Overgrown Cervical facet and Migraines?

[cathydownunder]

Most of you know from my posts over the last few years that I have multiple "conditions", one of which is frequent migraines.
Anyway, in the 3 weeks since my last surgery, I've had 2 migraines: 1 in hospital(3 days) and then again last week (5 days). Every time they arrive I want to cut my head off (literally!)
So yesterday I booked myself botox injections for the Rt side forehead and Rt occipal. It's going to cost me nearly $600- but at least I'll know within a few weeks whether it works I hope.
I have a prominent permanently knotted area adjacent to the C2/3 on the Rt with an apparently large facet there. No amount of
PT/massage has beeen able to reduce it so far(the knot).
Has anyone with cervical problems tried botox? or does anyone know somebody who used it for migraine relief?
Also,can you have a cervical facet resected as in the lumbar?
Lots of questions I know but could use some advise and opinions once again.
Cathy

[cathydownunder]

Just an update.
Saw my P.M. doc today to get his opinion on the botox. He's not keen on having someone do them who is used to doing them only cosmetically, even if she is a doctor.
He palpated the "mass" in my neck and agreed with the PT that there's an enlarged Rt side facet but he put it at C3/4 level as well as the knotted muscle beside it.
Sent me for a cervical CT (had that today) and will review it next week. He'd rather me go to a doc he knows who does intramuscular injections on a regular basis so will cancel my botox appt.
Cathy

[Rosie]

Cathy, my surgeon mentioned that botox injections should be administered by a highly qualified Doctor especially Botox A (which is essentially for pain relief) . B is for cosmetic purpose. Somewhere I read that there could be damage to kidneys if not properly administered.
I thought I should tell you this. Just do your homework prior.

[Terry]

Wow this sounds like dangerous stuff. What's it supposed to do? I keep thinking it's for plastic surgery so what is the benefit for spinal problems?

Terry Newton

[Rosie]

Terry, you're right it is serious stuff. It does help for pain relief. This is what I have to go for. Hopefully I could tell you more once I get it.
Botox type B is for cosmetic purpose.

[cathydownunder]

Thanks for the heads up on the different types of botox Rosie. I'm cancelling anyway once I get my CT report tomorrow.
Terry,this is another medication being used "off label" to treat things besides wrinkles. Botox has been used successfully in Muscular Dystrophy and M.S. to relax the muscle spasms. Some doctors are using it now to treat migraine which is what I intended it for. There's been mixed results so far, don't know the percentages off hand but the added benefit of getting your wrinkles done at the same time.
Cathy

[Harrison]

Hi y'all, just a comment from the "master of the obvious" here: we have patients from three different countries posting in this topic, so Botox use for "off label" applications may be very different. I say "may" as I've not researched it...

[Terry]

I'm old and could use some wrinkle relief.

Terry Newton

[cathydownunder]

Terry, guys can have wrinkles and nobody cares...it's not fair! Life's little road maps!

Saw my PM doc today. The CT report was pretty poor mentioning mild this and that. The films however tell a different story when looked at by a doc who assists spinal surgeries several times a week.
You know it's not gonna be good when all they say is hmmm and ooh while shaking their head.
Seems all my cervical facets both sides are "bad". He pointed out that they're all solid looking where there's supposed to be some kind of space within - through each one. Sorry I can't explain it better.
He's going to show my surgeon tomorrow before/in surgery for his opinion then he's away on hols for a week till I see him again.
So today he did needling on my Rt side neck and shoulder to relieve some tightness as I woke up with a migraine again.
I seem to be running out of spinal segments that don't have an issue. Is it really possible to have such a dodgy back?
Oh well, off to get another heat pack and to bed
Cathy

[Terry]

Originally posted by cathydownunder:
Terry, guys can have wrinkles and nobody cares...it's not fair! Life's little road maps!
Cathy

That's because we all look like Harrison Ford when we get older.

Sorry to hear about your cervical issues. I hope they get this resolved for you.

Terry Newton