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Q: can your c4 and 5 which are injuried in my neck contribute to migraines?
Jeri,
You've pretty much described how this injury can contribute to Migraines. It's causing you headaches, probably tension-type headaches, which in turn trigger Migraines.
Something else to consider when it comes to preventive meds is that they can't work if you're in a medication overuse headache (MOH) cycle, aka rebound. Pain medications, NSAIDs, triptans can all cause an MOH cycle, even when taken for other conditions. You can read more about this in Medication Overuse Headache - When the Remedy Backfires.
I fully understand that you need pain medication, but I'd suggest talking with your doctors about how frequently you're taking the meds you're on. MOH can also vary from one person to the next. Tramadol is one that I've seen several people be able to take daily without MOH. Mobic may be an issue. One alternative I've seen used for mobic is Celebrex. Triptaans such as Imitrex really need to be limited to two or three days a week to avoid MOH.
If your doctor isn't able to help you, it may well be time to consult a Migraine and headache specialist. It's important to note that neurologists aren't necessarily Migraine and headache specialists. Take a look at the article Migraine and Headache Specialists - What's So Special? If you need help finding a Migraine specialist, check our listing of Patient Recommended Migraine and Headache Specialists.
I know you're going through a rough time. If you'd like some additional support, come join our discussion forum. You'll need to register again once there because it's a separate membership database, but you can use the same member name, email address, and password that you used here. You can find our forum at http://forums.healthcentral.com/discussion/migraine/forums.
Good luck,
Teri
my c5, c6, and some times c7 too. I am on few.. inderal, lexapro, diazpam, and then rotate Imitrex(nasal spray), take albuteral, and can request hydrocodone for the bad times. BUT mostly taking motrin or Nubetone consistently works well. The anti inflamatories do wonders.
I was in an auto accident more than 20 years ago which caused my neck to snap to my right side. Many years later (this past March '08) I was given a name of a doctor by a friend who suffers much more serious migraines than I. The doctor is a Board Certified Atlas Orthogonist. When first hearing about her I immediately called and made an appointment but must admit that when I actually saw her I did feel like it might be a little hokey. After the initial consultation, x-rays and her explaining what was going on in my spine (and body) I felt it all might be a little hokey. But when my Atlas was adjusted for the first time I felt an immediate release of the tight muscles in my shoulders and a bit light-headed. I immediately started crying at the release that I had but still couldn't believe it was true. Nonetheless, I have been going to her ever since and continue to see her. She was very expensive at first due to x-rays and initial consultations but as time has passed my appointments are less and less frequent. My Atlas has stayed in place since Sept. 11 and my migraines are much less frequent and severe. Don't get me wrong, I still get them and sometimes they are hair raisers, but all in all they are much, much better. I would do this again in a heart beat. There are only about 200 around the country from what I understand but I would seek one out anywhere. I drive 50 miles one way to see her and at first it was 3 times a week. Then it went down to 2; then 1 and now I see her about once every 3 weeks or so. If I feel migraines are more frequent or severe I call and see her and usually my Atlas is out again. At first I couldn't tell but now I can almost always tell when my Atlas is out. Do some research, look at the video on websites and see if it might be for you. My particular doctor is http://www.drwindman.com The best part about it is - no preventative drugs. I use Maxalt when my migraines come on but drug free for preventatives. So much better than that awful Depakote I was on prior. Hope this helps.
I also have c5 - c7 herniated. I have daily chronic headaches and migraines. I've been to so many doctors and have tried so many drugs. Nothing works. Now I'm not able to work. If anyone knows of some preventative medication that would work for daily headahces I'd like to know. Nobody listens to me anymore either.
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