Tension Headache Relief Help Please!?

okay I know this will sound funny but I am currently pregnant and have been suffering fromhorrible headaches for a while and my DR. told me to try, right before you get into bed, getting your feet really warm like sticking your feet in the bath for about five minutes then getting a pair of cotton socks(it has to be cotton)and wetting them with cold water, squeezing out extra water really well, putting those on while your feet are still warm then putting a pair of wool socks over that and when you wake up in the morning the socks will be completely dry. Believe me, I thought it sounded so strange but when I tried it that night it reaaly helped and sure enough my socks were dry. It's supposed to help shrink back down the blood vessels in your head and it's good for people with insomnia. Or you can try just sitting in a hot bath and putting a ice pack on top of your head and around your neck. I guess it's hot/cold therapy that a lot of people have heard of except me. Hope it helps.

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Stretching exercises! Or mild execising, even if you're not in shape. Follow some stretching/exercise routine that covers most muscle groups: back, neck, shoulders, legs, hips. Hold the each of the stretches for the count of ten. Spend at least 15 mins doing stretching. Then take a hot shower and drink lots of water and go to bed and get a full 8 hours sleep. Thats my personal RX I figured out from dealing with migranes rooted in tension. Hope you feel better soon.

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I agree with ice use ice. Headaches are caused by the narrowing of blood vessels. The ice helps them go back tonormal. I was put on BP medicine when i was prego with my first and I got a migraine so bad I thought I would die. I laid in my bedroom with the lights off a fan directly on me and frozen veggies surrounding my head. it was gone in a few hours. They also at fred meyers in teh organic section have all these herbal teas...and i am pretty sure I remember seeing a few there by different brands that werer specfic for tension headahces...The other thing is are you on BC I know this is personal but I was getting tension headaches fro a few months that nothing would touch. One week off of my BC and they were gone. As soon as you are able to go see a doctor if they dont go away I would. Good luck and I hope you get to feeling better I know how awful they are...

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Don't use heat, use ice, ten minutes at a time with an hour in between sessions. If you have to use heat follow it up with ice.

Unless headaches are the result of an underlying medical condition, chiropractic and massage are the best things I've found, I've had headaches for years and that's all that helps mine!

I only use ibuprofen and only when I can't sleep or function. Otherwise an adjustment and ice helps the most! If the reason for holding off on chiropractic is financial check with some local docs, most are willing to help you out somehow! The popping usually means that the joint/vertebra above or below the one that is stuck is popping, and there's nothing you can do by yourself to "unstick" it.

I wouldn't do PT until you've determined if your spine is out of alignment, you don't want to strengthen the muscles because that will hold your spine in the improper position and make it harder to correct. And if you'd rather not medicate I work at a chiropractic office and we sell an herbal muscle relaxant called formula 303, and have many patients who swear by it!

Caffeine can trigger headaches, especially chocolate. And my sister, who gets migraines, applies peppermint oil to her pulse points. Origins (sold at macy's) has a product called "peace of mind" for the same purpose. Good luck!

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I've had headaches for all my life. First the doctor said they were tension then that they were migraine, then spine out of alignment. The latter makes sense because I've had several whip lash injuries. But chiropratic did not help me at all. I've tried it several times. Physical therapy helps because I do exercises that strengthen the muscles in my neck and shoulders. Massage, even after several sessions, hasn't helped me.

I think that I have different kinds of headaches with a combination of causes. With some headaches I have nausea. With others a decongestant works; not because I have a sinus infection but because I have congestion. An infection involves viruses. I've even had my sinuses x-rayed and they have never shown an infection.

What I have found that usually works for me is to lay down with a heating pad under my neck and shoulders after taking 600 mg of ibuprofen. I move the pad up and down so that lots of surface gets heat. I also pay more attention to my posture. I tend to push my chin forward. A friend told me to imagine a string attached to the top of my head pulling me upwards. Sometimes just taking 600 mg of ibuprofen and standing taller will get rid of the headache in a few hours. Other times I have to add the heat and resting.

In physical therapy they recommended both heat and cold for pain and said that one will work for some and not for others. Ice just tenses my muscles more.

Every once in awhile I get a headache that lasts for several days. Then I take a prescription muscle relaxant, Flexeral. I also sometimes take a prescription pain pill that is formulated for tension headaches. It's called Butalbital and contains a mild dose of a synthetic morphine, aspirin, and caffeine. As a substitue for that I sometimes take a combination of ibuprofen, tylenol, and coffee which helps about as much as the Butalbital.

Sometimes a decongestant, such as Sudafed, along with Ibuprofen gets rid of the headache. The new form of sudafed doesn't work for me at all. I have a prescription to get the old stuff. Perhaps the pharmacist could tell you how to get a prescription without an appointment with a doctor and the large fee if the new stuff doesn't work for you.

My daughter does have migraines with the nausea and sensitivity to light. Her doctor has prescribed a medication that knocks it out immediately if she takes it soon enough. It's expensive and she couldn't afford it this last time and so she used an OTC Migraine formula and it worked but relief was slower. Ibuprofen didn't help at all.

What I'm saying is that headaches can be caused by a combination of factors and what works one time may not work another. You just have to experiment until you find what works. I'm also saying that prescription medication does help but frequently OTC pain killers also work, just slower. I do have some headaches that last for days and I've just recently discovered that the Flereral stops those quickly.

I do have tight neck and shoulder muscles most of the time and so it makes sense that I need the Flexeril. If your neck and shoulder muscles are usually reasonably relaxed then I think that you could find relief without the muscle relaxant.

I take more ibuprofen than is listed on the bottle because 600 mg is the prescription dose. My doctor also told me that I could double the dose of Tylenol without causing concern for it's effects. I wouldn't take an increased dose of both at the same time.

I agree that birth control pills may cause headaches. I've had fewer headaches since I finished menopause.

I hope that you do quickly find relief. I know how difficult doing anything is when you've had a headache for hours and even more so when it's been days.

Here's a quick list:
1) Ibuprofen and correcting posture
2) Ibuprofen and tylenol together or alternating.
3) heat or ice
4) a decongestant along with the iburprofen and/or Tylenol.
5) an OTC migraine formula

try drinking coffee along with the ibuprofen and/or tylenol or if you take a sinus or cold formula that also has an antihistamine that makes you drowsy.

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For the tension part try rolling up a towel and placing it under your neck while laying on the bed or floor. Put a cold pack on your forehead and try to relax. Quiet or soft soothing music can be helpful. Highland makes a very good migraine homeopathic. It doesn't actually take the headache away for me, but it cuts it down to a headache as opposed to a migraine. Good luck!

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You might try an ear pull! It is free and DIY. I had a series of bad headaches in my 20's, and in my desperation I accidentally discovered that pulling and kneading my ears while lying on my back in the most stress-free possible position knocked them out in 12 minutes or less (I got better at it over time).

I just gently and slowly pulled, pressed, squeezed, squashed, or folded everything that felt tender in and around my ears (you can include temples, eyebrows, cheekbones and skull if you find tender spots there, too). It sort of numbed my ears and made them glow with warmth. And the headache would be gone. I've done this for my husband's and other people's headaches with good success, too, though I can't guarantee it will work on every kind of headache.

In addition to being therapeutic, ear pulls are really pleasant and relaxing – I got my husband "addicted" to them.

Years later I learned of acupuncture meridians, and how every part of the body is represented in the ears. I had wonderful results with acupuncture for other illnesses (though I never had a headache treated that way).

My best to you – it can be grueling to live with persistent severe pain, and it's hard to work past it when it's right in your head. If the headaches persist, I hope you will find a way to get some professional care.

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CHIROPRACTOR after suffering from tension headaches for almost 2 years on a fairly daily basis after 2 adjustments I was good. I was treated for about 2 months and have not had another. But I know you said that is not in the near future. But when it is if it is close Kaufman Chiropractic in Bothell, Dr Kreitz. I also had physical therapy which is KEY to long term health. And I agree with the others strengthening exercises on your own for now. And you do have to find where the pain/discomfort is coming from before you can treat. Mine was my lower back. right abouve my rear end, so that area is key for me to be mindful.
But I read recently putting a tennis ball between your shoulder blades and laying on it will help. And heat packs helped me.
And yes the symptoms are like migrains, cuz that is what I thought I had. And Escedrin makes a pill specifically for tension headaches.
Good Luck and I feel your pain, or at least did. . .
S.

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Hi K.,

I have been a sufferer for many years, and my regular MD was treating me for sinus when it got really bad and I sought help. But! I had found after the last time 2 years ago I went in for "these headaches" I couldn't see straight, my husband had to take me into the emergency care because I couldn't sit upright in a vehicle because the motion made me sick. They gave me a shot to help the headache but it was still pretty bad, so I did a CT scan to fule sinunitis. The passages where clear, and and I was still sick, so I sought the additional attention of being referred to a nuerologist. Sure enough, when I saw the nuerologist, she said it probably wasn't a sinus infection at all, yet I was being treated for one! She had classified me as a "classic migraine sufferer" She gave a nose spray called "Zomig" and whenever I have the onset of a migraine or a twinge, I spray the nose spray and usually one does is all I need. I get migraines triggered by not eating regularly, heat in the summer, even alcohol will set it off, stress, emotions, etc.

You can go to Zomig.com and learn more about this as it is safe to take, and has helped me immensely to keep my migraines in control, and I no longer have to battle 3 days in a cold, dark, quiet room, fighting back nausea. Good luck.

J. Irwin
Dream Vacation Unlimited
###-###-####
www.dreamvacationunlimited.com

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Too bad you can go see a chiropractor. Sounds like you need one. Probably acupuncture and chinese medicine could help. Another thing that has been AMAZING for me is Cranio Sacral therapy. Let me know if you want a referral to awesome practitioners!

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First of all, headaches that last as long as yours could be indicative of a greater problem. Self-diagnosis is not always a wise thing unless you've been diagnosed with miagrains before. Kids, a husband, a household, ect. can fill a head with tension and cause your muscles to tense, adding to the pain. When I had what I thought were tension headaches, I used ice packs on my head. It eased the pain, considerably. I also took Advil, frequently. I had a high stress job, 3 kids, a husband, a house, and an extended family... it wasn't a tension headache. It was a meningioma, a brain tumor. Since my surgery almost 6 yrs ago, no headaches. These type of tumors are slow growing, as a rule, so they sneak up on you. More often than not, they are benign, but any growth is a bad growth. Go see your physician. If you don't have insurance, work out an arrangement with the front office, but so see your doctor. There can be many causes for your pain, you need to find out which one it is for you. You have 3 kids who rely upon you for so much. Go to the doctor.... please. The good news is that you could actually tell your teenage kids you have more brains than they do!!!

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I completely understand. I have battled with tension headaches for years. I have found that cold, not hot helps a great deal. Also, I take excederine migrane. I too have read about rebound headaches, but when I can barely hold my head up because of the pain, I don't care!
Stop with the hot, and try cold and see if it helps.

Hang in there!

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K.,
I have expirenced something like you're explaining. What I've found what works is a combination of acetaminophen, caffine, and asprin. Excedrin has these ingredients in it's formulation. As I understand it ib is an anti-inflamatory (swelling reducer) which will relieve pain because it takes the pressure off the nerves, but it doesn't have a really pain killer in it. Asprin is a blood thinner, acetaminophen is a pain killer, and caffine increases the heart rate which causes the blood to flow faster. If you can decrease the pressure and increase blood flow it should solve your problem. Otherwise the best option would be chiro or massage but I know that isn't avaliable to you right now. Have you tried any yoga stretches?
Angie

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I have also suffered from migraine/tension headaches, although now I’ve managed to significantly reduce their frequency and duration. Several years ago, from September through May, I had a chronic daily headache that flared into a migraine every couple weeks— it was awful. I tried traditional medicine, chiropractic, homeopathy, acupuncture, vitamins/nutrition, herbs, NAET...

Magnesium is my miracle cure! My naturopath recommended I take 400-500mg of magnesium with a large glass of water. That usually knocks it out in less than 30 minutes! Sometimes I’ll take a second dose the next day, if the headache isn’t gone. It is the first thing I turn to and usually I don't have to move on to Excedrin. Magnesium is a mineral that has a laxative effect (something to keep in mind!) take to "bowel tolerance." On a daily basis its better take a supplement that balances calcium & magnesium.

The other things that have helped me:
**getting off the pill (hormones)
**cutting out scented/perfumed products (everything from shampoo--> detergent --> scented candles--> cleaning products)
**reducing (sometimes eliminating) sugar/sweets & artificial sweeteners
**yoga
**taking care of myself--reducing stress, getting enough sleep, eating well/regularly, spending time with friends, etc.
**getting adjusted by a chiropractor
**Excedrin (Max Strength or Migraine)

I do make sure to take Excedrin with food to avoid stomach problems. Rebound headaches are usually a problem when you take painkillers for several days in a row; generally, occasional use is ok. Hopefully, this is not an overwhelming amount of info. Feel free to message me if you have questions. I hope you find relief soon!

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I have had those headaches for years. I finally realized there is no medication that works on the pain.

Good posture is the best preventive. And keeping good posture once you get one is the fastest way to get rid of it. When it hurts you tend to slouch and that is your worst enemy.

I noticed also that I can tell if one is coming. For me, I am sleepy for no reason. IF I then get a good dose of caffeine immediately, I can keep the headache at bay, especially if I focus on good posture.

I am short and have found that sitting in chairs too big for me or at tables too high will bring on these headaches.

Using these steps I am mostly headache free now. So sit up straight and get a better chair.

R.

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I used to get those ll the time - chiropractic care finally fixed them (I went to Dr. Meshew in the u district.) In the meantime, make a cup of herb tea reaaly hot. Hold it under your face and softly blow so that the steam rolls up over your face. Keep doing that till the tea is coll enough to drink, then finish the tea. Also, take a couple of Advil just before to help withe inflammation.

And make sure you are taking a B complex and Magnesium - they help your body deal with the physical response to stress.

Hope that helps!

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If you can get in the shower try alternating hot and cold three minute to one on the neck, back and shoulders.

This is called a vascular flush to help bring in blood and push out toxins.

That may help.

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Apple juice is supposed to help it's worked for me off and on also alternate hot and cold presses. Good luck!

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I've had a lot of trouble with tension headaches too, and one thing that helps relieve them for me is a "rice pack". Basically, some rice sewed up in a thick, soft material, you put it in the microwave oven for a minute or so (depending on the size of the pack) and place it on your neck and shoulders. This produces a moist heat that penetrates and relaxes. Might not work for everyone, but it's one of those things you might try, and it won't interact with meds.
P.

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Hi K.,
I have lots of problems with tension in my neck with all that I have loaded on my plate with migrains that are caused because of having brain surgery not too long ago. What I do for the tension is I've taken one of my husbands heavy duty socks and loaded it with cheap rice and tied it off, when I need to relax the tension and all 3 of my kids are calm or sleeping I put the sock in the microwave for about 3-5 minutes depending on how much time I think I might have and maybe with a towel over the sock depending on how hot I will lay down on the couch with my feet propped up and the sock under my neck getting lots of pressure on those muscles. If it's night time or late in the evening and my husband is still at work and the kids are in bed and/or deep into a movie I may just fall asleep for a few minutes, it's kinda hard not to. I haven't been able to do that for a while, the last time was when my two oldest were at grandmas for the night and my baby was sleeping with a full tummy, at that moment my husband was home and watching a movie, he let me rest my feet on him and he aactually rubbed my feet and ankles a few times...that was heaven. Also, the rice in the sock will stay really warm for a good 15 minutes if your body heat is helping it stay warm.
I have also been told that you can put it into the freezer to numb the pain, but I haven't tried that yet on me, my husband did it for him when the weather was too hot for the other way, but with my body type I can take the heat/hot combination.

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I know that you don't want to go to the doctors right now but that just may be the best thing for you to do. I would personally recommend that you see a neurologist. That is what it took for me to get my headaches properly diagnosed a few years ago. Prior to that I had been told (by my doctor) that they were just tension headaches and/or they were just in my head. They sure were in my head; I have a form of migraines. Once I got medicine for migraines I did much better. I take zomig for my migraines, now they don't get near as bad as they used to and I don't often get the ones where I get severely sick to my stomach any more.

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Have you tried sinus buster? It's made from hot peppers, and burns like crazy when you use it (feels like you're going to die), but it should work. www.sinusbusters.com

Also, you might look up a reflexology foot map online and find the reflex point for the head, and even work all over your feet. Accupuncture works for some as well... Good luck!

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I had every kind of headache there is I think for years. One day at church a little old lady brought me some Feverfew which is an herb. It takes a couple weeks of taking it for it to really kick in but taking it changed my life! I still get some head aches from time to time but seldom are they show stoppers like the old ones I had almost daily and they are far and few between now.

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K. ~

I know what you are "feeling" ... literally. It's really hard to distinguish between what type of headache you are experiencing. And, as I'm not a doctor, I sure can't tell you what you are experiencing either. But, what I have found for myself is, a lot of my headaches are due to allergies. Pollens, dust, and food allergies. And, weather related. In this beautiful NW of ours, it's hard to avoid the pollen and weather issues right now, especially. There has been a lot of pollen since last week. (I have a pollen monitor on my desktop -- with the weather channel :)). Anyways, I am now on both allergy and migraine medicine and have tons of relief -- but for your present relief -- try, instead of a Tylenol or Ib., try a Sudafed Headache Sinus medicine or something similar. The reason these worked for me is because they have a decongestant in them, as well. You don't have to "feel" congested for the headaches to be allergy related. Also, see if you are eating foods that seem to trigger them ... nuts? chocolate? (I hope not, for your sake, if you love chocolate :) ) ... For me, I have to avoid nuts at all costs -- also all MSG .. which means no chinese foods or things that might contain MSG. Another thing I have done is put ice packs on my neck -- rather than a massage. I like ice rather than heat -- but that's just me. I hope these suggestions prove helpful to you. And, that you get some type of relief and are able to enjoy the weather with your family this weekend!

Blessings to you and your family!

T.

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Start with ice, and then heat for 15 minutes at a time.
My husband uses a product called Head On. You can get it at any pharmacy store, it's over the counter. It's like a roll on that you rub across your forehead. My husband suffered from migrains and rebound migrains for years before he went cold turkey on the excedrin. It worked. He uses the Head On, and I have other friends who swear by it, and he is able to keep things at bay. Good luck.

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Well, K., this is just a really tough one to tackle without medical intervention. You truly need to see a doctor and get a script for a muscle relaxant. Furthermore, I think you need to see a Neurologist and that an M.D. would send you there if a muscle relaxant doesn't work. Here's some advice from webmd.

http://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/tension-headaches

I guess I would have to say that if this goes on for a total of 10 days, that you're going to have to buckle under and go see your doctor. You could have tension headaches, but you may also have a sinus infection, an ear infection or something worse. My daughter is suffering from similar symptoms at the moment and was diagnosed on Sunday with a cyst in her head. I don't say this to scare you, but just to say that you need an expert to assist you if this goes on much longer.

Good Luck!

D. (mother of four)

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K.,
You may want to try a cold pack( a pack of frozen peas works great wraped once in a towel) make it into a roll and place under your neck and lay on it or sit in a recliner with it there for about 20 minutes. Also try a cool wash rag over your eyes and forehead. I find the cold pack to the neck most helpful for all of my headaches including migraines and tension headaches.

C.

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Hi K.,
I know what you are going through. I have had bad headaches and migraines they run in my family. I have used heavy painkillers in the past. Ibuprofen really doesn't work on headaches. I found though that Excedrin for migraines or extra strength works for migraines or tension headaches. It works because of the caffeine in it. So I actually just drink a Coke now it's cheaper. Coffee, tea doesn't work me just Coke for some reason. I usually do not drink caffeine except for these occasions so if you do drink a lot of caffeine on a regular basis it will actually cause a headache instead of help or do nothing. I also switched to a foam contoured pillow and that has helped a lot with shoulder tension. When the weather changes or the barometric pressure changes I get a headache. I'm originally from Chicago where I had headaches daily. But after moving to Oregon over 12 years ago I have them occasionally.
I had a friend that had the same problem and was getting rebound headaches she tried the Coke thing and said it worked. Hot packs and massage always has helped with me but, wasn't a cure just gets the intensity to calm down. You have to massage starting at the bottom of the neck on that muscle and rub toward the shoulder. You don't want to massage the back neck yourself only a professional should do that to many nerves and you could damage yourself. At least that is what a massage therapist friend told me.
I hope it works for you. Headaches are no fun no matter if they are tension, migraine or sinus. I found that if you can at least try to find out what kind it is then you can use the right treatment. Each one is different and requires different care. Good luck. I hope that with the summer weather your headache goes away!

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I don't know if this will be of any help, but I need just the opposite of what you said when I am having those types of headaches. I need a COLD wash cloth, most of the time IB and such don't help any how! Good luck! I usually have to just lay very still........not that that ever gets to happen!

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Hi K.-
I hope you are getting a little relief this weekend. You know, I dont get headaches much but when I do, MAN they are so irritating because they go on all day long. I dont like to take meds for them because I assume that they are happening for a reason. I usually think about what is going on in my life at the moment, am I stressing about something specifically, is there something on my mind that I need to take care of or am I worried about someone. For me, it usually stems to something related to those. Of course this is not for everyone but its a suggestion. I will try and take care of the problem or what have you and then to get some relief from my headache, I have to mentally tell myself that its time for you to go away now!- I am also a mother of 3 children, VERY HIGH MAINTENANCE, they are where most of my headaches come from (ha) So- have you ever had a facial? I whole heartedly recomend getting one- Calming music is played, your neck face and shoulders are rubbed, some will even rub your calves, it give you a feeling of renewal and she will leave you in the room for a moment to relax with whatever is on your face, your eyes covered and music to ease the mind, I really like the mist or steam, what ever it was that was put near my face to inhale.
Please go and try this- I know as a mom its hard to get away, but its so worth it and im sure you deserve it anyway....give it a try and let me know how you feel afterwards.

good luck-
A.

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If the pain is mainly around the back of your neck and up to your head....you might have a pinched nerve at the base of your neck. My mom head the same PAINFUL headaches as you'd described. She can't function or sleep when the headaches appear. No medications or home massage can help relieve the pain. She finally went to the doctor and the diagnose was "pinched nerve". The more you massage it, the worst it will get so going to the doctor is the only way for cure. They give you a shot at the back of the neck and sends you to physical therapy. My mom is now headaches free.

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Have you tried something like Icy Hot or Bengay? Sometimes that helps me with my tension headaches. Maybe a massage from your hubby would help. Mostly what helps me is figuring out what is causing my tension and working on reducing or changing that! Lots of luck. I empathize.

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If you can afford it a Thai massage may be helpful. At the very least you can check it out. I had one, I'm 68 so lots of aches and pains and they all went away for months. You could also check in with a natureopath. good luck.

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Hello K.,

I have learned many natural things to help my health.

I have learned a special technique to help the body release stress. I can teach you on the phone. There is no charge and you will be able to use it anytime you feel the need. My number is ###-###-####. I'm home today, Friday.

I look forward to meeting you. Agape' D.

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K.,

I'm so sorry. As a sufferer of headaches, I totally get your frustration. I am wondering if it has to do with a change in pressure or it's an allergy/sinus thing, because I too have had an insane headache for about 4 days now. When you say you're waking up with them, that makes me think they're sinus related, because of all of the pressure that builds up from laying down. That's what happens to me, and it was 100 times worse before I had sinus surgery.

Do you drink caffeine at all? Sometimes, that helps me with headaches because it opens up the blood vessels. Or you might try taking Exedrin Tension Headache - it has caffeine in it. You might also try some hot compresses on the back of your neck/base of skull area.

I'm sorry you're experiencing the headache. I know how disabling it can be, especially with kids.

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K.,
I've been having these too. What I do is make sure I drink more water or Gatorade. A typical symptom of dehydration is a headache. Also try to eat a substantial meal with protein and fresh vegetables. (Salad with chicken)
I also use a cold pack. I move it around from my lower back to my shoulders, then neck and all over my head.
I found that the cold helps where the hot makes it worse. I also had a doctor that said in the case of a migrane not to use hot.
Get plenty of rest, even if it's resting on the couch listening to low volume music. Also if you start writing down what's going on that may help. sometimes it's just a matter of getting the stress out of your head and onto paper.
1) Water / Gatorade
2) Food
3) Cold packs
4) Rest
5) Journal
Best of luck to you.

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Arnica and, another one that starts with a C, I can't bring the name up right now but you will find them together in your health food store in lotions, homeopathic remedys and sprays. They are both good for pain and the spray on arnica is very fast. Your natural health store will be able to help more. I have heard in parts of Asia they use oregano in a paste on the forehead but I have never tried it.
For a massage techinque, lets see if I can make sence; Put your thumbs on your temples, now take your pointer and middle fingers back to your neck. Your elbows will be pointing forward and up to get into position. Your area for your fingers is the base of your skull from your spine to right behind your ears. Imagine the pads of your fingers point to the area of pain. So right next to your spine is directly above your nose and behind your ears is the top/back of your head. Use gentle pressure and tight circles. You can work your fingers in these circles around the base of the skull to target different areas. Now the hardest part... Stay there. Sit quietly once you have stopped the headache for at least 5 full mins.
I know the massage works for minor headaches even if they are persistant. I hope it works for you! Let me know if I can clarify.

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Dear K., You poor girl! I am responding immediately to your question because I am a migraine sufferer. I do fear that your headaches are truly migraines. I was about your age when mine started getting worse. They started when I was halfway through my first pregnancy in my early 20's, but usually over the counter products would take the edge off. All of your symptoms, including the neck issues still sound like migraines. Call your doctor ASAP and ask if you can try some of the wonderful (pain killing) medications on the market right now. I use a medication called RELPAX (in pill form) and it has been my life saver. You usually take one as soon as you feel the pain begin beginning and most of the time within a half hour or so, you are pain free. God Bless you dear girl. A busy mom like you does NOT need to be miserable with severe headaches. Let me know! S.

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I feel your pain! I've had headaches for years, and just recently figured out that some of them are migranes. I never new the difference because I never had the sensitivty to light and some of the other common symptoms. For my headaches, tension or not, I've been taking Excederin extra strength. They do make one for "tension headaches", I believe it just has a little more caffeine. It seems to help me more than IB or Tylenole. You may want to try it!

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I found that even some expensive prescription meds didn't work for me so I stumbled onto using Bayer Back and Body as soon as I feel strong symptoms. It really works for me and mine were so bad I felt that death would be welcome.
Good luck! I really sympathize with you.

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Hello,

My friend just went through something similar and her doctor put her on blood pressure medicine which seems to be helping. Hope that will help you too.

J.

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Hi K.,

I've been suffering from some tension headaches and pain in my neck, shoulders and back lately. I thought I would try the tension massage at InSpa ($40 for 30 minutes, clothes on). It was not a relaxing massage, but it absolutely got all my kinks out and I felt better immediately.

I usually only go to InSpa for a quick pedicure, but I received a gift certificate for Mother's Day and decided to try it out. I would highly recommend Mark at the Bellevue Square location - he was great and very professional.

I'm also a sahm of two little ones, Jake is almost 4 and Ethan is 11 months.

Good luck!
~ K. W

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i've heard that water as cold as you can stand on your neck is good for the migraines. i have had tension headaches some, but ususally can sleep them off. don't know what else would work!

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Aleve is good for relaxing muscular tension. Caffeine is good for keeping migraines at bay. Excedrin is approved for headaches and migraines because of the caffeine content. Aromatherapy peppermint oil could help, as could finding pressure points in your arm above the elbow and holding and releasing them. I know the last one sounds hokey, and I am a cynic...and it works for me.

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I will have to say the Ibuprophin or tylenol does nothing for mine!! The only thing that works for me is Excederin!! I have to take about 3 of them, I get a caffiene rush, but it is far better than the headache!!! My sister stretches her neck with a towel over her door knob somehow, you might look into that, I know it worked when she got really tense through her neck and shoulders! Hope I helped good luck!!
S. W

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I just went through this last night - It was so hot and I didn't drink enough water and ended up with a headache that turned into a migraine. Well, I took 3 Ibroprophen and ice pack on my head til I couldn't bear it. finally I fell asleep. I woke up without it....but Yours sounds like it's a pinched nerve or something that is causing your headache. I think you need to get some muscle relaxants to loosen up your muscles to release the pressure. You must have a kink something. But that is my thoughts. Hope that helps.

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This could also be anemia. I found out I was anemic after I had a severe headache that caused me to fall to my knees in pain and was rushed to the ER where they ran tests to see if I had an anurism. They did a spinal and once they rulled it out sent me home. I was bed ridden for 8 days and saw two doctors that week that said it could be sinuses. The third doctor I saw drew blood and checked everything, finding out that I was highly anemic. After taking prenatal vitamins and fish oil capsules daily I was great. Try to eat more iron rich foods. I also swear by Aleve or Tylenol #3(prescription). I wouldn't take iron pills until you see your doctor since they can cause constipation and other issues. Maybe even taking childrens chewable vitamins for a few days may help. You would have to double up. When I was pregnant with my twins the doc said that if I can't swallow the big prenatals try doublig up childrens chewables. Definately, once you are able to get to the doc have him run a CBC blood test to check for all possiblities.

29 year old mother of 4- ages 6, 4, and 23 months (got him after having my tubes tied). Proud Army wife of 8 years.

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Have you tried to stand under a hot shower. I know that sometimes helps me. Also stay away from caffeine.

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If outside help is not an option, then Ice may be your best friend. Heat actually INCREASES the inflammation response,which will in the end aggravate the headaches. Ice causes tissue to shrink.

Take a bath towel, & roll it up to about 4 inches thick. Then, lay flat on your back, towel under your neck, with the ice pack on top of it, with just a paper towel or t-shirt layer over it. 10 min out of every hour is OK. Then take long deep breaths, thinking only about taking that breath. (this is harder than it sounds.)

If finances are the issue, I work in Fairview, & will offer you a complimentary session. (I'm a Massage Therapist.)
Headaches are more than an inconvenience.

A. LMT

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Hi K.,

I feel your pain, I used to get a headache everyday as well. I started taking a multi-vitamin, a flaxseed pill, and a mushroom pill at lunch and I have been headache free on the days I take those, if I don't then the headaches come right back. So for me I was lacking some vitamin in my diet and speaking of diet, my headaches were worse on the days I didn't eat breakfast and since I am not too much of a breakfast eater I make a protien shake to give my body some fuel for the day and eat later. Good luck.

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Hello K.,

I used to get tension headaches all the time and they would last for days. Before I knew what it was, I went to many doctors and neurologists trying to figure it out. They were all shoving the pain meds at me, which I couldn't take during the day because I had to work. Finally a neurologist sent me to bio-feedback. I wasn't sure about it, but let me tell you....it was amazing.

However I understand you can't go to a professional for a while so here's what I would suggest. 1. Get rid of the stress that is causing the tension. 2. Find a relaxation CD and a quiet spot and concentrate on every muscle in your body relaxing. See it relax. Start from the top of your head down to the tip of your toes. Don't rush it.

What bio-feedback does is teaches your muscles how to relax. It's been 13 years since I've had a tension headache that I couldn't get rid of using the above technique.

I hope this helps.

D

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Have you tried stretching? Stretch your back, neck and shoulders. I hold tension in my neck so I find shoulder rotations/shrugs help..do one at a time.
Also is there a food that triggers or releases tension for you?

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K.,

Do you have any problems with your vision? Blurry or floaty stuff in your vision?

I have this fairly rare neurological disorder called Intracranial Hypertension (IH), more commonly known as Pseudotumor Cerebri. It isn't a tumor, it just has some of the same symptoms...but one of the main ones is headaches. Also, my neck is always popping, and feeling "crunchy". It's common among most of the folks I know with IH.

I got diagnosed with this after having a headache that just wouldn't go away. I needed a neurological exam, and some tests to confirm this diagnosis, though. And like I said, this condition is RARE...

I asked about your eyes, because a lot of times people can get the diagnosis started at the eye doctor, the pressure can affect your eyes.

Hopefully, it's not IH at all...and you are already feeling better!! Please feel free to message me, if you are at all interested in any more information about IH.

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I buy "Tiger Balm" at Walgreens. It is a muscle relaxing balm. When I get a headache (sometimes migraines/tension), I rub some on my forehead and temples and I swear by it. Try to get the white kind (versus the red, it stains). It smells a little mediciney, but that's okay with me. I just gently squeeze my temples. Also, try taking some astragulus and/or acidophulus. They are just immune boosters. Good luck, I hope your headaches pass quickly!

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K.,
My mom and I get these headaches all the time. The thing that works for us is to heat up a towel (hand towel) in the dryer then roll it up. Put that under your neck so your head is kind of leaning back. Then lay on the floor with the towel under your neck with your feet close to your bottom so your knees are bent. We lay there for 15 minute intervals. Good luck, headaches do suck!
K.

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Have you tried ice packs.. I found that those really help me with tension headaches. Good luck, I feel for you, believe me!!

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K.,
Have you tried warm or cold compresses to the forehead, temple,sinus, and jaw areas? Depending upon what feels better to you, you might get some relief with trying one of those things. Also, do you do any yoga? Inversion postures (in which your head is lower than your heart) may provide some comfort (google yoga journal or similar source). Also keeping a journal of headaches is good if they reoccur (as it could be hormone related, too). Another thing I learned from my holisitc chiropractor back in Ohio is that you may also be holding a lot of tension in your jaw...so massage the jaw joint, if so. My other suggestion is to possibly journal about your headache or take time to tune into your body and acutally ask your body what it is trying to tell you...and don't sensor it (you may just be overlooking something simple that your body is trying to alert you about). But, please don't let it go much more than a few days without some type of medical/holistic attention...you could have a serious issue if it continues. I used to suffer from headaches almost weekly and they would sometimes make me vomit and the pain would go on for about 2 days. With yogic exercises, some food allergy changes, and paying more attention to the "warning signs" of stress before it accumulates, I've been going on about one headache every three months. So, hang in there and keep trying. Listen to your body and find a good practitioner that can help you explore what may be causing you this pain. Good luck and be well!

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Excedrin ALWAYS works for me! I too get tension headaches. . .
Excedrin takes a headache away for me in less than 10 minutes! Tylenol or ibuprofen don't work as well for me and take longer.

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I know this may sound wierd but I was suffering for a tension headache/migrain for 3 days; it hurt my head just to roll over in bed. I finally broke down and called my doctor and she told me to take 2 regular benedryls (spelling); 2 Extra Strength Tylenol and down it with a 12 oz cafenated soda, She said it will knock you on your butt, but when you wake up it should be gone. And it was!!! That was the best relief I have ever gotten.
I sent my husband to get the two packs from the gas station so you dont have to buy a bottle of each. So it was pretty inexpensive remedy.
I will recommend this to anyone from now on!!
I hope you give it a try and it works for you.
Good Luck!
Cori

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I have a family member who helped write the protocal for pain management. The prescription strenght of Aleve is a total of 4 pills. My migraine cure is 1st a hot shower to relax my neck and shoulders. Then I take an old sock filled with dry rice and heat it in the microwave for about 90 seconds sometimes longer. I go into my room, make it dark take 2- 4 aleve depending on how bad it is and lay on my back with the rice sock over my eyes. I make an effort at relaxing and trying to take a nap. Make sure you eat something small with the aleve even if its just a few crackers. Also, it usually helps to take the aleve before the shower because it gives it a little longer in your system before you lay down. I also sometimes put sombra, like ben gay or icy hot, on my kneck and shoulders after the shower. See if you can get a couple hours of dark and quiet. Hopefully it will help. I have had those many times, usually its hormonal for me but stress will do it too. Hope this helps you some.

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From what you describe it sounds like you really need a chiropratic adjustment. I know because I get the same thing and within literally a few minutes after the adjustment the pain goes away. When I can't get to my chiro, I use a Thermacare Heat Wrap (neck/shoulder) and and take 2 aspirin, then lay across the bed, on my back, with my head hanging a little bit off the bed. This slowly stretched those muscles and tendons relieving some pain. Of course you need to be quiet and alone when doing this, as the idea is to relax. Turn your head left and then hold and then right and hold for a short period of time while laying there. Thermacare Heat Wraps are not very noticiable compared to Icy Hot or BenGay but if smell isn't and issue try one of them before going to bed at night. Good Luck!

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My daughter gets these headaches. She's a freelance court reporter and spends hours at her computer transcribing depositions. What works for her is she takes a towel and twists it lenghthwise, then she lies on the floor and puts the towel under her neck, grasps the ends of it and pulls it toward her head, and uses it to stretch her neck muscles. I hope it helps you.

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Go to a chiropractor. He/She will help you.

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There is a Cayenne pepper supplement you can take. It opens up the blood vessels and promotes circulation. Great stuff and has helped immensely w/mine. Also a long ice pack or cold towel across the back of the neck alternating w/one of those heated aromatherapy neck wraps does WONDERS. But most definitely get the Cayenne (capsicum frutescens) 450mg. Take it 1x/day.

Hope that helps

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Hello, My husband gets tension headaches and was told by a doctor to go to a corner and put your hands on each side and press your body gently toward the wall for about 15-20 seconds a couple times per day. He also mentioned ice then heat for 15 minutes a couple times per day. It really helps! he hasn't had a full blown migraine in about a year.
I hope it works for you I know how bad he has suffered with this.

P.

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Are you sure that you do not have a sinus infection? That can cause a headache for days and the things that you are describing.
But if it is a tension headache moving into a migraine...I have had migraines since junior high school. I use Imitrex. I cannot take the pills because my stomach quits working and the pills just sit there. So I have to use Imitrex injections. They are very easy to give yourself because they come with this little injector that does it all by itself. They do not hurt very bad course that could be because my head hurts so much worse.....
But if it is a migraine and you get them often...you need togo to the doctor and get on a program for them. You do not have to suffer from them. This medication changed my life.
But I would suggest that you go to the pharmacy and get the sudafed that you have to sign for over the counter....the other will not help a headache this bad....and take 90mgs of it. Along with some Advil ....this may help as there is something in Sudafed and Mucinex that will even help a migraine...but it has to be the kind in the back...that you have to ask for and sign for. Hope this helps...
Some of mine start out as tension headaches because of the problems that i have had with my jaws. When I was 17 , my jaws locked OPEN...they had to take me into surgery after being open for 36 hours and cram them closed. There was no other way to do it. I then went to Seattle University Hospitalwhere they studied me and found that i had degenerative arthritis and it had attacked the jaw joints on both sides. I have had three major jaw implant surgeries and suffered ALOT of migraine headaches. I have had silicone implants, a metal implant and the last is a titanium implant thatseems tobe holding up better.
I am wondering if you are having anytroublewith your teeth? Do youhave atooththatyouhave recently broke or a filling that you have loston a tooth that has a root canal? The infection fromthe toothcancause symptoms like you are having.
Onething ihavelearned in all of my experience with my migraines...Sudafed (the real stuff) doeshelp andthe doctors used to have me take a gualiafcian (sp) right when I felt it coming on...this is the same ingredient that is in Mucinex...I used to get it in a prescription ...before it came out over the counter. If it is caused by pressureinthe sinus area...this will help it.The prescription form is about double what they tell you to take on the bottle.....be sure and ask at the pharmacy if they have the real stuff behind the counter of Musinex or Guilafician(SP)...you need the real stuff not the stuff with out the real sudafed in it. They sell it behind the front desk now and you have to sign for it because the amphetamine (druggies) users useit tomake the base to speed, crank, crack and etc.That is why you have to ask for it at the pharmacy front desk. They sell some on the shelf but it is missing the active ingredient that you need...it has to say actual sudafed on it...not phylenol...what ever.....

But:
Sudafed: 3 -30 mg tablets..once my surgeon told me that you had to take about 90-120 mgs of Sudafed to touch a bad headache.
Excedrin Migraine or Advil...some painkiller

I bet that would help.....but make sure that you do not have an abcessed tooth....with these artificial jaw jointsIhave gone through that alot......every tooth in my head is a gold crown so I do not eat them.I thought if a tooth had a rootcanal in it (which all mine do)it could not cause problems...wrong! It can still get infected the pain just will be referred somewhere else. Not fun...so be sure it is not coming from a tooth. Other than that I say concentrate on getting the congestion out of your face and neck area...are your teeth or gums sore to the touch? That is a sign that you have sinus pressure. Do you feellike you want to put pressure on your teeth? Like clenching? Those are all signs of sinus pressure.
Use the ice...that is so important.....if you have a tooth that you are questioning..if it is abcessed..cold will feel good...hot will hurt.
Hope some of this helps. You can email me at:
____@____.com....I know what you are going through. I have two girls grown and now am raising two of my nine grandchildren...they are teenagers....I had to get on a program to deal with my migraines. But I have learned what works and what doesn't.
My daughter is a massage therapist and I could not function without her....L.

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girly, get yourself to the massage therapist. I struggle with tension headaches all of the time. Regular massages really help.
K.

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