Hello. Thanks for asking from HCM. I can understand your concern. From your nature of complaint, it appears that you had Type I Chiari malformation. It usually presents with neck and head pain (occiput region) along with numbness and tingling sensations. From your question, it is not clear what surgery was performed. Usually Foramen Magnum decompression (an opening in skull from where cord starts and brain ends, present at top of neck) is done to relieve pressure over spinal cord and nerves and establish flow of brain fluid. If it was done in you and you are still having pain, you can follow few tips : Avoid neck flexion : Apply painkiller gel like Diclofenac gel at pain site : You can apply Capsaicin ointment to relieve nerve pain : You can take painkiller like Pregabaline/Nortryptiline or combination of both after proper prescription : You can consult doctor for re-evalaution and persistence of compression. Sometimes deliberate neurolysis of Occipital nerve (C2) is done to relieve pain. It is done by injection. You can ask for this option. : You can apply neck collar to maintain immobilisation. Do not use it more than 8 hours in a day. : Avoid use of pillow. Hope it will help you. Take care. Thanks.