inflammation at C1, C2 of cervical spine causing cervicogenic headach

Hi, I have spinal stenosis in the cervical spine. I was getting cervogenical headaches occasionally. Some were severe that lasted hours. A couple of years ago I had the injection in my neck. I thought the pain caused by the injection would be severe. It wasn't as bad as I thought. I've had a few headaches since then but they were only mild. I'd say the injection was worth. I do neck exercises often for maintenance.

In 2018, I had a lidocaine injection into the area of the lesser branch of my left occipital nerve and Bupivacaine into the area of the greater (bigger) root area of the Occip Nerve. It was disastrous bc the dr hit the Greater Branch directly with the point of the needle which damaged it severely. He was supposed to just inject it into the tissues in that area. It has been so painful since then and will always be 😞. If u choose to have it done be sure the dr has done it many many times.

I had radio frequency ablation at C2 and C3 multiple times at Mayo Clinic in Rochester. It has worked well for me and lasted about a year or so each time. My last one I had 16 months ago and still doing good. No negative side effects and cervicogenic headache is now under control.

Wow thank you! At the end of the month I am having another injection at C2, dorsal root ganglion. It will be the 2nd one! The 1st one was somewhat effective but I still have bouts. If the 2nd one doesn't work they will try the ablation. They are also considering it might be Eagles syndrome, an elongated styloid. Is the ablation painful, during or after?
Thank you for a positive response!
Kathy

I have had RFA done and found relief for well over a year. It takes an accomplished and caring pain management doctor who will do the best for you. It took 4 tries for me to finally find the right one.

Thank you! Who was the dr and where? I am being seen at the Mayo clinic Jacksonville and I love the drs.!

The Albany Saratoga Center for Pain Mangement - ascpm.com - is located in New York. Dr. Martin Ferrillo heads this group. I have been under his remarkable care for 12 years. I am for you finding great doctors as well.

What is RFA? I have had shots in my back that don’t really help. Also had abalation. Don’t know what else to do.

RFA, I believe, is Ablation. It is Radio-frequency Ablation.

I believe not all doctors have the great skills mine does. I wouldn't count ablation out, but I would look to another doctor.