topic Chronic tension headache diagnosis and long term management in Long-term support over the journey

Chronic tension headache diagnosis and long term management

Lost_Girl — Wed, 02 Mar 2016 00:33:43 GMT

Hi I suffer from chronic pain. I have a bone shard impacting a nerve root at c8 being treated with cortisone. I have pain at c5 and c6 that is manageable without anything. However I have a constant headache and pressure in my ears that I have had for pretty much every waking moment for the last 7 months. As a result I have become depressed and I have insomnia.

After a trip to a neurologist I have been advised to cease sleeping medication and strong pain killers. I am now only on antidepressants.

A visit to my psychologist today has alerted me that depression does not cause headaches.

Has anyone been treated for chronic pain with ONLY antidepressants and did it work?

I havr a referral now to a psychiatrist to check but it not until May. While I see if I can find something earlier I sm keen to hear if this has worked for anyone.

Thanks,

Carol

Chronic tension headache diagnosis and long term management

JessF — Wed, 02 Mar 2016 02:50:10 GMT

Hello Carol, starting with the disclaimer that I'm not a doctor, and none of us are here of course, but there's a two way street with physical symptoms. Long term pain can make you depressed. Can depression cause physical pain? Well, we know that anxiety attacks can mimic the physical symptoms that go with feeling like you're having a heart attack, so the answer in general terms is probably yes.

I would say that the neurologist is the best expert on how to manage the pain associated with your injury. If you're not happy with that, and the pain is still unbearable (which is sounds like it is) then I would look for a second opinion.

Psychologists have no licence to prescribe medicine so I wouldn't take their word on what the best possible medical intervention is for you. The psychiatrist would be better in this area but as you say two months is a long wait.

Chronic tension headache diagnosis and long term management

Lost_Girl — Wed, 02 Mar 2016 05:07:18 GMT

Hi JessF and thank you for the reply.

I am aware, and not seeking medical advice but I am glad of the reminder here for responders as well. I had my old GP question my current GP that I have been seeing as well in regard to a referral to a psychiatrist when he chatted tobme impromptu at the drs having raised a friendly concern that i did not seem myself. I figure it can't hurt to get a second opinikn relating to the medication.

What I was hoping to get from the feed was success stories (if any) from others who may have been treated for chronic pain with only antidepressants. I am keen to understand if anyone has experienced relief without any other medication types. I know it takes time for antidepressants to work but I am struggling with the pain and insomnia and it impacting my ability to function and am not the most patient person. Just hoping someone else has experienced something similar and can advise.

I had an assessment done at the psychiatrist office today in prep for the May appointment and they have put me as a priority on the wait list for cancellations.

Kind regards,

Carol

Chronic tension headache diagnosis and long term management

Neil_1 — Wed, 02 Mar 2016 22:19:22 GMT

Dear Carol,

I’m really sorry to hear of the amount of pain that you’re in and it’s not good that you’re having to wait until May for your next appointment.

With regard to your question, while I haven’t been in this particular boat, I would have to say that every time I’ve had extreme injuries or have been recovering from surgery, my medication has always been pain-killers. The strong kind.

I’ve never had suggested to me ever that to help with your pain, I’ll write you out a script for these … they’re anti-depressants.

I’m just wondering if you could possibly either get back to your neurologist and to let them know the exact full extent of your pain and symptoms or at the very least, to your GP.

I can see no reason why you shouldn’t be on strong pain-killers to help you. No-one should have to suffer this kind of pain, when options are available.

I do hope you can keep us posted with how you get on?

Kind regards

Neil

Chronic tension headache diagnosis and long term management

romantic_thi3f — Wed, 02 Mar 2016 22:50:22 GMT

Hi Lost Girl,

Just a little disclaimer: this is my own experience/opinion. As you know we can't give specific advice here.

I have been put on anti-depressants for chronic pain. This was because of the pain, even though I was depressed at the time. I was told the medication increases neurotransmitters in the spinal cord which helps reduce pain signals. The medication didn't help with the pain and it didn't help with my depression and I got awful side effects from it.

One resource that might be worth looking at for more information is the NPS Medicine Wise. They are part of Australian Government and they are my go-to resource for all things medication related. They also have a number that you can call for advice which might be helpful.

Also, I haven't specifically heard of headaches relating to depression, however I do know that when people are in pain (especially chronic pain) there flight/fight response is easily triggered, so as part of the stress response to pain that could be why you're getting headaches or why it's been suggested. Also, people with chronic pain can experience more headaches simply because it's harder to focus/concentrate and also that they are forgetting to drink and becoming dehydrated.

Hope this helps. Fingers crossed that you can get in sooner than May.

Chronic tension headache diagnosis and long term management

Lost_Girl — Thu, 03 Mar 2016 05:41:59 GMT

Hi Neil,

Thanks so much for your reply.

I intend to see my GP again on the weekend. I am trying to get all my thoughts together clearly before I go. I have never questioned medical advice from a GP or specialist before but my gut instinct is telling me this is wrong.

I ununderstand why they have prescribed the antidepressants as I was in a bad state at the point they were given. However my concern is that all the focus is on the depression and not the root cause of the pain. Up until a few days ago I thought the depression must cause the headaches but I have had them long before I started not coping or feeling depressed so it doesn't make sense.

I will let you know how I go. I haven't slept now for 2 days 2 nights so things are getting tough.

Cheers,

Carol

Chronic tension headache diagnosis and long term management

Lost_Girl — Thu, 03 Mar 2016 05:49:46 GMT

Hi romantic_thi3f,

Thanks for sharing your experience. The information and resource are great too. I am putting together a mind map on paper of my problems, symptoms and treatment for each so I have a visual record to help explain to the GP how I feel about what's being treated.

My emotions are very much under control at the moment so I am in a much better position to start questioning and understanding their treatment plan for me.

I'lI record the resources too including that provided by my psychologist and discuss with my GP prior to taking any further action.

I really appreciate your response and support.

Cheers,

Carol

Chronic tension headache diagnosis and long term management

Lost_Girl — Sun, 06 Mar 2016 04:12:13 GMT

I was able to talk through everything with the GP today without crying so that was a positive. However, GP hasn't received a report from the neurologist and is reluctant to give any sort of pain relief. GP has asked me to try and get an earlier appointment with the neurologist.

Here's hoping I can get an appointment.

In the meantime I am in pain, hardly get any sleep and I'm struggling. About to stop getting paid through work too so that's not helping.

Feeling very frustrated with the process. I truly feel like I am back where I started 7 months ago and it's hard not to feel hopeless.

Carol

Chronic tension headache diagnosis and long term management

Guest_1055 — Sun, 06 Mar 2016 04:43:21 GMT

Hello Carol.....

I am sorry you are experiencing all this, it must be so challenging to go through it all . And you must be exhausted. I am guessing you may be feeling fed up from the whole situation. I can definitely send out a hug to you, but it doesn't seem enough.

May I ask a question? Is there some operation you could have to actually remove the bone shard? Like maybe that is the root cause of all the pain. Sorry if I sound ignorant Carol, it is just I care about you. And I hate the thought of you hurting in any way.

I hope it all gets sorted out soon, and you will start to feel better.

Hugs

Shell xx

Chronic tension headache diagnosis and long term management

Guest_5218 — Sun, 06 Mar 2016 04:57:28 GMT

Hi Carol,

An appointment with your GP on a Sunday? Gosh thats novel.

I'm so sorry the appointment wasnt more constructive. I know any specialist is really hard to get an appointment with. That is really disappointing. You must feel very let down.........

So all you are getting by on now is what - over the counter standard paracetamol? Or is an over the counter anti-inflamatory perhaps of slightly more benefit?

Your discussion on this thread is with regards to anti-depressants and whether they can assist with pain management. Well in short, yes there are studies that indicate that some anti-anxiety or anti-depressant meds can assist with nerve pain. Which I think in your case (bone fragment impacting on nerve root) is highly relevant. So I would not discount the possible benefits of some anti-depression meds for your injury itself.

However, I've not heard that they are of any benefit for your continuous headache. That seems to be a newie to me. And if that is what they are suggesting you take it for, then I would definitely question them on that one. Ask for as much information on it as you can. Obviously you dont want to take meds unnecessarily or for something for which there is absolutely no benefit.

Regardless, I would have thought that you would have been given some other sort of assistance by way of instant pain relief as well, at least in the acute stages of your injury. I think anti-dep would only be of benefit in the chronic stages of your injury. From what you have said, your injury sounds as though it may still be in the acute stages, or has reverted back to an acute level? As you know, an acute injury such as yours can become chronic, often persisting to some degree for life. It is therefore very important that you receive adequate care when you need it.

The sooner you are able to see your neuro specialist the better. You shouldnt have to continue to go through this as you are. Your pain is certainly having a major affect on your overall mental health. Which is totally understandable. Especially when you also have the added burden of your work situation, and the knowledge that your income from that source will soon cease.

Gosh Carol, I really wish there was something I could say that would help. However there just isnt. No wonder you feel so hopeless. I really feel for you right now. But dont give up, and dont stop asking questions.

Love and hugs to you Carol. I am hurting for you. ( - :

Sherie xx

Chronic tension headache diagnosis and long term management

Lost_Girl — Sun, 06 Mar 2016 09:45:14 GMT

Hi Shell,

Thankyou! Feeling very vulnerable at the moment and can use all the empathy I can get.

The bone shard near the nerve root is causing muscle spasms in my neck and back. With the cortisone injection at the nerve root the spasms stop. If the cortisone injections stop lasting 4 months or more they can look at an operation to place a thing (technicsl term?) in the spine to keep a space around the nerve root but that isn't needed yet.

Unfortunately the cortisone does nothing to help the headaches and the spine surgeon says there isn't anything he can see that would be causing them. So back to neurologist at this point. I am very frustrated and sad. I am glad th ey are treating the depression, I don't think I would be coping as well without the antidepressants.

Having a bit of a woe is me moment. It's just hard and I am sooooooo tired. I just want to have a little bit of time without pain so I can rest.

Thanks for caring, it means a lot

Carol xx

Chronic tension headache diagnosis and long term management

Guest_5218 — Sun, 06 Mar 2016 09:59:46 GMT

Hi Carol,

I have posted a response to your post around mid afternoon, but it is very slow to come through.

Until it comes through, please know that I am thinking of you. I just read that you are feeling very vulnerable, so I just wanted to lend you my support. Sorry its taking so long to come through, and I wont repeat what I have already posted. It will eventually come through, I'm sure.

Thinking of you ................ with love.

Sherie xx

Chronic tension headache diagnosis and long term management

Lost_Girl — Mon, 07 Mar 2016 01:32:10 GMT

Well can't get in to see Neurologist until end of March. He works with a pain specialist but can't get in there either until end March. GP will not prescribe any pain medication until I see the Neurologist as the Neuro said to have only antidepressants and stop any sleep meds and pain meds. I should point out I have never had any problems with pain meds, typically I am reluctant to use any unless absolutely necessary...not a fan of taking medication.

Hubby will call GP shortly after a work meeting because I am feeling so sad I can't talk on the phone anymore. Crying and wondering how I am meant to cope with another month of constant headache, pressure in my head and no sleep.

I am trying all the tips from the psychologist but the pain has been going on so long it is very hard to distract myself from it. Having a very down day.

😞

Any tips on how to cope? Thinking to go find a comedy on tv to try and take my mind of it for the short term. But another month?

Chronic tension headache diagnosis and long term management

Guest_1055 — Mon, 07 Mar 2016 04:13:00 GMT

Hi Carol....

I am sending out another hug to you now. Did you end up watching something funny? And.....

I came across this distraction technique from a" chronic pain website" . I am not sure if I could do this, but you may be able too. Or maybe you have already heard of it. Anyway it is called:

Altered focus
This is a favorite technique for demonstrating how powerfully the mind can alter sensations in the body. Focus your attention on any specific non-painful part of the body (hand, foot, etc.) and alter sensation in that part of the body. For example, imagine your hand warming up. This will take the mind away from focusing on the source of your pain, such as your back pain.......Maybe that would work, I don't know??

You deserve a medal or some sort of high award as you are doing so well persevering with all this. That has to be a good thing.

Much love to you

Shelley xx

Chronic tension headache diagnosis and long term management

Guest_1055 — Mon, 07 Mar 2016 05:06:49 GMT

Just me again..... my headaches stem from a different origin then yours. But here is a couple of tips that I use.

1) Drink lots of filtered water

2) Drink unsweetened coconut water

3) Place a chilled light towel that has been soaked in a water solution that contains pure Epsom salts, on the painful area.

4)Rest in a darkened room

5) Give your a hair a nourishing and refreshing treatment. It makes your hair feel nicer. I use pure cold pressed coconut oil. Just massage into your damp hair, put on a plastic shower cap. Rest for a few hours, than wash out.

When I had a pain with my ankle once, I did this:

1) Graped a piece of paper

2) Wrote across the top" I am thankful for"- it is a bit like the thankful thread on here.

3) Then listed all the people , that I am thankful for. eg friend. Included the reasons I am thankful for them in my life, for example they may bring humour into my life.

4) Start listing circumstances, pets and things that you are thankful for as well.

5) Keep going until you run out of things to write on your list. I have sometimes wrote over 30 entries at one time

6) This is a beneficial distraction, as it helps you feel emotional better and sometimes I feeling off thankfulness results. It is also a good use of your time.

OK bye now

Shelley xx

Chronic tension headache diagnosis and long term management

Lost_Girl — Mon, 07 Mar 2016 06:21:58 GMT

Thanks Shell, I will try some of those out xxx

Chronic tension headache diagnosis and long term management

romantic_thi3f — Mon, 07 Mar 2016 23:57:46 GMT

Hi Lost Girl,

Glad to hear the earlier response helped and just thought I'd try and throw some suggestions to help deal with the headaches. Feel free to pick and choose what you like because I think finding good pain relief (or distractions) is something that works differently for everyone.

- Dark rooms or different lighting may help/hinder. Often I've had to just go and have a nap in a pitch black room because that's the only thing that will help. Certain lighting also makes mine worse/better.

- Heat/Cold

- Music; whether it's music you enjoy or certain meditation/relaxing melodies

- Meditation: there's lots of different types so try not to knock it til you try it - I personally like body scan meditations which is where you focus your thoughts onto relaxing your body feet to head, but there's also other ones that can either help you be present or take your mind further away (like a visualisation)

- Gratitude

- Stay hydrated. It's fairly easy to get dehydrated when we're in pain.

- Go for a small walk or do some tidying. The movement can often help even if it's only a little bit. Dance and yoga can also help.

- Essential oils and aromatherapy. I haven't used this one personally but have heard it being helpful, especially for insomnia.

- Journalling, drawing and colouring.

- Swear. I've read that this actually helps people endure pain for longer, plus I know being in constant pain is super frustrating so it's just good for the system. If you don't like swearing you could just make up a word.

- Find support. There are lots of forums and Facebook groups specifically for pain management and knowing that people are going in the same boat can be very helpful.

- Pace your activities. Do you find that your headaches flare up at certain points? Keeping a tracker/journal can also be helpful in learning what makes it better/worse.

- Be aware of what you're eating. Often diet can help/hinder pain.

- Find something that you're interested in like a project; such as knitting, drawing, journalling, baking, podcasts, etc. I know for me personally feeling like I have a purpose and reasons to get up is important to me.

- Find humour. It's okay to sit back and watch TV shows or movies.

- Have a good cry. Pain is difficult to go through and you're not alone.

Hope this helps some. Sounds like your appointment isn't too far away.

Chronic tension headache diagnosis and long term management

pipsy — Tue, 08 Mar 2016 01:42:55 GMT

Dear Lost Girl. Your initial post was do anti depressants help chronic physical pain. While I can't answer directly, because I have never experienced chronic physical pain. I'm going to tell you something that might help guide you. 20 years ago I was wrongly diagnosed with severe clinical depression. I started going through menopause about 12 years ago. I had done research enough to know what I was in for with this coming situation. Night sweats, headaches, mood swings etc, etc. I experienced severe headaches, although this could be attributed to side effects from the anti-depressants. I had no night sweats, I did experience slight mood swings, no depression. I did not have the severe problems associated with menopause. Now whether it's because I was on anti-depressants, I can't say. What I can say is, had I not been taking the meds, things might have been 10 times worse. Romantic's ideas sound pretty good advice too. Watching comedies, reading a good book if possible. Taking mild pain killers, although I would suggest discussing that with your Dr first.

Hope this helps a bit.

Chronic tension headache diagnosis and long term management

Guest_1055 — Thu, 10 Mar 2016 05:39:26 GMT

Hey Carol

I was just thinking of you, as I came across this advertisement in one of those free magazines you get from" coles".

This ad was marketing a product called" Bosisto lavender spray"

This advertisement said you basically spray this lavender oil on your pillow to aid sleep and for temporary relief of headaches.

I haven't tried it myself, but aim too next time I have a headache. Just thought I would mention it in case you wanted to give it a go or something.

OK bye now

Massive hug to you

Shell xx

Chronic tension headache diagnosis and long term management

Lost_Girl — Thu, 10 Mar 2016 06:50:07 GMT

Thanks Pipsy, I think I'd be a mess without the antidepressants.

Shell, thanks so much for thinking of me. I am an asthmatic and allergic lavender unfortunately. However I might look into if there are any alternatives used in the same way xxx