Need help with chronic headaches?

Question

I've had them for 5 years, with an increase to a 24/7 headache over the last 2 years. I've been to several doctors and had an MRI and they say there's no reason for it. I had my eyes checked too. Perfect eyesight. I feel like I'm losing my mind here. The doctors say they're "tension" headaches and keep trying to put me on pills. I want a natural, healthy remedy for this. I don't believe that it's "tension" because I never feel stressed but maybe I'm wrong? Anyone have a similar experience or advice? My only pain relief is alcohol, as pain medicine doesn't work at all.

Yes I know alcohol is not a good solution, that's my point. I've just noticed that during the few and far between times that I consume a single alcoholic beverage, my headache drops of the charts when otherwise there is always some level of pain present. I refuse to let that be the solution to my pain.

Answer 1

I am doing a Master´s Degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine and you can try acupuncture and Chinese herbs for this kind of headache.
We have so many patients in clinic and they are tired of pills or the pills do not work very well. The purpose in Chinese Medicine is to balance the whole body and bring it back to - if possible- perfect health. The acupuncture is very good for pain. My husband had a severe headache yesterday. He described it as a 7 out of 10. I put needles into him and it went down immediately to a 3 and took another while to be gone.
With Chinese herbs we try to work on the root that might have caused this condition and balance it out.

Good luck!!!

Answer 2

Those are fun, I had that problem few years ago. I was seeing a neurologist, he put me on nortriptylene(sp), it's an antidepressant but mainly used for chronic pain. It eventually helped, somewhat anyway. Are they taking Tylenol or ibuprofen regularly? If so, that can have a reverse effect and actually cause chronic headaches when you don't take them. They're best bet is to find a neurologist who is familiar with or specializes in headaches, or even check into a headache clinic. I've seen a few of those pop up around some major cities. They'll be able to diagnose exactly what type of headache it is-migraine, cluster, chronic, etc. and offer treatment options based on that.

Answer 3

I'm so sorry you've been suffering for so long! Have you tried seeing a chiropractor?

Contrary to popular belief, chiropractic deals with more than just "neck and back pain." Chiropractic is founded in the belief that the Central Nervous System (brain, spinal cord, and nerves) controls EVERY bodily function. A misalignment of the vertebrae (what chiropractic calls a subluxation) can pinch the nerves running out between them, causing pain, numbness/tingling, or any type of general malfunction in that nerve's corresponding body part. Some people don't understand how a pinched nerve in the neck can affect the head, but our nervous system is highly intricate and all of our nerves are intertwined. I used to work in a chiropractic office and saw how it helped many people with chronic migraine headaches and sinus headaches.

Chiropractic is a safe, non-invasive healthcare option that doesn't use drugs that can have potentially dangerous side effects. Please consider it, because I honestly believe that chiropractic can help you.

If you do decide to see a chiropractor, it would be in your best interest to ask family and friends for recommendations, visit a few offices and pick the doctor that you are most comfortable with. No matter what you decide to do, I sincerely hope that things improve for you.

Answer 4

It might have to do with sinus congestion. You might consider trying an over the counter antihistamine like Benadryl or Sudafed. Also, try cutting caffeine out of your diet (slowly, if you consume it every day - this will only make the headaches worse if you stop all at once!), as well as chocolate, peanuts & nut byproducts, wheat products, and start experimenting with your diet. Also, try getting more sleep ... it could be a matter of needing only an extra hour or something!

If the doc says they're "tension" headaches try a homeopathic pill called "Calmes Forte" (by Hylands) available at any good healthfood store. You might also consult with a homeopathist and see what they might recommend.

Answer 5

Well, lets think about the alcohol here. It shrinks your brain, and that might hurt! Also, Imitrex is not good for everyday use. You probably have an allergy or sinus problem and don't know it. What I thought was a migraine I had every day, with excruciating pain in one eye and my ear, turned out to be sinus pain. It is still chronic, but helped by using Nasonex. Good luck. What a bummer!

Answer 6

alcohol is not a remedy. it may mask the pain, but if you develop a dependency on alcohol, then you are only adding to your own ill-health.

many things mask the pain - but do not address the cause. have you thought about seeing a naturopathic doctor? many things need to be addressed when you are suffering from dis-ease, and a naturopath will make a holistic diagnosis, addressing issues such as diet, lifestlye, and sleep patterns.

i would love for you to be head-ache free without the need for drugs or alcohol.... wouldn't you? good luck.

Answer 7

This should help: 400 Mg riboflavin every morning That's B2 and 400 mg Pantothenic acid twice a day with food B5

Answer 8

These are some of the simply remedies
when I get tension and headaches......

Massage

A good bath or shower

Exercise and do deep breathing.

Singing.......it works on me.

Answer 9

herbal supplements have been clinically proven to work great at relieving and eliminating chronic headadches. There are lots of other benefits as well. This site has lots of info that may help. Good Luck!

Answer 10

If you have severe headaches...immetrex works wonders. Maybe this is what your doctors want to give you.