Migraines after first and second ACDF

@denheels Welcome to Connect. I am not a patient who had migraines, but I had an ACDF at C5/C6. Muscles spasms in the occipital muscles on the back of the head and neck are similar to migraines and certainly could add more pain to an existing migraine. I know for me, when I get a pain on the back of my head on one side, this is a cue that I need to check my cervical alignment because I can have cervical vertebrae rotate on their own with a spasm just a bit which causes that headache, and straightening it all out resolves that. I worked with a PT on this because I have thoracic outlet syndrome in addition which causes one side of my neck to be too tight which causes this issue.

Have you considered working with a physical therapist? I do think that may help.

This isn't my situation, but thanks for your reply.

I had c5 c6 fusion in march of this year. Initial relief was good, no pins and needles or numbness in hands. Bad neck pain though.
Last couple of months migraines every day, numbness in my left arm and extremely sore back of neck.
Awaiting another mri. Feel devastated at the moment x

@juliegg Hello Julie. Welcome to Connect. I've also had a C5/C6 fusion and I periodically have to have my physical therapist loosen up the tightness in my neck. It does affect my arm and cause pain and tingling. I have a condition called thoracic outlet syndrome that restricts the nerve bundles passing from the neck, under the collar bone and to the arms. When my surgical scar tissue tightens up, it causes some pain, but what helps a lot is doing myofascial release with my physical therapist.

Here is our discussion on MFR where you can find a lot of information.

Neuropathy - "Myofascial Release Therapy (MFR) for treating compression and pain"
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/myofascial-release-therapy-mfr-for-treating-compression-and-pain/
Have you heard of this type of therapy before?

I haven’t heard of that but will mention to physician. Thank you for your reply x

Yes I am now 4 months post op and at first healing went great incision healed coming from and ACDR to ACDF C5 the migraines have become unbearable they say nerves have to heal but I lose vision almost everyday. The burning sensation in the back of the neck is enough to drive yourself over…. Let’s find the answer together

@falconsky Welcome to Connect. What I learned going through a C5/C6 cervical fusion is that surgical scar tissue tightens up a lot as the body heals. That puts a lot of pressure on your tissues and can generate a lot of pain or muscle spasms. My physical therapist did myofascial release on me to release this tension. if you look at this post in this discussion, there is a link to information.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/968722/

I am having steroid injections done to help everything calm down for awhile. I know nerves can take awhile to heal I had a failed ACDR in 2023 that failed one year later had the fusion done and now the C3 is seeing a change and I’m praying the burning goes away and never ever will I go to any chirp or acupuncture it was by the worst triggering pain ever! I think rebuilding the muscle around but 3 major surgeries 3 years in a row my body is just slow now. I am not sure because I have a variety of degenerative issue in joints bones all around 2 car accidents and labor jobs but really needed to know if anyone else has this gut wrenching migraine burning back of neck pain 4 months post op

@falconsky After 3 surgeries, undoubtedly, you will have a lot of scar tissue. Myofascial release therapy can help stretch out scar tissue and overly light muscles. Here is our discussion where you may learn more. This has helped me a lot.

Neuropathy - "Myofascial Release Therapy (MFR) for treating compression and pain"
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/myofascial-release-therapy-mfr-for-treating-compression-and-pain/
There is a provider search at http://mfrtherapists.com/

Hi, I'm new here but had an acdf at c5 c6 in 2022. It's been a horrible experience so far. I get horrible headaches that start from the moment I get up. I take sumatriptan as soon as I know it's a migraine. It helps most of the time but I don't take it unless the light starts hurting my eyes. I am on gabapentin and flexeril daily to deal with the nerves. The burning in the neck has not gone away, it's gotten worse but my posture is to blame for that. I have advanced arthrosis of the facet c7-t1 and extensive anterior bine spurs above my plate possibly causing swallowing problems. I'm 43 and have been dealing with my neck problems since 2005. There is hope but you need to stay positive even when things seem so bad!!