Is this headache related to disc? - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

TinaW · 01-31-2004, 01:28 PM

I have spent hours readind about everyone elses experiences, finally thought it was time to jump in. I am awaiting a mylogram this Friday. ( can hardly wait, yuk! ) I had one in 97 with bad experience so I am NOT looking forward to this one.
My concern now is this STABBING headache I am having. I am to have ACDF in a few weeks. Pain in arm and shoulder are tremendous, I have had numbness since Oct. Yesterday, while sitting at lunch, I felt a stabbing in the left side of my head, it happened 5 times yesterday, but has been almost constant today. Has anyone else experienced this, or could it be something completly different, ( like I need something else going on).
When the headache subsides I will add more detail to what is going on, just concerned about this, and really don't want to head to the ER.

Thanks! :

irish34 · 01-31-2004, 01:40 PM

TinaW---
I have extracted disc at C5-6 with cord compression. When I saw the NS for the first time, I mentioned the headaches(migraines) I have been getting almost daily. He said that it's very common....usually from a pinched nerve. Mine were the typical symptoms of migraines: can't look at light, bothered by any noise, blurred vision, throbbing pain. Everyone experiences pain differently. However, you need to be cautious about a blood clot as well. Don't want to concern you more than you already are, but at least that can be ruled out thru MRI or a CT. They tend to cause a horrible pain, similar to a headache. I think that is why so many are missed.
Take Care and make sure that someone is with you at ALL times until you figure out what is causing this.
Please keep us posted.

lexie3131 · 01-31-2004, 04:42 PM

Hey Tina,

I have a large rupture at C6-7. I have severe spinal cord compression, and severe nerve compression at nerve root 7. I have horrible headaches that come from the base of my head up behind my right ear. It is different than a regualr headache. I do compare it more to a migraine. When I have one and I'm up walking around it feels like my brain is moving around in my head. It is a very sharp, throbbing pain that in unbearable. I asked my Ortho about this and he simply stated that a lot of people with ruptured disc complain about having these headaches but there is no information supportive to say it is caused by a ruptured disc. However, I feel it is. I am a person who never had headaches until this started. He said if I still had the problem after my surgery we would have a neurosurgeon look at me. Let us know how it goes.

Lexie

My concern now is this STABBING headache I am having.

Yesterday, while sitting at lunch, I felt a stabbing in the left side of my head, it happened 5 times yesterday, but has been almost constant today. Has anyone else experienced this, or could it be something completly different, ( like I need something else going on).

feelbad · 01-31-2004, 05:04 PM

Quick question,.Do any of you also have really tight muscles in the areas of the neck and upper shoulders? Marcia

birdlady · 01-31-2004, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by feelbad

Quick question,.Do any of you also have really tight muscles in the areas of the neck and upper shoulders? Marcia

Yes I do have muscle tightness in upper trapezius, and neck muscles. Have had all the trigger point injections, nerve blocks.... I'm so discouraged right now. 3rd neuro appt today - he says migraine - so that's 3 votes for migraine, 1 for muscle contraction, and 1 for rebound. He gave me more pills. Not a shock, but I really would love to know how all this disc disease and headaches are related. I've done exhaustive research on internet and have a HUGE file on it all. It's pretty straightforward how anatomically it all works, but then factor in different people/systems and any combo can be valid.
I'd love to chat with more folks who have similar issues.
syb