Dawn,

I feel for you! I, too, had an ACDF on Sept. 22nd at the C5/C6 level. I had one done too at the C3/C4 in 2004.

I am just going to guess here because I am not a doctor. From 2000 to 2003 I suffered severely from occipital neuralgia/cervicogenic headaches WITH variant migraines. It was horrendous; so I know pretty much what you are speaking of. To make an extremely long story short, the C3/C4 fusion rid me of those types of headaches.

Since I have had the C5/C6 done and just about a week ago, I started experiencing those same ole pangs again! Plus, my neck was tighter than a drum! I haven't had my xrays yet but the PA told me to go ahead and go with some LIGHT massage therapy.

I did this yesterday and the gal that works on me is great! I told her to STAY AWAY from the occipital area, but to work lightly on my neck muscles but to do deep massage across my shoulders (trapezius), etc. Anyway, it felt great. So, all last night I alternated between heat and ice and used some Biofreeze. I am a little better this morning. But I am sure this will tighten up throughout the day. I just have to try to keep those muscles loose.

So, here is my thought. As you know, when they go in there, your trachea, etc. is pulled aside. All of those muscles get pulled to the side, wrenched, etc. So, they all get "mad". You would think that you wouldn't feel that much pain unless it was early on. But I am like you in that it hit just a week ago. I think it is simply those dreaded muscle spasms. When muscles tighten up, I visualize them as clamping down on nerves which then triggers headaches. Also, I am tapering off my pain meds, so this could be a wee bit of a rebound thing going on. It could be too that there might be some nerve damage, but I truly doubt it. My PA told me that when those nerves are decompressed they swell for awhile and it takes a little time for them to calm down. So, that is another thought.

I don't know if you are still taking any meds. But my NS usually prescribes Norco and Valium afterwards. Valium helps with the muscle spasms. BUT...I have been on Klonopin all along so stayed with it. It, too, helps with those spasms. If your doctor is saying your xrays look fine, then I would think it is just a healing process going on and that includes those darn spasms. Plus, I was told that those muscles are trying to compensate for all that was done in there (massage therapist's words).

You could try alternating heat and ice and maybe get a cervical pillow. A lot of people don't like those pillows but I have grown so used to mine that I can't do without it.

I hope this helps! Just try to keep things as loose as you can. It seems the minute things tighten up is when I start feeling the pain in the back of my head and scalp.