Hey all,
Everytime I'm worried about something or have alot on my mind, I get extreme tension headaches. It starts from my shoulder muscles(trapezius) up to the base of my skull and temples. When I rub my shoulders with alot of pressure it relieves the pain a little. Any suggestions on what to take for this, OTC meds don't do the trick.

Thanx
Jess

Hey all,
Everytime I'm worried about something or have alot on my mind, I get extreme tension headaches. It starts from my shoulder muscles(trapezius) up to the base of my skull and temples. When I rub my shoulders with alot of pressure it relieves the pain a little. Any suggestions on what to take for this, OTC meds don't do the trick.

Thanx
Jess
Try ice packs to the back of the neck, or heat. Some people ice works and some heat works. I have been told that otc meds cause rebound headaches. Some muscle relaxers work for tension, but you would need to see your Dr. Good luck! K.

Hey Jess:
I have suffered from headaches/migraines since i was a teenager. Those are definitely tension headaches. Of course i have tried millions of meds. and i pretty much now know which meds. to take for which types of headaches i have.
I know you said that OTC meds. don't help, but i have tried (and have heard from others of it working well) 2 excedrin & 1-2 Advil/ibuprophen. I know it sounds like a lot, but when it is that bad it is exactly what is needed sometimes. If that doesn't work, then you may want to see a dr. as they have certain prescription meds. out that are made for tension h/a.
Usually , if it is tension, than an anti-inflammatory is needed to help the inflammation in neck & brain. The excedrin has caffeine in it which is also helpful to those h/a.
Good Luck, i know your pain!!!

Hey all,
Everytime I'm worried about something or have alot on my mind, I get extreme tension headaches. It starts from my shoulder muscles(trapezius) up to the base of my skull and temples. When I rub my shoulders with alot of pressure it relieves the pain a little. Any suggestions on what to take for this, OTC meds don't do the trick.

Thanx
Jess

Awww you poor thing. I am so so sorry. I know how you feel. I get massive stress headaches all the time, as a matter of fact i think i have one now, but try massage or ice pack/heating pad. I really hope you feel better soon

Jess,
My daughter has had migraines for years but recently we've noticed the neck involvement like you mention (I have this too). We had her evaluated (again) but this time with a headache specialist. She has a muscle imbalance in her neck which was pressing on a bundle of nerves. She is on a 1/4 dose of muscle relaxant (takes at night) and is going to physical therapy for the neck muscles. We are encouraged already. I hope you will go to a doctor..perhaps your problem is similar.