Tension / Cervagenic Headaches

[Guest_10024]

Hi everyone , I’m hear to talk about my Chronic tension headaches / Cervagenic headaches 28 yr old male  . Not really sure on which one it is . I’ll try make the story as short as possible , pretty much mid Covid 4-5 years ago I randomly woke up with a headache and my thought was I had Covid and turns out I didn’t , so time went on and they continued to stay - 4-5 years later I still have them . These headaches have put me in such a bad place in my life , I’ve been in a psychiatric hospital twice due to them and I’ve been on several medications and plenty of different pain relievers . I’ve also had mris and ct scans and it all shows normal  . I’ve seen naturopaths , neurologists , headache clinics . Chiropractor . Psychiatrist doctors and I’ve also had Botox , I currently take medication at night and I’m suffering with bad insomnia and still chronic tension headaches , I also recently saw a new neurologist and in the two appointments I had with him he’s come to the conclusion that it’s just stress ! I understand that stress can contribute to chronic headaches but I’m still yet to believe that’s why I have them this bad , can any recommend what I do next . I have a feeling they are steaming from my spine/ neck .. I really can’t go on living like this. I have a 5 year old daughter and partner and I just want to a normal person . The tension headaches leave me with very tense traps and sore neck to pain stemming around my head like a vice , I also am unable to work due to the pain as they are pretty much here every single day . I have a bony change to my c5 in my neck and decreased disc spaces to my lower back ,

Any help or peoples story’s would help a lot. I just don’t know what to do

Tia

[Croix]

Dear ThomasAsz96~

I'd like to welcome you here to the Forum, which is a place you may find others with similar experieces if you search around.

I'm very familiar with tension headaches as I have had them quite frequently over many years. They tend to be associated with stressful times and come both in the forehead and back of the head, accompanied by tenseness in my shoulders. They very much limit what I can do and play havoc with my concentration too.

As headaches, including  Cervagenic, can be caused by a variety of physical conditions I have had extensive tests and imaging repeated over the years, all with negative results. As a result tension is regarded as the cause, backed up by the way they feel, and also becuse thay do not seem to be affected by light as are some migraines.

I realise you have had multiple tests too, but are not yet convinced it is not refered pain from your neck or spine, I guess more tests in time may prove or disprove this.

My psychiatrist treats the root cause in my case, which is PTSD, bouts of depression and anxiety - which produce stress. He also treats the headaches themselves and in this case wiht pain relievers.

I too have a spinal and arthritic problem, and the pain I get from that feels of a different nature, and may be referred around my chest, but not my head. These spinal problems show easily on CT and MRI scans as does the good condition of my chest and heart.

I have no real advice to give, other than simply saying my psych takes that dual approach, and also periodically has physical tests done too. I do find the pain medication is a great help and stops a condition that might be regarded as very limiting within a short space of time. The medication for my back pain is different and not as suitable for stress headaches.

I hope you are able to resolve the cause one way or the other and have success with the appropriate treatment

Croix

[therising]

Hi ThomasAsz96

One of the most frustrating and sometimes stressful and depressing things in life can involve multiple investigations with still no answers. I'm glad Croix has suggested some possibilities based on their own experience. I think this is how some people end up finding their answer/s, from being able to relate to other people's experiences.

I suppose the question comes down to 'What is it that's leading your body to experience a significant amount of unease or dis-ease to the point where you feel it so intensely?'. Wondering if your chiropractor acknowledges the C5 issue as a possible cause and how they suggest approaching it if it is the cause (including ideas or exercises to help relieve things, as well as the triggers that can make things worse). As Croix suggests, being able to get a feel for or a sense of what type of headache it is can help possibly pinpoint the issue. Nerve obstruction headaches can feel different from dehydration headaches which can feel different from stress headaches and so on. Btw, if the headaches are constant, as opposed to occasional, it can be important to break the pain cycle. It was my chiropractor who mentioned this to me on one occasion. With really good pain relievers, they'll put the body into a state of ease so that it can work better in the way of function and repair. For a start, they can offer the nervous system a sense of peace for a change.

With individual specialists, you can find someone who specialises in vagus nerve issues which can cause headaches, someone who specialises in allergies to certain foods that can lead to migraines/headaches, ones that specialise in sleep disorders (such as sleep apnea) which can be a contributing factor, mental health professionals who can pinpoint what certain overwhelming tension's about and the list goes on. As you know, the key question is 'Which specialist is the right one?'. So frustrating not knowing. I have to say that the best specialists are wonderful ones. They're the ones who will wonder and wonder and just not settle for you not knowing. Even if they don't know, they'll suggest sending you to someone who might know.

If you become absolutely desperate and are willing to try anything, something so far outside the square to the point where it sounds ludicrous involves seeing a medical intuitive. While there are plenty of charlatans out there, there are some legit ones who'll be able to get a sense of what's going on. You don't have to believe in them, just get the answer you need from them. Sometimes absolute and complete desperation can lead us to answers. If you take this path, look for someone who has an incredibly high strike rate and brilliant reputation.

[Guest_10024]

Hi Croix thanks for telling me your story with how you deal with the headaches .

Are your headaches here daily ? I do think there is something wrong with my neck / spine but unfortunately the neurologist thinks it’s “stress” from over the years from dealing with anxiety and depression . I’m not really sure on what to do next . I did have psychiatrist when I was in the psychiatric hospital but unfortunately they couldn’t give me outside help so to see one it would cost me a lot of money that I don’t have . Regarding pain medication nothing really helps for a long period of time. Im currently just about to start weaning of my antidepressant as it’s not working at all and starting a new medication for getting a dopamine affect as I don’t get it, I also see the neurologist on the 22nd of November and I’m hoping he can do something. It really sucks as my life has just come to an absolute pause .