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Original poster

Headaches - what am I doing wrong?

43 replies

MJ123 · 05/04/2022 19:22

Usually pretty healthy, do have a neurological condition but this is under control via medication.

I've been on leave from office job for a fortnight. Went back last Monday and had a really bad headache by the end of the day, felt like my head was being squeezed.

Figured it was a one off and just had an early night. It was gone by the time I woke up.

But everyday since then, same thing. I'm fine in the morning but by about 3pm I'm in pain and by 7pm ish, I'm feeling nauseous due to it.

I've tried drinking even more water (3litres a day), I've checked my posture and I've built in screen breaks. Ive also tried painkillers. Nothing but going to bed seems to fix it. Once in bed, I'm asleep in 5 seconds and sleeping through to the next day.

Anyone got any thoughts?

OP posts:
Original poster
MJ123 · 05/04/2022 19:23

Oh, I also had my eyes tested today and they're fine

OP posts:
MacaroniCheeseCat · 05/04/2022 19:23

When was your last sight test? Could it be a reaction to more screen time if your eyes are under strain?

SilverHairedCat · 05/04/2022 19:26

What's the neurological condition and medication?

Original poster
MJ123 · 05/04/2022 20:16

I have epilepsy but no seizures for years now.

Eye test all fine. I thought about eye strain (2 weeks off screens back to looking at three screens for 9/10 hours a day) but optician was very happy and said no issues at all.

Has anyone else had anything like this?

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SilverHairedCat · 05/04/2022 21:20

Yes, but for me it's chronic and uncontrolled migraine when that happens, which was why I was curious about whether there could be neurological links - seems unlikely though.

Have you looked at your posture? Nerve pain makes me really nauseated, especially if it's coming form my neck area. Is it linking in with sitting in a particular chair etc? Have you set up the chair for DSE for yourself at that specific desk? Lighting can set my migraines off - especially super bright office lighting. Being at home is a lot better for that as I have diffuse light in the house - nothing that is a direct light. Too hot? Not drinking enough? All good triggers for me!

ThisisMax · 05/04/2022 21:41

Do you have ADHD by chance? What about occipital headaches? Do you think they come from.your neck?

Original poster
MJ123 · 05/04/2022 21:42

That's interesting thanks @SilverHairedCat and sorry to hear about the migraines - it sounds really tough.

Definitely drinking enough and upped my intake to make sure. I'm on a work issued fully adjustable seat but I admit, I don't really mess with it so maybe there's something there?

I think the light is probably okay as I've done some days in the office and some at home next to a floor to ceiling window only with no change.

It's really frustrating and I feel like I've entirely lost my evenings as well as not being very productive in the PM either.

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Original poster
MJ123 · 05/04/2022 21:43

No ADHD.

The pain seems to be at the front and top of my head - it feels like someone is squeezing my head with a hand on each side if that makes any sense?

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AlisonDonut · 05/04/2022 21:45

Allergic to something affecting sinuses? This gives me a cracking headache on each side. Check when you get in tomorrow if you can breathe through your nose easily.

Original poster
MJ123 · 05/04/2022 21:51

One to add to the list thanks @AlisonDonut. I'm not aware of any allergies but will try some antihistamines and see if they make any difference.

I'm honestly getting close to desperate now. I've booked myself in for a shoulder and neck massage this weekend too in case it's a tight muscle issue.

It's so debilitating

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NrlySp · 05/04/2022 21:56

See your doctor? Sometimes magnesium can help.

ThisisMax · 05/04/2022 21:57

Can you turn your neck and nod?

Original poster
MJ123 · 05/04/2022 21:58

Thanks @NrlySp. Unfortunately getting in to see my GP is near impossible at the min.

Tbh, I was hoping there was something really obvious I was missing but maybe being a bit firmer with the GP receptionist is the way to go

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Original poster
MJ123 · 05/04/2022 21:59

@ThisisMax

Can you turn your neck and nod?
The throbbing gets worse if I move my head. If I bend over, it's agony.

But when I get up in the morning, its absolutely fine and no pain at all.

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shabbalabba · 05/04/2022 22:00

@MJ123 how is your blood pressure, mine went very and I had awful headaches. Within days of being on meds my headaches were gone!

SilverHairedCat · 05/04/2022 22:00

A band squeezing at the front and top of the head is often described as a tension headache, so a massage will probably help!

www.nhs.uk/conditions/tension-headaches/

When I get them (occasionally I can differentiate my ongoing head pain!) a hot shower, ice packs to the face, changing posture - i.e. getting up and walking about, not sitting stuck to my desk all day, using a LOW pillow at night (even though it feels weird) all help a bit.

Lovely234 · 05/04/2022 22:01

I totally relate to this as well. Could it be blood sugar related do you think? Are you eating enough or are you eating low carb? That definitely gives me headaches.

Also has your caffeine intake changed since going back to work, could it be caffeine over dose or withdrawal?

StateOfTheUterus · 05/04/2022 22:04

If you are falling asleep so quickly, you may not be getting enough sleep. And it’s interesting that it’s ok when you’ve had sleep, but worse as the day goes on. Fatigue related?

cushioncovers · 05/04/2022 22:05

Tension headache possibly. Can you visit an osteopath?

Original poster
MJ123 · 05/04/2022 22:05

Good question on blood pressure, I'm not too sure. I've never had problems before but one to go on the list.

Thanks for the info @SilverHairedCat it does have some similarities. It feels like there's too much pressure, the sides of my head don't hurt exactly its the front and top but it feels as though someone is pressing on either side and the top and front of my head are painful because there's no way to release that pressure almost?

I've tried moving and showers with no change but will definitely look into the pillow and ice pack options - thank you!

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Original poster
MJ123 · 05/04/2022 22:08

@Lovely234

I totally relate to this as well. Could it be blood sugar related do you think? Are you eating enough or are you eating low carb? That definitely gives me headaches.

Also has your caffeine intake changed since going back to work, could it be caffeine over dose or withdrawal?

I don't think it's food related as I had days last week when I barely ate as the pain was bothering me as well as others were I thought maybe it was dehydration related and therefore ate and drank lots to try and get past it. Neither seemed to make any difference.

I dont really do caffeine. Odd cola drink every now and again - i think I had one while I was off but I dont think that would be enough to cause this?

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MrsMoastyToasty · 05/04/2022 22:08

Carbon monoxide poisoning perhaps? When did you last have your boiler and other gas appliances serviced?

Original poster
MJ123 · 05/04/2022 22:09

@StateOfTheUterus

If you are falling asleep so quickly, you may not be getting enough sleep. And it’s interesting that it’s ok when you’ve had sleep, but worse as the day goes on. Fatigue related?
I'm beginning to think it may be. But I've slept more over the last week and a bit then I have before. Literally 11/12 hours in some cases.

I'm wondering if I've had or got a minor bug maybe and my body is extra sleepy because of that? No other symptoms outside of these headaches though.

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Original poster
MJ123 · 05/04/2022 22:10

@MrsMoastyToasty

Carbon monoxide poisoning perhaps? When did you last have your boiler and other gas appliances serviced?
Ooh scary one!

It's a good question and I will have a look at the date of our last check.

No symptoms from anyone else in the house, although my room is closer to the boiler.

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Missingjigsawpuzzle · 05/04/2022 22:13

@ThisisMax

Do you have ADHD by chance? What about occipital headaches? Do you think they come from.your neck?
Thank you...I think you've given me a starting point with understanding my migraines. I looked up occipital headaches and they often begin this way, then transition into full blown migraines if I dont take painkillers and sumatriptan quicksmart.

I've noticed neck massage helps and I have to have a really supportive pillow. I will explore nerve treatment if it deteriorates further, but at the mo I get about two migraines a week and manage that with meds.