Headaches - what am I doing wrong?

[MJ123]

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?

@MJ123

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

Try tiger balm first.

Covid?

We've recently worked out that DD and I have a massive sensitivity to E100 food dyes and artificial flavourings. Just as you describe. Never knew until lockdown which allowed us to really notice when this was happening. Life is so much better now.

I would ask a physio to check your front deep neck flexors- are you able to lie on a bed and tuck your chin in and slowly lift your head? Also your occipotal joint? Stiffness there can refer to headache.

Acupuncture can bring good relief and lasting relief for headaches.

@Missingjigsawpuzzle thats fine. My neck pain was misdiagnosed as migraine for years, then cervicogenic, then finally occipital neuralgia. Now post nerve blocks which did work a bit but amitripyline is pretty good now. You might find migraine treatments dont work as well with occipital headaches. Good luck!

Sorry, have you gone from WFH back to the office?

Sounds like a tension headache to me. I. E From staring at a screen.

Any changes to your diet?

Any coffee brand changes or anything while you're at the office?

I'd bet it's your neck, a slight change in how you look at the screen.

I also find I always get a headache when in the office though and think it's purely because I'm on show, having to be 'on' in front of people, I've always found it draining but particularly now it compares to the relaxed state of working from home.

Thanks everyone. I'm doing a mixture of office and wfh at the min. I'm lucky enough to have a proper space at home though, which I didn't have at the beginning of the pandemic and no head pain then.

Neck pain is an interesting one. My neck isn't hurting but having had a gentle prod today, it does feel a little stiff- no idea if it would be bad enough to cause this or even whether I'm imagining it though because I'm looking for an answer. The massage I've booked in for on Sat is back, shoulders and neck so I'm hoping that may help figure it out one way or another.

No Covid, I've done three lateral flows to be sure.

Not too sure about sensitivities but I'll add it to the list. It'd be great if it was diet related as I could work on that myself and pretty quickly!

Thanks again everyone - healthcare is seeming a little like detective work at the min

You say you've checked your posture but I would still suggest going to see a physiotherapist and have them check. Neck tension causes headaches so while you might not have pain in your neck it might be the cause. Went through this myself last Autumn, posture correcting exercises stopped my headaches completely (while the GP just wanted me to take amitriptyline which just vaguely masked the headaches and made me feel like shit, so I'd suggest physio first, then GP if physio is no help)

Thanks @Natsku I'll add it to the list.

This is day 10 of being in bed at 7pm so I definitely need to do something.

Stress?

@Fifilafrog

Stress?

Interesting. I've never really had physical symptoms from stress before. I am quite busy in work and have an ill DP at home but wouldn't think it would cause something this long lasting?

So it got much worse, I was feeling super dizzy and throwing up last night.
Managed to get a GP appt (a miracle!) but thank you all for your thoughts and advice.

How are you op?

Hi @cushioncovers I have a occipital neuralgia (like some smart people on here suggested!) as well as vascular neuritis in one ear.

Double whammy which explains the severity. Now dosed up with some medication, some much better painkillers and have some referrals in the pipeline.

Thanks everyone for all your help

Oh wow. Glad you got a diagnosis op and that you have better pain relief on board.

Glad to hear you got a proper examination and diagnosis.
Hope you are feeling better soon.