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Hi-
I have had a constant daily headache for about 5 weeks now. I have been to the ER twice and received injections for the pain that did not help. I had a CAT scan which the neurologist says is normal. He told me they were tension headaches and not to worry about it. I've had blood work done, which also proved normal, and have tried several OTC and prescription medications and nothing takes the headache away. It is usually in the back of my head, and sometimes only on the left side. Sometimes it is all over the head, and hurts in my face as well. I recently went to a pain management clinic where the doctor tried trigger point injections in 4 places in my neck and shoulders, and that didn't help. He also took x-rays and told me I have alot of arthritis in my neck (I'm 24 years old). In a few days I'm going back to have a facet nerve block performed. Is it common for a chronic headache to be caused by arthritis of the neck? My neck doesn't really hurt, and I haven't had any trauma to the neck. Is the facet nerve block a permanent solution or should I consider chiropractic or what? It is so frustrating to have this constant headache and not have any real answers. My doctor doesn't answer my questions very thoroughly, and I feel like I'm always being rushed too much when I'm there to ask what I want to. Anyone had this same problem? I would love to hear from you as well. Thanks so much.
In Reply to: headache related to arthritis in neck? posted by Kelly on October 02, 2001 at 19:27:29:
I had this problem. I was diagnosed with arthritis in the neck causing headaches when I was younger than you are. The headaches continued for many more years and worsening. When one was really bad a shot of demerol in ER would only blunt it some, but at least enabled me to sleep through some of the worst of it.
Have you ever noticed that one hand (or foot) gets colder than the other prior to a headache? If so, warming the hand (or foot) up will prevent the headache. That was one of the things I discovered after some years.
I finally got real relief and an end to a tendency to have the headaches when I discovered TCM and acupressure. In my case the acupoints to get rid of the headaches were not in the neck or shoulders. The main ones were on the back right below the waist to the sides of the spine, and in the vacinity of the knuckle joint of the small fingers on the upper, outer edge of the hands.
The acupoints that would work in your case may be different. A trained TCM healer can tell you more about your particular headaches.
In TCM arthritis is seen as due to Pernicious Evils (weather conditions) invading the body. Specifically, these are Cold, Damp, and/or Wind. The TCM concept of Wind includes changes in barometric pressure and ion concentrations as well as actual wind.
In addition to acupoints, there are herbal formulas for dealing with arthritis. These will expel Damp and Wind and warm the Exterior of the body. I got a lot of help from one called Minor Blue Dragon, but you'd want to see a trained herbalist to determine if you need that one since it does contain ephedra. There is a limit on how often it can be taken. In addition to knocking out one of the headaches very quickly, the acupressure (or acupuncture) can reduce the tendency to the headaches.
There are some underlying things which can make one vulnerable to arthritis (called Painful Obstruction Syndrome or Bi Pain in TCM). A visit in person to a trained TCM acupuncturist or herbalist can identify those things. If you elect to see an acupuncturist, make sure to find one who is well-trained in TCM. Not all of them are, or, they have only a little training in TCM.
Judy
In Reply to: headache related to arthritis in neck? posted by Kelly on October 02, 2001 at 19:27:29:
look up Prolotherapy as antother alternative (www.prolotherapy.com). A good chiropractor may also be of benefit to you. You couldn't have arthritis in your neck at age 24 unless you had an injury, weak ligaments in your neck, or a mis-aligned spine. prolotherapy/chiropractic can handle all aspects.
In Reply to: headache related to arthritis in neck? posted by Kelly on October 02, 2001 at 19:27:29:
does the head pain change when you move your head ?? I had
a stiff neck and moving my head the pain would shoot over
my scalp to my forehead. A heating pad helped and then a
cayenne pepper plaster cured it.
If the source or cause was your neck I think you would
feel something there and arthritis ar your age seems rare.
If it was me i would try cod liver oil caps or Natrol brand
MSM.
VF
In Reply to: headache related to arthritis in neck? posted by Kelly on October 02, 2001 at 19:27:29:
Hi, Kelly.
Everyone had good ideas. I would like to inject a few of my own.
ALL arthritis is at least related to bracing. SR is the solution in the long run. The massage series or Rolfing listed in the archives for bracing and for arthritis would give you immediate, though temporary relief. Alexander Techique OR Feldenkrais would give longer term relief although they would take longer to work than the massages of Rolfing would.
Let us know how you do and what you learn.
Walt
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