Question
10-22-08

I have been diagnosed with cluster migraines and undergone several means of therapy for the past 1 1/2 years with very little success.  Additionally, I have been diagnosed with severe obstructive sleep apnea.  My neurologist has approached therapy for the migraines via medications, and extremely adamant toward my use of a CPAP machine for the SOSA.  The consensus of this therapy is that the CPAP machine is as important in treating the migraines as the medicine.  While the medicinal/CPAP therapy ordered by my pulmonologist has been somewhat successful, everyday headaches continue to be prevalent with cluster migraines still uncontrolled.

Recently, after having a spinal examination with subsequent x-rays ordered, results indicate both C5-C6 and C6-C7 are collapsed but midline.  Additionally, results indicate a possible disruption at L4-L5 and L5-S1.  The spine specialist indicated surgery is warranted but does not suggest this approach considering my age of 51.  His recommendation for addressing pain as a result of this finding is epidural steroid injections.

My question however is simple, with such radiological results, is it possible that the C-spine findings could be attributed in any way to the origin and/or exacerbation of the cluster migraines?  And, could the obstructive sleep apnea be even remotely related to this injury?

Any assistance and thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thank you,
tonyb

Answer
Tony,

To the point, it is my experience that migraines and other cluster headaches are directly related to highly contracted neck muscles, particularly the scalenes and suboccipital muscles.  In my practice, when clients recover the ability to relax those muscles and to move the neck freely, the headaches abate and disappear.

Such neck muscle tension would also account for the "collapse" of your neck vertebrae by means of compressive forces (pulls) on the vertebrae that squeeze the intervening discs.

You may read my article on the subject at somatics.com/page4b.htm.

Obstructive sleep apnea is related to muscular activity in the throat (swallowing muscles) closing the breathing passage.  Hypothetically, clinical somatic education should be able to help with sleep apnea, as well, but I have no experience with clients who had that condition.

with regard,
Lawrence Gold