I'm new to this board. I get very frequent and long-lasting tension headaches (that is what I assume they are). It feels like a band of pain around my head at temple level with severe pain in the temples. My jaw and cheekbones hurt. Pain continues down my neck and my shoulders get EXTREMELY tight (massages can help for a little bit). When it's really bad, my back kills me as well.

The only things I have found that give me any kind of relief are: Vicodin (which I don't have and don't want because it's TOO good), three advil, or lying down completely flat. I've tried acupuncture, which kind of helped, but the acupuncturist kept trying to get me to eat meat (which I haven't done is 17 years ).

Does this sound familiar to anyone? I get these "headaches" for four-five days following my period, but I also get them at other times. Most recently, it lasted two weeks. I know it must be stress/work related, because when I am on vacation it doesn't happen.

I'm really looking for advice OTHER than things like meditation---I'm a Type A New Yorker!!!! Thanks so much.

-Allison

Has any one ever mentioned tmj? It just sounds a little suspicious to me that you suffer from jaw pain with the headaches. I too have really bad headaches(migraines,and tension) but with these headaches I know that I too have tmj, and that is what causes them, or brings them on. You should really consider checking it out. Does you jaw ever hurt at any other times? There is awhole other list of symptoms that you would be surprised to know about, not just jaw pain. Like, headaches, dizziness,and many more that I cannot think of right this moment to tell you, but you could find out real easily by going to the tmj board. check it out.... Its worth ta try, belive me..Cally22