The past 5 days i have had headaches that dont seem to really go away. When i touch my head it feels sore and it hurts. my head feels so tense along with my chest and upper back. the headaches and pressure are usually the back of my head and sides. .. not so much the temples. . sometimes underneath my eyes. . this is really freaking me out. I made a dr app but its not till next week and i am worried i have a brain tumor. . i did have a flu last week so i dont know if its still lingering or the stress of me being sick is still lingering but i dont want to have to take tylenol all day. I remember a few months back i was getting headaches but they went away and than had new wonderful anxiety symptoms. . but now these headaches are here. . and it scares me more than it did last time. . i wake up in the morning with these head pains too. as if i woke uo with a head injury. The thing is the only thing that is causing my anxiety right now are my headaches. if they were gone i'd feel way better. anyone have this kind of head soreness, pressure headaches that lasted for days?? I do take ativan at night to help sleep and with my pain. . i dont know if the ativan is contributing too the headache? i dont know, doubt it.

holly i use to have them for days and now it is off and on but one side of my head felt numb it is tension and stress the more you worry and get upset the worse it seem to get good luck dont worry (i know easier said than done )

Have you been listening to the Relaxation session? I find that helps me reduce the stress. I also find that trying to massage my head and neck definitely help as well. If you don't know how to do that, perhaps getting a professional massage (preferrably by someone recommended from a trusted source) may help!

Best wishes!

Hi Holly,

You might be having tension headaches, you can have them for months, especily if you have muscle tension in you neck and shoulders. I went through a battery of test last year, I thought it was my sinus, but after doing the CAT scan he determind that is was realted to my anxiety. I also clench my teeth at night which puts alot of tension on my neck,I were a night gaurd and it does help.

My headache's feel like someone is squeezing my head in a vice, I have alot of facial pressuer, which is why I thought it was my sinus. I also have alot of pain in my neck, that is were I hold all my tension.

He also said I am getting rebound headaches, which are from taking all the sinus meds.

I am sure you do not have a brain tumor but it is good idear to get it checked. It will put you mind at ease.


Feel better,

Debbie

Hi Holly,
I've had headaches my entire life (even as a little girl), but as I've gotten older they've progressively gotten worse- now I have the pleasure of migraines, too. From what it sounds like, you're experiencing tension headaches brought on by stress. My guess is that you're holding a lot of tension in your neck and sholders, and this can contribute to headaches (at least for me).

The reason why I don't believe you're haveing migraines is because there is an entire realm of symptoms that accompany them that you have not expressed.

I know you want to take tylenol to allieviate the pain, but beware as relying on it too frequently can cause "rebound" headaches (just make sure not to exceed the recommende dosage). You might also want to consider buying some Excederine Tension Headache- everyone I know who's tried it feels it works wonders. Even ibuprophian (sp) works weel and is less (supposidly) harsh on the stomach. Make sure you ALWAYS eat SOMETHING before taking either.

In addition to the OTC meds, what else can you do to relax and let the tension out of your muscles? What gives you a sense of peacefulness and brings you well-being? Maybe try soaking in a bath with relaxing music? Personally, I try to have a massage every other week (thankfully my insurance pays- though not for long). I know this can be $$$, but do you have a massage therapy school in your area? The schools around here charge about a 1/3 the price of a reg. massage- $25 and these "students" are graduating soon, so it's not as if they haven't properly learned the techniques.

Also, do you like to drink tea (chamamille- sp- is especially calming). I also drink a hot beverage right before bed called NaturalCalm; you can buy it at your local healthfood stores.

Lastly, one of the simplist solutions is drinking LOTS of water (min. of 80 oz. for 120 lbs. and an additional 16 oz. for every 20 lbs. over). When our muscles are tight, they contain lactic acid and staying hydarated helps keep our muscles more flexible and less likely to "hold" the lactic acid.

Hope this helps and you feel better soon!
fischee

Oh, how about using the Relaxation CD? I also like aromatherapy- lavender is good for stress relief. The essential oils are best (sometimes I rub a little on my temples), but you can also use candles, too. *I've also read the scent of MacIntosh Apples helps (sister-in-law swears by the Yankee Candle plug ins).