1. < Headache & Migraine

Neurologist doubts neck pain from migraine

Posted by roseann4z @roseann4z, Jun 7 10:44am

My recent visit to my neurologist a headache expert said she wasn’t sure the pain I experience at the base of my skull is migraine. I know I also have headaches triggered by neck muscles but I’ve read so many accounts of neck & pain in the back of the head being migraine too. She wanted to add a muscle relaxer to my meds but I don’t want another pill. I do have classic migraine with visual aura sometimes but so far Qulipta & Nurtec don’t help much.
Anyone with neck/skull issues? Does chiropractic or acupuncture help, PT?

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kasey7 | @kasey7 | 5 days ago

I had a similar conversation at my Neuro, except I think my neck issues are triggering my Migraines and Occipital Neuralgia; I have both. I was in a motorcycle accident decades ago with a TBI, which I survived really well except the Migraines started at that point. When my neck gets tight and jacked up, a Migraine is going to be coming. I understand about the muscle relaxer reluctancy, been there. That said, maybe you could ask your doctor about a really low dose? See if it helps?
The thing with Migraine and ON is, there is no cure and it gets worse the older you get. I even had Migraine Occipital Nerve Decompression and Excision done, I was better for about 1 year then the "Monster" came back. No one wants to live a life in Chronic pain, I don't; yet here I am in daily Migraine now at 70. Hang on as best as you can.

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roseann4z | @roseann4z | 4 days ago

Thank you for sharing and for your advice. Very helpful. I’m 71 and my former neuro asked me if I wasn’t a little old for migraines!!!

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1 reply
kasey7 | @kasey7 | 4 days ago
In reply to @roseann4z "Thank you for sharing and for your advice. Very helpful. I’m 71 and my former neuro..." + (show)
@roseann4z

Thank you for sharing and for your advice. Very helpful. I’m 71 and my former neuro asked me if I wasn’t a little old for migraines!!!

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Wouldn't that be wonderful, no Migraines after age 70!!

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haank63 | @haank63 | 4 days ago
In reply to @chell926 "I have had chronic migraines for over 30 years that trigger autonomic issues such as numbness..." + (show)
@chell926

I have had chronic migraines for over 30 years that trigger autonomic issues such as numbness and discoloration in toes, severe muscle tightness head to toe, as well as vertigo and aura. I have a few different types of migraines but the one consistent thing is my neck and traps are always in pain. I've read many lectures on MigraineWorldSummit and it prompted to me to get a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) and have functionhealth run their full annual blood work. There are a few things that came out of that blood work that doctors have never tested for, not even Mayo: I have low Leptin, low Insulin, and extremely low Omega 3 levels. Because I am lean, I apparently do not have enough 'fat' and subsequent fat hormones (Leptin and Insulin) to effectively manage by blood sugar. The low Omega 3 was significant as a deficiency cause both headaches/migraines, as well as muscle tension and pain. My CGM showed that during the night by blood sugar drops to 52-54 for extended periods of time - I am no where near a diabetic, but rather would be considered hypoglycemic. Doctors only appear to screen for diabetes and have never looked into whether I have blood sugar issues. Not maintaining a consistent blood sugar (minimal spikes and lows) combined with low Omega 3 is a key contributing factor for me. I wish doctors and Mayo would put some extra focus into these key biomarkers that are linked to migraines - I have been complaining that my muscles are constantly tight and painful and I see a Neurosomatic Therapist for muscle stripping that gently realigns my c-spine (through releasing knotted muscles) yet these basic biomarkers that contribute to muscle health have not been tested for by doctors (only inflammatory markers).

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Thank you! This is so helpful. I am finally deciding to do something about these debilitating barometric pressure sinus migraines.

Can you please share your Function Health leptin and Omega 3 #s? My insulin was 5.5, my leptin about the same, and they are testing me for Omega 3 next week. Every person is different, but all info is good.

Thank you again!

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1 reply
Moderator
Lisa Lucier, Moderator | @lisalucier | 1 day ago
In reply to @haank63 "Thank you! This is so helpful. I am finally deciding to do something about these debilitating..." + (show)
@haank63

Thank you! This is so helpful. I am finally deciding to do something about these debilitating barometric pressure sinus migraines.

Can you please share your Function Health leptin and Omega 3 #s? My insulin was 5.5, my leptin about the same, and they are testing me for Omega 3 next week. Every person is different, but all info is good.

Thank you again!

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Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect, @haank63. Sounds wise, if these barometric pressure sinus migraines are debilitating, to have them addressed. Kudos to you.

How do these migraines usually come on? Is there any specific trigger you've noted?

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1 reply
mikayla | @mikaylar | 1 day ago

I had neck surgery and it did not help my daily persistent headache for 6 years but I guess it depends on your neck and what is going on. Acupuncture and chiropractic did not help either. Now I am doing PT for the dizziness. She thinks my eyes are giving me the headache and my ears the dizziness. So, maybe explore PT????

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haank63 | @haank63 | 6 hours ago
In reply to @lisalucier "Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect, @haank63. Sounds wise, if these barometric pressure sinus migraines are debilitating,..." + (show)
@lisalucier

Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect, @haank63. Sounds wise, if these barometric pressure sinus migraines are debilitating, to have them addressed. Kudos to you.

How do these migraines usually come on? Is there any specific trigger you've noted?

Jump to this post

Weather changes in cold and wet weather and air quality alerts

Have had above the ear waviness since second round of COVID in Fall 2023, which was not bad at all.

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