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Tension Headache

Started to have a headache in April after I had a injection in my hip.  Thought it might be from the shot, but was told it wasn't.  Was advised to go to ER if it continued, which it did.  Went to Emergent Care where they gave me a shot of Tramadol which did nothing.  So then I had a CT of Brain, which was normal.  Told to follow up with neurologist, which I did.He advised it was tension headache.  He tried muscle relaxants which did not work.  He then prescribed an anti-depressant, which I did not want to take.  The headaches continued, but were livable, however, back with a vengeance and makes me fairly miserable.  Feel almost like I have the flu or a sinus infection.  Glands under ears sore and painful, pain around eyes when touched.  Just want to sleep and lay down.  Saw a pain doctor for a back problem and he prescribed gabapentin.  One dose of the pill knocked me down for a day and can't function under that med.  Just feel llike this is more than a tension headache, as it never goes away.  Did see ENT, had eyes checked when this all started and everything was ok there.  Can't live this way so any help appreciated.
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707563 tn?1626361905
I'm so sorry this is happening.

The thing about tension headaches is that the cause is not really well understood, and treatments are few. The thing that's always worked best for me is excedrin extra strength, which is aspirin, tylenol and caffeine.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tension-headache/symptoms-causes/syc-20353977

Massage can also help, or anything that relieves stress and helps my muscles relax naturally. A scalp massage is the best thing on earth.

The antidepressant can help, depending on what it is, though I understand totally if you don't want to take it. Gabapentin is so sedating, and you may get used to it and have less drowsiness, but it's almost impossible for most of us to get to that point since it makes us non-functioning for so long.

Unfortunately, it seems that once you start getting headaches, it's so hard to get them to stop.

One thing to do is pay attention to what you are eating and drinking. Make sure to stay hydrated.

Things I do that may or may not work for you:

I use Bio Freeze spray on the back of my neck when I get one. My sister uses Icy Hot spray. They are similar. It helps relax the muscles.

Sometimes heat on the back of my neck helps, sometimes an ice pack does.

A hot shower, letting the warm water just hit you on the neck, shoulders and head.


One thing to check is your pillow. Make sure it's supportive enough, and doesn't need to be changed out. I have allergies to everything, and my headaches get worse when my pillow starts collecting dust mites. I get a new pillow every 6 months or so, but you may not need to do that. I also use allergy covers on my pillows. You can get those anywhere (Walmart, Target, etc.) for about $10. You also don't need an expensive pillow - just a hypoallergenic one that's good for the position you sleep in.

Feel free to get a second opinion from another neuro, too. Just because one says one thing doesn't mean that's the only option.

Hang in there. Headaches suck.





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2 Comments
Thank you so much for your quick reply and yes, headaches do suck, big time!
You're welcome!

Let us know if anything helps, or if you decide to get a second opinion.

I hope you get some relief, soon!
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