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