migraine related to stiff painful neck and shoulders?

I do not have migraine headaches but have had dizziness and pain during times of extreme stress. I had MRIs to see if something was wrong and they found nothing wrong.

I found that the tightness in the muscles in my neck, shoulders and back were helped when I had a deep massage in the middle of my back muscles. This allowed me to relax and helped tremendously. I have had to do this a couple of times.

The spot they had to reach, for me, was around the shoulder blade area and they had to push really hard to release the tension.

Also, there seems to be a virus or something going around that caused me this pain and headache during the past month.

Hope this helps you or maybe someone else.

Thank you for this insight. Yes, I've had massages; however, have not focused on the area you mention. I'll try that!

Hey, Elaine. So sorry to hear, migraines suck - I've had them for 20+ years. However; I had cervical fusion surgery (C2-6) in May, and I can DEFINITELY tell you that (my) neck / trap pain triggers horrible migraines.

Massage is a fantastic way to relieve tight muscles! If you can afford it, do it as often as you can! Also, ice that shoulder. I have also found that (sometimes - for me) the exercises from post-op help to keep things 'movin'; obviously, check with your doctor to make sure you are ok before doing any 'exercise routine'. - they're easy enough to google.

There's also this really amazing gadget the VA gave me for my migraines that works really well, it's called Nerivo. I was, of course, skeptical at first, but it does help.

Hope you find relief!

I did try the Nerivio but it didn't work for me. I think that I need to be more diligent in scheduling massages as a preventive rather that waiting and being reactive. Thanks for confirming what I have suspected.

@migraineelaine
My neurologist found that I have a very stiff neck during 1st exam. Recommended Physical Therapy Dry Needling. The first session was the first time in 4.5 years that I didn't have headache or migraine and my neck wasn't tense - the relief was for 4 hours. The relief grew as the weekly sessions went on. Due to the success of Dry Needling, neurologist added muscle relaxer 3x/day.

It’s a journey, Best Wishes for Your Journey!
🍀

Thanks. I did try dry needling and it was a disaster. Also tried acupuncture. Nope. Thanks for the reminder re muscle relaxers. I will ask my neuro for an Rx. Best regards, Elaine