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| "H" |
Headaches are as you can imagine a very common condition, and I'll share some of my personal experience with my type of headache later in this post, but first lets learn about the most common ones shall we.
- Tension headache- due to tight muscles in the shoulder,scalp, jaw and neck.
- Migraine headache-Doctors used to believe migraines were linked to the opening and narrowing of blood vessels in the head. Now they believe the cause is related to genes that control the activity of some brain cell.
- Cluster headache-Scientists do not know exactly what causes cluster headaches, but they appear to be related to the body's sudden release of histamine or serotonin.
- Sinus headache-Sinus headache are associated with a deep and constant pain in the cheekbones, forehead, or bridge of the nose. The pain usually intensifies with sudden head movement or straining.
Most people can manage and feel much better with lifestyle changes or taking over the counter pain relievers. Do you?
Oh how I wish I fell completely into this category!
My headache type is the migraine headache. For me the right side of my face goes numb and it feels like someone is sticking an ice pick in the back of my eye. {before I was diagnosed with migraines I used to call them eyeball headaches}
I've take several types of prescription medications{one daily & one at the onset of a headache}. This and lifestyle changes over the past twenty years or so has reduced my headaches frequency to as little as one or as many as six per month. Unfortunatly migraines can last as long as three days if they are really bad! The most peculiar thing about my headaches is that mine always start when I'm sleeping! Weird huh?
I don't think I've ever met a person who has never had a headache, I don't think anyone is immune!
What have been you experiences with headaches? How do you manage them?
Oh how I wish I fell completely into this category!
My headache type is the migraine headache. For me the right side of my face goes numb and it feels like someone is sticking an ice pick in the back of my eye. {before I was diagnosed with migraines I used to call them eyeball headaches}
I've take several types of prescription medications{one daily & one at the onset of a headache}. This and lifestyle changes over the past twenty years or so has reduced my headaches frequency to as little as one or as many as six per month. Unfortunatly migraines can last as long as three days if they are really bad! The most peculiar thing about my headaches is that mine always start when I'm sleeping! Weird huh?
I don't think I've ever met a person who has never had a headache, I don't think anyone is immune!
What have been you experiences with headaches? How do you manage them?
Wow, funny that your post was on headache for letter H. This morning I woke with one of my ugly headaches and thought that is what I should write about for my letter H! :) I have been having headaches for over 25 years. I used to think they were all related to my allergies...I would get that pressure and if I bent over the throbbing...but, over the last 10+ years have also been getting migraines. If I can get on top of it right away and take excedrin migraine, go lay down in a quiet dark room ( I even wear those sleep masks to make it darker) I can sometimes nip it, but there are times when I am knocked down all day...I am 'worshipping' the porcelin bowl every time I move...I have a prescription now too but, not a daily one. You must have crazy ones to do daily meds. I feel for you sweetheart!!!! Be better.
ReplyDeleteBefore I made all our healthy changes, I suffered from headaches too. But mine stemmed from allergies. Those migraines are a different beast altogether. I've only had about 7 or 8 in my life but they put me down! If I never have another one, it'll be too soon!
ReplyDeleteFortunately, I don't get headaches, and I don't remember the last time I got one.
ReplyDeleteI would gladly switch heads with you today :)
DeleteOhhh - I think I might be your first! Well, ok, I've HAD headaches, but I'm in my late 30's now and I can honestly say, hand on heart, that I can't remember the last headache I ever had.
ReplyDeleteI've heard that sufferers of migranes find cutting out cheese, red wine and chocolate helps - and some good news for you: the ultra inteligent types suffer from migranes or epilepsy.
I fall in the latter category - albeit a mild form. So we're both uber intelligent, but have to suffer for it - unfortunately.
Great post - thanks. And happy A-Zing.
Bex
www.leavingcairo.blogspot.com
UGH, I am soo sorry...I have headaches but nowhere near migraines like some people experience so I do feel for people who do have them. I do hope you feel better...
ReplyDeleteYou poor thing! I have had only three migraine headaches in my life (never want another) and a few times where I thought they were coming. It is so scary when you think they are because you know what you're in for and it's scary.
ReplyDeleteI hope you get this sorted out.
ugg this is the kind of post you wish was fiction
ReplyDeleteSorry Jen
understand the long haul of pain
take care - plz!!!!!
Oh and what a story I could write :)
DeleteI had my first migraine a few months ago. It was terrible! I can't imagine suffering from that so often.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the challenge!
Dianna Fielding
sociologyfornerds.com
Dianna,I sincerely hope that you do not have a repeat occurrence.
Deletevisiting from the A to Z challeng and here is a Hug in Hopes you will feel better
ReplyDeleteHi Jen! First off, I hope you're feeling better today! And, thanks for stopping by my blog! I have very similar migraines to what you describes. I explain them as "shooting a lazer beam out of my right eyeball". I notice mine come on when I've been around bright bare light bulbs, flashing lights or when driving at night in a rural area and all you see are headlights against a dark background. So, I obviously avoid these types of lighting situations. BUT, I wanted to mention to you -- since I started going gluten-free (I tested sensitive, not full blown Celiac) I have only had one migraine. And it was after driving at night! Ask your doctor about a blood test for gluten sensitivity. It might help! Good luck! :) ~ Angela, Whole Foods Living, http://www.wholefoodsliving.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteI'll ask my neurologist to do the test when I see him for my regular appointment over the summer. Thanks for the advice Angela; wouldn't that be something if that was the cause and I could stop some of this medication? How fabulous that would be!
DeleteI can relate Jen. I get all of the different types of headaches you mentioned. Most are managed with over the counter meds but I don't hesitate to take my prescription meds at the onset of a Migraine. I don't have them often enough to take daily meds thankfully!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you have them managed. Sure hope you are feeling better!
I hardly ever have headaches, but strangely enough I had one today. I think it was pollen/allergy/sinus related and aspirin knocked it out. Never had a migraine. Sorry you do.
ReplyDeleteOh I feel you. I used to have a headache/migraine everyday. Now maybe once a week....the really bad ones last a day or two and sometimes even the heavy meds don't work.
ReplyDeleteI SO totally understand what you're saying, so sorry you had to go thru that. As far as meds, I've taken seizure meds,triptans,calcium channel blockers all what would be considered ordinary stuff, I skipped the anti-depressive medication which was an option for me for personal reasons wasn't a good choice for me.
DeleteI thankfully don't suffer from migraines, but get more than my share of sinus headaches. I've learned that the more water I drink, the fewer headaches I have. I have no clue if that would help with migraines which are a totally different beast. Poor you.
ReplyDeleteIt's my understanding that sinus headaches can be quite painful, water I would imagine can't hurt in either case and when i have migraines I drink a lot too.
DeleteI have tension headaches and migraine headaches related to the weather. My fibromyalgia causes the weather related ones.
ReplyDeleteMy brother has only had one headache in his life, he is 36 years old, and that was from a medication he took.
my husband and son have sinus headaches right now!! one takes zertyc and one takes claratin...no fun!!!
ReplyDeletehope you feeling better tomorrow.
I hope you're feeling better now.
ReplyDeleteI get headaches mostly from sleeping in a bad position, which I guess are tension headaches. Usually a couple of Excedrin take care of it, and if possible a thirty minute nap. I had one yesterday that lasted most of the day. Persistent little bugger.
Thanks migraines gone. My husband gets similar headaches to the type you get, he has back/neck problems, a lie down and some otc medication tends in most cases to help him too. Hope your feeling better.
DeleteYuck. Headaches are no fun, especially migraines.
ReplyDeleteA strong cup of coffee usually helps my headaches. Ironically, not having caffeine can also cause my headaches. I know. I know. Caffeine is bad ;-)
Have I told you how much I am enjoying this A-Z series you're doing? I really do!
I have chronic back pain every single day. I would rather take that than migraines. I really would. I've heard that they are horrible.
ReplyDeleteI hope you feel better!!
Thanks friend o mine, at least my headache goes away eventually! I'm not sure i'd want pain every day!
DeleteI feel for you. I used to suffer from migraines a lot. I used to have to go to the hospital to get shots of demerol and it would still take several days to knock it out. A few years back I started taking a prescription (Imitrex) for them but it made me feel really weird like someone had pulled a plug and drained all my energy completely out. I had to quit taking it. Thankfully I haven't gotten one in a long time.
ReplyDeleteI have two cousins; sister one took the shot in the hospital- the other the imitrex. I've actually never used either. I've used another triptan called Maxalt similar to imitrex in pill form. However over the years it's become less and less effective and so I think he's needs to switch me to something else. Glad your headaches have stopped. I'm hoping after menopause mine will too.
DeleteI had migraines for just a short period in my life. I am so glad it wasn't a forever thing. My doc said it was in no way connected to stress. Just so happened I was planning my wedding and had migraines about once a week for about six months. Eyeball headache is a good description. WIth mine it affected the vision in one eye as well. It was scary. I thought something was seriously wrong. I would sleep with rollers in my hair and the spot that the migraine would start in I would have to take those rollers out. I headed on my honeymoon with the meds and never EVER had another migraine. Regular headaches come and go - basically I usually just need to take a nap ;-)
ReplyDelete