Headaches

[MsBehave]

Ive been getting headaches (various types) for what i think must be about 5 years now. I get them pretty much everyday and very occasionally, usually when i get them behind my eye or between my eyes, i just cant cope. I then swear im going to go back to the docs and ask to get a brain scan! Everything else is fine, ie ive had my teeth checked and that sort of thing. I certainly have 'knots' in my back and have had loads of psysiotherapy from two different people but the last one told me that i actually need to stop the knots forming in the first place. How on earth do i do this? When i get stressed, my headaches get more frequent and far worse than usual but in general im quick a laid back person. The main thing im guilty of is worring about what people think of me. Im at the end of my tether. Does any other ABer suffer like this?

I know that no one will have the magic answer but any help or suggestions would make me feel much better.

[Golem]

Some suggestions; have you had your eyes checked? Even though your vision may seem good it may be just unfocussed to have an effect, even if you wear glasses you might need another prescription. Diet? Do you eat/drink something every day that might influence things; eg, caffeine. Before you go to the doctor try and be very specific about the type of headaches you get. Questions to ask yourself; time of day, what were you doing immediately before (eating, drinking), did it come on slowly or quickly, which part of the head does it start in (back, left, right or front), what type of pain (dull ache, pounding), does it move across your head, are there any visual disturbances (coloured lights, flashes, smaller field of vision), does ANYTHING you do ease the pain, any other effects at all that might be related. Difficult things to concentrate on when you're in pain, but it will help the doctor with a diagnosis and what to look for.

[scubadiver]

Another thing to consider is - Do you take painkillers every day to combat you headache?

Strange though it seems, there appears to be a link with frequent use of painkillers and higher incidence of headaches.

[Champagne]

Are you getting enough sleep? When you go to bed do you fall asleep straight away or do you like awake thinking for a while? Do you sleep through 'til morning or is your sleep disturbed?

If you're not sleeping well then this probably means you are worried/stressed. Lack of sleep can cause headaches where the pain stems from behind the eyes.

If any of this rings true with you MsBehave then you need to look at what's worrying you and sort the cause of the problem. Good luck!

[Englishbird]

You're going to get a headache from all these suggestions! but maybe one will ring true.

From a physical point of view it may be worth seeing a chiropractor or crainiologist.

My friend had exactly what you describe for years and years, she tried everything, but the truth was the headaches were all down to anxiety and they eventually stopped.

 

It is far to easy for me to tell you not to worry what other people think.  I have suffered with it all my life and I understand that it is not that simple.  I am finally coming out of the grip of that fear and worry and I feel calmer and more at peace with myself than I have ever done.  I'm not 'cured' but life is an altogether happier place for me.  I have been in therapy for something else, and was in it for nearly a year.  i'm not suggesting you would need this long .......

So all in all, (cost permitting) would still try a few remaining physical remedies, but I would strongly suggest either seeing a councillor or enrolling on a self confidence or self esteem building course.  I wish I'd done it years ago!!! good luck x x

[Woodsz]

For years I had headaches pain behind my eyes all the things you describe
I had my eyes tested and was surprised when I was told I needed glasses the optician prescribed tinted glasses that go darker in the daylight and I have NEVER had a headache since
I do hope the remedy is as simple for you    The very best of luck to you

[MsBehave]

Yeah, ive had my eyes checked. Funnily enough it was my dentist who suggested it first to me. My eyes are fine. My diet hasnt changed in any way. I try and eat pretty healthily all the time and i excercise regularly. I am thinking about keeping a 'headache diary'. I had to do this for one of my psysio people but it its harder than you think to do but i will try again. Im aware that there is a possible link between painkillers and headaches and even before i was told about this i laid off the tablets. I only really take painkillers now if the pain is completely unbearable. You know, the sort that make your eyes water and you just want to lie down in a nice quite room.One thing that stuck in my head was reading about not getting enough sleep. I very rarely get to bed before midnight and usually it takes me a while to doze off,even when im cream crackered. I will now make an effort to get more sleep! Ive tried reflexology an it felt great but it costs and you are advised to go for quite a few treatments. Ive tried acupuncture too but it didnt work because they need specific reasons behind pain to be able to treat it and no one can tell me why i get headaches exactly. Thanks for everyone who suggested things, i really appreciate it.x