. Have you checked your blood pressure and do you have any sleep disturbance? Do you have any associated vision problems? You seem to be under stress due to hard time you are going through which could be also triggering your headaches. Have you consulted your doctor for a follow up after your surgery. It is a good idea to continue the physical or massage therapy for some more time. Continue over the counter pain medication till you consult your attending doctor and update him or consult a neurophysician for evaluation, any necessary investigation and treatment. Relax, and keep updated on your doctor advice. Take care.