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Constant tension headache and neck pain

Posted: Dec 30, 2013

Hello! I have had a terrible tension headache and neck pain/stiffness for the last few days, and I'm wondering how some of you had handled this situation. I am torn between doing gentle ROM exercises/stretching or just resting it as much as possible. I've tried massaging my neck/bottom of head/temple areas with no relief. I've also tried taking 800 mg of Advil with no help. Nothing I've tried is helping, so if anyone has any advice, I am in dire need!;

Headache - -sm-

[ In Reply To ..]
I use ice daily on my neck and arms/hands, gentle ROM, ibuprofen, and proper computer set up is a must.

Cold will not make me tense up further? - Thank you for your response

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I hadn't considered using an ice pack, I just assumed heat would be better for relaxing muscles?

Cold may help relieve swelling in the muscles - but it could make you uncomfortable SM

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enough that you cant relax, and that's what you need right now is to relax those muscles. Heat and massage likely would be the best bet; hot bath or the shower until the water runs out.

This from the PT department when I was there several months ago; cold short term to relieve swelling and then heat to help relax and heal.

Ahhh, that makes sense, thank you. - A hot bath does sound divine.

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I used to take hot baths all the time and never had neck problems. Maybe it's time to revive the old tradition.

I do the hot baths too and a heating pad. - Very relaxing. sm

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If dont have a heating pad you can heat a hand towel or dry towel in the microwave. Wet it, wring it out,fold it to the shape or size you need and stick it in a freezer bag or plastic grocery bag and rest it on your neck. Hope you feel better.

Probably changing professions would work best, lol. nm - wannie

[ In Reply To ..]
nm

Yes, well...that would solve a LOT of my - problems. :) nm

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.

Could you try an antihistamine to help you sleep - and muscles relax that way? SM

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I have those far and few between, sometimes bad enough to have to go up to the ER for shots. The last time I went I believe it was a something I can remember, with shot of NSAID and the antihistamine. If I still had the paperwork I could tell you exactly which things were used.

You could at home take the tablet forms, they won't work as fast as shots. Something you can get OTC at Walgreens is called Percogesic.

Warm bath with Epsom salts or fragrant herbal bath salts? A shot of alcohol to loosen up, sleep, relax?

Chamomile and honey tea (double or triple dose), lavender essential oil pillow, yoga pose of down dog, muscle relaxation visualization exercise? All, one or some of those may help.

You poor thing, I know how miserable it is trying to work through that kind of nauseating pain and nothing can be done about it while working. I hope you feel better soon.

Accupressure points, let me go see if I can find it on the internet where the points are on your body that you can do yourself.

Pressure points results. - SM

[ In Reply To ..]
I did a google search of "acupressure points for tension headache" and found some of these. Also try heat on your hands and feet if you have a rice bag or heating pad.

http://drbenkim.com/tension-headache-acupressure.html

I hadn't thought of that, will try some Benadryl - tonight.

[ In Reply To ..]
I usually take kava kava at night to help me relax and sleep, but maybe tonight I need to be daring and bust out the Benadryl!

I tried a shot of wiskey last night (my husband did too, in support of my plight), but unfortunately it didn't help.

I will definitely try the downward dog pose. I don't know formal yoga, but I do my own form of stretches and I will incorporate this.

Thanks for the advice and sympathy--they are both appreciated!

Good, you have a husband. Put him to work - with a massage technique SM

[ In Reply To ..]
Have him sit on the floor or the bed or even on the couch in some way so your head is in his lap. Have him put his hands under the back of your neck at the base of your head and gently hold/cradle your head so that you are supported but you can relax and let your head completely loosen up and lie in his hands. If he can use his thumbs or fingers to massage along the side of the spine - CAREFULLY - or at the base of your head, that will help also.

If you can lie backwards on the couch, upside down, so your head is hanging off the edge, he can also hold your head in his hands that way.

Kinda like teaching someone to swim/float; let them float in water and you simply support their head.

I've done these and taught it to be done for me at home, adapted from formal massage therapy pros.

Try a new pillow - MT

[ In Reply To ..]
I was having a lot of pain and stiffness in my neck and shoulders for awhile, while working and even while watching TV. I finally tried a new bed pillow, and wow, my neck pain went away. Nothing else I tried worked, I just thought it was stress, but it was my pillow. Hope this helps.

I wondered if it might actually be my sofa. - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
We have a really soft, squishy sofa, and it feels a lot worse after I've been sitting on it watching TV for a while--even worse than sitting at the computer in my chair. This might be because my computer desk is set up properly, but the sofa is not. How sad for me!

Regarding switching pillows, I did a quick swap this morning, so hopefully that will help!

I'm surprised - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
that you haven't been told to go see a doctor first before you try anything. (Can't self diagnose you know) ; ]

A couple of ideas..
A new pillow is a good idea. I also recently changed my pillow and it's really helped my neck pain.

A good quality peppermint oil (from a real natural products store, not the dollar bottle from Walmart). I've put a few drops in a bowl of steaming water and steamed my face for headaches, and you can also try rubbing it on your neck, temples, etc. I use it straight, but if you have really sensitive skin, you can put a few drops into some coconut oil and apply it to the skin that way.

Keep up with gentle stretching. Try doing it in the shower or immediately after (sorry if that's a repeat from someone else).

Good luck!

What really helps me is - Old Pro

[ In Reply To ..]
A Tempur-Pedic pillow. They cost $125.00, but your doc can write a rx for it and it can be listed as a medical expense.

Be good to yourself. - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
Are you able to move around without making the headache worse? If so, maybe try meeting a friend at a coffee shop. Talk about anything, but NOT your job if that's what the culprit is. Inhale the intoxicating aroma of coffee and tea wafting through the shop. Sit in a comfy chair or even on a couch if there's one in the shop. Make sure you're dressed comfortably and just enjoy a change of scenery. Gee. I should take my own advice!

Massage! nm - Working Hands

[ In Reply To ..]
xx

And a heating pad until you can get that massage. - Working Hands

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Lets the muscle relax.

Thanks for all the advice--tension was sadly a - precursor to a wicked panic attack

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It came on hard yesterday and is still happening today.

The good news is, my headache went away. Too bad I can't get my heart to stop racing. :(

How often do you exercise? - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
Not necessarily talking about a full-out 2 hours stint at the gym -- how often do you just get outside and walk for 20/30 minutes? That really helped me with my panic attacks.

Usually 4 times a week, but not for the - last month. Not a coincidence!

[ In Reply To ..]
Exercise really does do wonders for panic attacks. I stopped because of the holidays (and also ate a lot of sugar), and look what happened! So now I need to get going again.

Agree, plus yoga. Outside is key. - nm - Sunshine

[ In Reply To ..]
nm

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