Dealing with Chronic Headaches

bath tub - photo by jodie johnson

Dealing with chronic headaches is a helluva ride. 

About two weeks back, I got a whopper of a migraine. It pulsed and pounded through my head for a full week, with only the briefest moments of relief. Hot showers helped, when the water was running on my head, and so did head/neck/shoulder massages from Daniel. But once the showers and massages were over, or maybe ten minutes later, the pain came rushing back.

By Friday of last week (two Fridays ago now), I woke up with vertigo. I was dizzy and spinning for three full days before it slowly started to fade and by that point I felt so grateful just to walk normally. A day or so later, the migraine let up, too.

A Headache a Day Keeps the—wait

To back up a bit though, I should mention that headaches are a routine thing for me. For at least the last three years, I’ve gotten a headache a day. They usually come in the afternoon, around 3 o’clock or so, and don’t go away unless I take something, like ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol). I realize how absolutely bonkers it sounds to have a daily headache and not have gotten to the bottom of it sooner, but a.) admittedly, I’m terrible about self-care sometimes—it’s that thing where, if your mom is ever sick you’re all, “Get to the doctor!!” But if you’re sick, it’s, “I’m fiiiiine. Don’t worry!”,  b.) I could tell myself I’d keep trying to fix it on my own (despite the fact that all my troubleshooting attempts never worked), and c.) sad to admit it but, I guess I just figured…lots of people have headaches. My mom, who is, of course, just panic-stricken about the whole thing, tells me that my dad (and his mom, too) had terrible and persistent headaches, and even went to a “headache clinic,” as she describes it, when he was in his early thirties. She says he never found a solution there.

Cruel Summer

Before this past summer, I might have coasted through another headache-a-day year just fi—not really. But the headaches got worse. Sometimes they’d last for a day, or two, or the pressure in my head—behind my eyes, mostly—would pound with such a fury that I couldn’t think. Experiencing the cruel ones made even the milder ones seem less benign. I started to worry about how frequently I was taking Advil and Tylenol, even though I was never taking over the recommended daily dose for either.

Enter: The Neurologist

A few weeks ago, I talked to my doctor about the headaches and she referred me to a neurologist. I am so looking forward to getting some insight into these migraines and hopefully, dropping my daily Advil/Tylenol.

So many of you shared amazing tips and advice on how you’ve learned to manage headaches and migraines on this Instagram post. For that I am so thankful. I’m so lucky to have all of that wisdom and friendship <3 

If you’ve struggled with migraines, what has worked for you? 

Share:

Subscribe!

56 thoughts on “Dealing with Chronic Headaches

  1. Denise

    I have had headaches most of my life. At some point I also started having migraines, although I suspect it was a side effect of the birth control pills I was taking at the time; once I changed my b.c. method, the migraines subsided. About two years ago, I was referred to a neurologist. She was difficult to talk to and made me very uncomfortable; she tried to convince me that my headaches were stress induced and once I determined what was causing the stress, I could simply eliminate it and therefore eliminate my headaches. I stopped seeing her. About nine months ago, my g.p. left the center I use, and my new g.p. has been very helpful. She prescribed me a low dose of a beta blocker which has helped, both in severity and frequency. When I first switched on to her, she was very empathetic and willing to try some things that I never knew were options! Getting enough deep sleep has also helped.

    Reply
  2. Emily aka The Three Bite Rule

    Ugg that’s so tough. I’m sorry to hear you’re dealing with this. I tried a whole bunch of migraine meds and something different works for everyone. I ended up liking Imitrex. I always vomited with migraines so the nasal spray or quick dissolve where good options. I’ve had fewer in recent years. Some of my trigger foods were overly processed tomato sauce, certain pizza doughs, and take-out chinese food. Good luck! Keep at it!

    Reply
  3. Blanche

    I too suffer from migraines but am down to a rate of 2-4 per year. The nausea, vertigo, and sensitivity to light are the worst. I went to a neurologist when i was a teen and the answer was to take a pill daily to reduce the likelihood of migraines (effexor, imitrex, that kind of thing.) But i didnt like taking a pill daily so i stopped. In college after a whopper migraine that landed in the college infirmary, i was given codeine and phenergan in a drip. At my follow up the doc asked if i had tried Fioricet which you take only as needed. I’ve never looked back and Fioricet has kept my migraines from becoming debilitating. Now, if i feel the sensitivity coming on, i take 1-2 and try to lie down. It works 99.9% of the time! I hope i never have to live without it! Drs. dont love prescribing it because it can be addictive but one ‘scrip can last me 2 years +; I’ve never felt the urge to abuse or felt dependent. Hope you find an answer for yours!

    Reply
  4. Kelly

    Look into an Ashley Black Fascia blaster! She has TONS of youtbue videos…it’s great for so many other things as well. It’s almost cured my TMJ and I have spinal stenosis and am off all muscle relaxers and gaapentin!

    Reply
  5. Michelle S.

    I have finally been able to manage my migraines and cluster headaches. Cluster headache would come and go daily, I take 10mgx2 per day of propranolol (it’s actually a blood pressure medication they found that works for migraines). I will say honestly though, I now only take it once a day. On the day that I do have a migraine, I found this green smoothie helps alleviate the symptoms quicker, perhaps it will help you as well. Pineapple (I use canned, along with some of the pineapple juice), spinach, cucumber. All of the magnesium and potassium is supposed to help with migraines. I will say, I don’t feel nearly as “hungover” and seem to recuperate much quicker after drinking. I will drink it a couple of times throughout the day. I hope that helps and there is definitely a better way to live!!

    Reply
  6. Stephanie

    I take a low does b.c. pill everyday. No periods, and no headaches. I guess the low dose just works to keep my body stable. I have a friend who had terrible headaches. She tried everything (meds, botox, even a hysterectomy!!). Nothing helped until she changed her family’s diet. Ironically, she did it for her kids who were constantly fighting something. But the result has been no more headaches for her. She’s really strict gluten-free and it seems like a lot of work but it has changed her life.

    Reply
  7. amanda june

    oh oh! i commented on instagram and suggested topamax and a regular sleep schedule, which combined have made a huge difference for me. but, i didn’t realize you were taking painkillers daily. i used to take ibuprofen a lot for the headaches too, but i did some research when they were seeming to get worse & worse, and painkillers can cause “rebound headaches” — more and more frequent headaches as a result of treating them with meds. i just stopped taking the ibuprofen (ugh) but my headaches did lessen some in frequency. still, i would get them pretty often till topamax + a very regular sleep schedule. hope you find some relief and soon, it’s so hard to live and function with!

    Reply
    1. Kim

      I’m glad you mentioned the “rebound headaches” and surprised nobody else has said anything about them. With such regular use, the pain medication wears off and withdrawal symptoms can appear in the form of a headache. Which prompts you to take more ibuprofen or tylenol and so the cycle goes. So yes, you should absolutely go to a neurologist. But I wouldn’t be at all surprised if your daily use of over the counter pain relieves was a significant factor in your headaches.
      I hope you get feeling better soon!

      Reply
  8. Phoebe

    I sympathize… I’ve had migraines for years, and they got worse in my late thirties. I’ve used Maxalt for years to abort them (it works far better than imitrex for me), but once I started having them nearly daily, I saw my doctor and she put me on Topamax. I don’t love being on a daily med, but it works very well and I get less than three or sometimes not even any migraines each month. A few notes:
    – The migraine med prescribed to abort your migraines should work well after one or two doses… if it doesn’t consistently, you may need to try another.
    – Birth control with estrogen is contraindicated for women who experience migraine with aura… If this applies, make sure you discuss it with your doctor.
    -Vertiginous migraines are a thing…. the good news is that standard migraine meds solve the vertigo that can be so debilitating.
    -Learn your migraine signs and take your meds as soon as you feel one coming on… it’s much easier to get ahead of it rather than to try to “chase” one. I get a funny feeling in my eyes and nausea before a migraine… I’m usually smart enough to pay attention….

    Most of all – good luck!! Migraines are a beast, you will be so happy to get some relief!

    Reply
  9. amanda

    I used to get migraines about once a month. I tried to pinpoint the problem myself too, to no avail. Then, suddenly, they stopped. I didn’t question it, but a few months ago a friend of mine was telling me that she’d heard that getting a tragus piercing could help with migraines, and it clicked in my mind that I had gotten mine pierced around the time I stopped getting them. I certainly don’t think it works for everyone, and I don’t even know why or how it’s supposed to work, but it’s an interesting theory.

    All that aside, I do hope you’re able to get a handle on them, I can’t imagine having them daily or having one that lasted for more than 24 hours.

    Reply
  10. P.J.

    I’ve gotten migraines my whole life and have been on all kinds of drugs, but they all stop working after a few months. Getting deep massages once a month and practicing yoga have helped them almost disappear. I also had to learn my triggers and either avoid them (red wine) or up my massages and yoga for things I can’t avoid (barometric changes). I also carry a peppermint essential oil roll on that helps when I feel one coming on.

    Reply
  11. Sarah Parsons

    My best friend had a daily headache for almost 2 years, she went to multiple headache specialists and neurologists. In the end, her headaches that had all the markers or migraine were really tension headaches, made so much worse by her posture. she went to a good chiropractor who was able to make adjustments to her neck over about 10 sessions and the headaches stopped, drug free.

    Reply
  12. Laura S.

    I hope you feel better, Andie! I get a few migraines a year, and they completely knock me off my feet for the rest of the day. I can’t imagine what you’re going through.

    Reply
  13. LIz LMT

    Hi Andie, sorry about the headaches. I see a lot of clients in
    my massage therapy practice who suffer from chronic headache. Many people find the best relief with regular massage (usually the muscles of the neck, shoulders and face are extremely tight for headache sufferers), chiropractic and acupuncture. Also use of essential oils can be incredibly effective. Good luck!

    Reply
  14. Lauren

    I had them as a child, had an MRI, etc. A chiropractor solved my problem. I now have other issues that I’m seeing a medical doctor for in my area but he is also an alternative health doctor. After numerous visits to people in the traditional medical world that were dead ends I am seeing results! I wish you luck in solving this issue, it’s a painful one I know.

    Reply
  15. Walnut

    I did a couple years of allergy shots a few years back to take the edge off my horrible, year round environmental allergies. One of the side benefits is I have not had a migraine since. It seems that migraines can manifest from a whole host of causes – good luck on your journey!

    Reply
  16. Jessica C.

    I was on topamax (med you take daily to prevent migraines) for about 5years; before that I would get a migraine almost every day. With the topamax it was more like 1-2/month. I weaned myself off over a year ago because I knew my husband and I would start trying to get pregnant soon and you can’t take topamax while pregnant. I’ve been managing mine with a lot of vitamins – B complex, magnesium, CoQ10 and D – and so far, so good.

    Reply
  17. Tami M

    Ugh, migraines are so debilitating. I’ve had them for over 40 years and rarely have a headache free day, tried every preventative med and meds when I get a migraine. I’ve found the best relief for me when I get a migraine is Initrex injections, they work fast and definitely take the edge off the migraine. I too get migraines that will last for many days with not much relief. My Neurologist has tried a lot of preventative meds with me most of which are actually “anti-anti-seisure” drugs. Of all of them I think that Topomax has worked the best for me. Good luck girl, I hope that the Neurologist can help you manage your migraines, I’m thinking about you!

    Reply
  18. Betsy

    Hi Andie!
    I, too, suffered with daily migraines for 16 years or so. Neurologist tried so many meds with various side effects. Strange as it sounds, my dentist cured the headaches for me. Said I have TMJ (I wasn’t convinced of that, but desperate to try anything). She fitted me with a retainer-like appliance for day and a night guard that keeps me from grinding my teeth at night. The appliances serve to keep jaws in alignment and not compress nerves. It’s magic. When I stop wearing them the headaches return. She also suggested that I drink more water, since brains need lots–and more sleep as others have suggested. Sounds weird, but gave me my life back, which the pharmaceuticals were not doing.
    Good luck to you finding your cure.

    Reply
  19. Anna

    I had them all the time, and my neurologist found three herniated discs in my cervical spine. I had to have surgery because I ignored the problem for too long. I still have one herniated disc and I still get migraines on occasion (only 3-4 times per year), but have found that deep tissue massage (every other week), acupuncture (once a month) and yoga (daily stretches and short practices) have been successful for me. Good luck, I hope you find some answers!

    Reply
  20. Michele

    I will anxiously be awaiting your next post. I also struggled with daily headaches for YEARS; migraines AT LEAST 2 times per month, sometimes more! In the end, we discovered the migraines were tied to my menstrual cycles BUT we never discovered the persistent daily headache. I also saw a neurologist, did tons of testing but still never discovered an answer.

    Now our daughter, age 18, has struggled with daily headaches for a few years now. The pediatrician continues to ‘brush it off’ but last week, she was dizzy with her headache which has not happened in the past. She has an appt. with the pediatrician this week – we’ll see if they continue to brush it off or if they have other recommendations. Good lukc!!

    Reply
  21. Anne F.

    I had terrible migraines during child bearing years. When I would begin to get them, I saw lights. As soon as I see a squiggle or sight is “off” I take Midrin. Prescription. Ask doctor if it will help you. It has saved my life!!!!!!!! I NEVER EVER, EVER go anywhere without at least one in my pocket, Frank’s pocket or purse. I even have one in choir folder at church. Just in case. I take it and it dissipates. I see kaleidoscope like things in eyes as it goes away. May have slight headache following episode. Take Advil or Tylenol or your pain reliever of choice. This drug should be taken at onset if at all possible. And I believe it is only good if you see lights. I used to get them and go to bed in dark and beg to die but couldn’t. I know, dramatic! Anyway, I believe mine are hormone related. I am past menopause so don’t have very often anymore. I think stress is a factor too. Before you go to neurologist, keep diary of foods, followed by headaches patterns and info. Might help the doctor. They will probably wire you up and may even do MRI of brain. Had both. Okay. That is my two cents worth from “Dr.Anne.” Lol. Keep us posted. Praying for you to have pain free days.

    Reply
  22. Melissa

    I know this is just my experience and everyone is different, but taking Topamax was a hideous nightmare for me. It’s not for everyone. My neurologist put me on it to deal with chronic migraines a few years ago (which have since lessened). The side effects were terrible for me – I was exhausted, couldn’t think or focus, it stopped my period, I couldn’t taste anything, and worse of all when my dosage was just about at full strength (you have to work up to it) I had hallucinations. I had to stop taking it because I would have gone insane. I know that everyone is different and it really helps some people, as evidenced above, but I would urge you to try other drugs first. Even natural remedies! B2 and magnesium help. I also get a massage once a month to relieve tension in my neck and shoulder. There are other ways to deal with these awful headaches that don’t include heavy off-label drug use. Good luck! You are most certainly not alone!

    Reply
  23. Alison

    I have migraines that started about 12 years ago after a car accident and have been on topamax to prevent them so now only get about 2-3 breakthrough migraines a month which is great. Those I can usually manage with replax. Without the topamax I was living with daily migraines which was a nightmare. I can’t take any of the generic versions of topamax as my body can’t tolerate them, but thankfully with a doctor’s note and help my insurance will cover the drug at a higher monthly co-pay. I have heard that botox shots can help and eliminate the migraines for up to 3-6 months at a time with no breakthrough migraines and have considered looking into that. I have been lucky and had a great neurologists and an amazing primary care doctor who have been wonderful throughout the journey. Great doctors and supportive friends and family can make all the difference. I wish you all the best on this and hope that you find the right doctors and treatment to help you through this.

    Reply
  24. Sue

    I have found that acupuncture will break the cycle of rebound headaches. Also, peppermint oil rubbed on your forehead at the onset of a headache works wonders! If that doesn’t work, I reach for my prescription.

    Reply
  25. Rebecca

    I struggled with misdiagnosis of my migraines for years. I had my deviated septum removed through surgery as a doctor that was the root cause. Nope! Finally went to a neurologist and he diagnosed me with migraines. What joy. I found the I’m in the 1% with adverse reactions to Imitrex, but I’ve found that Rizatripan helps me. Acupuncture helped, too, but it’s time consuming and can add up. I have been using an app, “Migraine Buddy” to help track my triggers, but alas, I fear mine are hormonal. Best of luck finding your relief! <3

    Reply
  26. Michelle

    I used to struggle with migraines and frequent headaches and dizziness. Some days I couldn’t even form a thought or read a sentence. Now, I’m a certified nutrition coach and I’ve learned that the first place to look for many of our illnesses is what we are eating. As soon as I switched to a low sugar diet, the headaches were GONE. If I have too much sugar one day, low and behold – the headache is back. And by sugar I don’t just mean the white stuff; honey, agave, dried fruit (ie. dates), – it’s the fructose that does it. Take a look at how much sugar you are eating and maybe try cutting back for a while (the first week or two may make you feel worse but after that you should be feeling much better!). Hope this helps or you find another solution – I feel your pain!

    Reply
  27. Natalie

    I suffer from migraines and have for years, and both my daughters get them. My youngest daughter was having vertigo and headaches daily. She saw two neurologists and the first one put her on some “old school” medication which affected her mental health :/ The second neurologist she saw is the head of pediatric neurology at USC Medical Center and you’ll never believe what she recommended! She told her to go off her prescription medicine and try a more natural approach called Migrelief. She takes one tablet twice a day and has been pretty much migraine free for 4 months. We purchased Migreleif on Amazon. Here is the link: http://amzn.to/2eKd88q

    I hope and pray you find the reason and some relief.

    Reply
  28. Dana

    Acupuncture and massage has been a key component of getting migraines nd headaches under control for me. I also use essential oils, my favorites are Young Living M-grain, Stress Away and Peppermint. My migraines are mostly hormone related but stress also triggers them. Acupuncture has helped to get my hormones in balance without medication and I am no longer needing my Maxalt regularly, maybe 2-3 times a year from 1-2 times weekly. Excedrin seems to alleviate the occasional headache that won’t fully subside with the oils. I was very hesitant and didn’t think acupuncture would help but was so desperate for relief so I figured what can it hurt. I’m so glad I gave it a try as it has helped with more than migraines. I opted to see an acupuncturist who had graduated from an accredited AOM school and holds a license as an acupuncturist. Many chiropractors also do acupuncture, and I do occasionally see the chiropractor in our small town for relief as needed, but I do get more in depth and complete care in seeing the acupuncturist as he is able to treat multiple issues for me. I have also started to do cupping with him and while I do bruise easily (there is no pain with the bruises) the benefits of the muscle relaxation are worth the occasional question of what happened to me when I am wearing a tank top or shirt with a cut out. As with all treatments I know everyone won’t benefit the same but I truly believe it’s worth giving a try if you are starting to feel frustrated.

    I hope you get some relief and answers soon. Good luck!

    Reply
  29. Elizabeth

    Hi Andie,

    I’m a newbie to your newsletter and would typically not respond; however, the topic of migraines is very relatable. I’ve suffered thru them since college ( a while back). The pain had been excruciating at times that over the years I had seen all sorts of dr, nurse and headache specialists who would prescribe all sorts of pills, relaxation techniques etc. some helped but inevitably the headaches would return. One should definitely see a doctor to rule out any underlying issues but I’ll relate what I see from your post and my most recent experience I eventually stopped taking the ‘prescribed’ medication because they just made me feel loopy, but I did take over the counter migraine meds – what I learned from a neurologist is if you take it too often you end up giving yourself ‘rebound’ headaches. In my case I beared thru the pain so I could ‘test’ out the theory and it did reduce them but not eliminate them , but I do recommend at least asking your Dr to verify my info. Jump forward to the last 8 weeks – and I’ve not had 1 headache! No pills, no relaxation technique, nothing! With my long history of headaches this is significant. So your probably wondering what changed to create such an obvious difference! I’m overweight so I decided to join a Dr monitored weight management program ( I know that sounds extreme) but I just couldn’t get it together on my own. During this program my group and I for the first 17 weeks have to only eat the program food when I learned this I thought I’d never make it thru this first part… but I am determined to create a change. But after the first week it was my husband who noticed first- ” how are your headaches?”… egads I was so focused on being hungry that he was right not 1 headache! Second week still no headache!… here I am in my 8th week and still no headache! Since we’re monitored in this program I meet with a doctor every few weeks – so I told her … we both think that thru the years I was likely allergic to something I’ve been eating ( incidentally amongst the vast Dr list was an allergist) so I called them to let them in on my recent experience. I’m only 1/2 way thru the first part of this program but the current weight Dr said that the next phase will be to introduce food slowly back during that we’ll be able to see if something triggers the headaches to return. I share this because in my long history NO ONE EVER RELATED IT BACK TO processed or other food… but my husband and I feel that it is the answer. Not many people are willing or need to take the extreme measure I’m going thru right now, but I offer you and them to rule out serious medical issues and then experiment to journal what they ate and see if their is a correlation and pattern to their/your headaches. Sorry for the long post, but if I could help any person who suffers like I had then I think it was worth the social posting etiquette faux pas… I do hope you feel better.

    Reply
  30. Jessica

    I went through debilitating migraines for a very long time. It ended up being diagnosed as severe migraines which triggered tension headaches. After numerous medications, issues with them lowering my blood pressure too much, lost work, and all sorts of other issues, I FINALLY saw a neurologist who suggested that I had a magnesium deficiency. I started taking a Magnesium and Calcium over the counter supplement. 400 mgs a day. My migraines went away and I’ve nothing more severe than a normal headache in about 4 years. I weaned myself off the four medications I had been prescribed and it’s a whole new world. I never would have dreamed that something as easy as a supplement could get rid of those wicked things, but it did. Worth a shot to anyone suffering from migraines…could save lots of $$ too!!

    Reply
  31. Abby

    My husband suffers from migraines, and went through a spate of daily chronic migraines for a 2-3 month period, during which he became really really depressed. He found relief (finally) after going to a multidisciplinary migraine clinic; they had a combination of neurologist, physical therapy and psychiatrist consults for new patients, and they created a pain management and headache prevention program for him that helped him narrow down his triggers and find the right approach for prevention and management of pain. The physical therapist was immensely helpful in dealing with the muscle tension issues, and the M.D.’s helped with medication management approaches. Within a few weeks, he was able to kick the cycle and start to regain some headache free days. In the intervening years he’s gotten down to 1-2 migraines per year.

    With migraines, the triggers are so individualized – in his case, the chronic headaches were precipitated by a mixture of barometric pressure changes and muscle tension. He can also trigger them if he consumes too much sugar or drinks too much wine or beer (probably a mixture of sugars and sulfites in that case).

    Reply
  32. Laura Reichsman

    I had chronic headaches and migraines for about 10 years.The best remedy that I was told about by a fellow sufferer was take 1 aspirin and 1 Tylenol and drink it with (I know this is going to sound weird) raspberry ice tea. I have no idea why but it worked for me!

    Reply
  33. Pamela

    I have had migraines for years, but for the last 3 years I have had a constant migraine. I have gone to the neurologist and have been on every medicine that one can take and I still have the migraine. Some of the medicine he gave me to try or the cocktail of medicines to knock out the migraine didn’t work and had horrible side effects. Good luck. What works for me is Maxalt MLT 10mg. It doesn’t get rid of the migraine, but makes the pain more tolerable.

    Reply
  34. Hootie

    Thank you for giving us an update. I have been thinking about you. I pray that your doctors can help you. Know that this could take a long time. I never did get an actual “cause” for my vertigo diagnosis despite going to specialists at a research hospital. I did however hear from someone that recommended that I take Dramamine for vertigo (novel idea right!) which helped me get to the point where I could get off of a sinus medication I had been on for years which, turns out, had been the cause of most of my troubles. Don’t give up on advocating for your health in all ways formal and alternative. Let me know if there is something I can do to help xoxo

    Reply
  35. Andrea

    Andie – I completely relate and feel for you. I don’t get them as often, but do get awful migraines weekly at worst; monthly at best. A natural route that was recommended to me by a, you guessed it, naturopath, that I have since found to work IF taken at the very beginning of a migraine/headache setting in is Niacin. BUT it must be the type that will make you FLUSH. It can’t be non-flushing or it doesn’t have the same effect. It gets the blood vessels to dilate and makes you feel very hot and flushed all over. I have found that it does help completely disarm the migraine when taken at the first signs, and allows for much less pain meds to be taken if any. Like you, I worry about all of the advil I’m taking. It’s of ridiculous amounts at this point. Something worse considering.
    Word to the warning, if you take it too late into the migraine it will exacerbate the pounding and not work. Take it early and see if it works for you, it’s a cheap and less chemical alternative.

    Reply
  36. Andrea

    Andie – I completely relate and feel for you. I don’t get them as often as you, but I do get awful migraines weekly at worst; monthly at best. A natural route that was recommended to me by a, you guessed it, naturopath, that I have since found to work IF taken at the very beginning of a migraine/headache is Niacin. BUT it must be the type that will make you FLUSH. It can’t be non-flushing or it doesn’t have the same effect. It gets the blood vessels to dilate and makes you feel very hot and flushed all over. I have found that it does help completely disarm the migraine when taken at the first signs, and allows for less pain meds to be taken, if any. Like you, I worry about all of the advil I’m taking. It’s of ridiculous amounts at this point. Something worth considering.
    Word to the warning, if you take it too late into the migraine it will exacerbate the pounding and not work. Take it early and see if it works for you, it’s a cheap and less chemical alternative.

    Reply
  37. laura

    I gave up Diet Coke and my migraines went from weekly to only once a year.!!! Actually i gave up all artificial sweetener. its really really bad for your brain. BTW i love Diet coke, it is addicting.
    2 other triggers, a “pop” of light, so i wear sunglasses, and overt my gaze when i open my ipad
    Hormones. i think going thro. the Change helped quite a bit,
    If you dont like your Doctor change it up, my first doc wouldnt give me any medication, but my NP gave me samples
    which helped me decide if it was right for me… it was, i have an emergency stash in my bag…

    Reply
  38. Carolyn

    Ugh, girl. I feel you on this and am so very sorry you are going through this. Migraines and chronic headaches ruined my teenage years. I woke up with a headache every. single. day. from ages 15-18. I went to every headache expert/neurologist in the area and never found a true diagnosis. I tried traditional migraine medications (Imitrex, etc.) and alternative drug therapies like Topomax and other seizure medications, but nothing helped, and only gave me weird side effects that added to my discomfort. My mom dedicated her time to finding some relief for me and sent me to every natural/alternative practitioner she could find. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and prescribed a crazy cocktail of meds, which I couldn’t stick with due to side effects. I tried changing my diet, keeping a headache journal, you name it, I tried it. Finally I started seeing a chiropractor a couple of times a week which gave me SO MUCH RELIEF! Paired with a weekly massage, these two treatments made a huge difference. Remarkably, when I went to college, I rarely got headaches. I found that lower stress levels, MORE SLEEP, and continued chiropractor care/massage therapy made a tremendous difference. Over 10 years later, If I am super stressed or don’t get enough sleep, I’ll get a headache but can usually stave it off with a nail salon chair massage and Excedrine migraine. The mind body connection is a crazy thing, so try to slow down and take good care of yourself. When I drink enough water and sleep well, I’m way less likely to get a headache. OH and I changed my birth control pill! I was on Yaz/Yasmin for YEARS, which I think greatly contributed to my headaches. I switched to a different pill and it made a huge difference. Good luck and don’t be afraid to try alternative therapies!!

    Reply
  39. Ruth

    Self-care is where it is at for managing my chronic headaches and migraines. (They started when I was 9.) Healthy nutrition (adequate protein especially), consistent sleep, regular exercise, adequate water consumption, belly breathing, sunshine, and therapy is where it starts for me. It only took 30 years, but I’m finally listening to my body and honoring its screams of “STOP!” The only time in my life prior to my lifestyle changes that I was headache free was during pregnancy. I thought it was hormonal, but I think it was that I took really good care of my body, because I was growing a human. I don’t need to be caring for someone else to take care of myself. I’m worth it. You are too!

    Reply
  40. Sarah

    Look into CBD. It sounds weird, but it seriously works. In case you don’t know, it’s a hemp byproduct so you get the effect of marijuana without the high (don’t worry you don’t need a card)I have chronic pain and it has worked wonders for me. I used to take Tylenol regularly so I sympathize. People use it for anxiety, migraines, fibromyalgia etc. I have followed your story for years and love everything you write!

    Reply
  41. SJ

    Wow. Guess I’m lucky. Only 2 or 3 migraine headaches a week on a good week. Sumatriptan 100 mg dose works fairly well (50-60%). Toradol is good for pain management. It is better, faster at least in the shot form. Down side, the shot must be administered by a doctor/nurse, so Urgent Care or ER, if you can’t get into to doctor. Oxycodone can also help with pain. Downside, it is an opioid (narcotic) analgesic and you can’t drive/operate heavy machinery for 4 to 8 hours after taking it. Its a take-it and chill solution. Other tricks: Ice (frozen peas) placed over your face/head where the pain is 10 mins on/20 mins off. I also use “PastTense” a doTERRA essential oil blend to help manage the pain of regular headaches (up to medium pain level).

    Suggest you find/work with a medical professional that is savvy about drugs.. Many drugs, both prescription and OTC, can have side effects that can affect your health,both short term and long-term. They may also react with other medications you are taking. You want to make informed choices about how to control your headache occurrences and manage associated pain. Not all Drs/MDs are all that knowledgeable about the drugs/medicines/OTC. Ask about their credentials/training.

    I would also suggest that you keep a food/sleep/headache/pain/ journal. Track everything you eat/drink and any special conditions where you are exposed to chemicals. Yes its does take some time, but it will provide you and your doctors, with facts and data that could help identify triggers for your headaches.

    I wish you success in your journey to reduce/eliminate your headaches and associated pain.

    Reply
  42. Rachael

    I had migraines and headaches daily as a child and was put on propranalol for years. My mom also suffers from chronic migraines and I am working with her and dietary/supplementation changes to see if we can resolve them finally. My BIGGEST recommendation is to increase your omega3s and reduce your omega6s – specifically stop using any canola,vegetable, and any other refined seed oils. They are ridiculously high in omega6s and we need a much better balance with omega3s – supplement with a high quality fish oil as well. I also recommend taking magnesium (Natural Calm is my fave but magnesium oil works too) as well as supplementing CoQ10. You also could have developed sensitivities to grains, dairy, or other foods (nightshades, eggs, etc) that can cause migraines. An elimination diet like the Whole30 could help you figure out which foods cause the headaches… just my two cents! I hope you feel better Andie!!!

    Reply
  43. Kristen

    Ahh Timing. I was just acknowledging to myself that I need to get back in my headache prevention routine ’cause my migraines are coming more often and sticking around longer. My list, in no particular order: yoga, mindfulness, lots of fruits and veggies and protein, limited alcohol and processed foods, sleeping at least 7 hours a night, calcium and magnesium supplements, good sweaty cardio (preferably outside if possible) and heavy weights. I’ve taken meds as migraine prevention as well but when all of the above were in place I stopped needing them.

    Reply
  44. the gold digger

    1. Triggers – I didn’t figure out my triggers until my neurologist fired me and I went to see the orthodox Jewish acupuncturist at the drug rehab center (story here: http://diaryofagolddigger.blogspot.com/2011/12/in-which-i-get-rid-of-pain-in-head.html)

    Caffeine raises my baseline and my triggers are

    * dehydration
    * low blood sugar
    * glare (this is the worst one and it includes florescent lights, the light reflecting off a highway, and the light from oncoming headlights after dark – I always wear a hat and sunglasses in the sun)

    If your doc suggests your headaches are triggered by food, know that she does not mean that every time you eat aged cheese or pickled foods that you will get a headache. She means these foods will raise your baseline so that your other triggers will trip more easily.

    2. Painkillers – The only painkillers that work for me – and they don’t even work every time – are imitrex and relpax. At least imitrex is generic now, but it used to cost $20 a pill retail. You can get only nine a month – the idea is that if you are having more than nine migraines a month, you have something else going on. But my cousin swears by two aspirin and a sugared coke

    3. Other things – I saw an ophthalmologist who told me the Erythromycin I was taking could cause headaches. I got special glasses for working on the computer. I tried all the anti-seizure stuff – depakote, lyrica – but it didn’t work for me. Just made my hair fall out and made me gain weight.

    I hope you figure it out. You have my sympathies.

    Reply
  45. Richard

    I had really terrible experience with headaches from my childhood. I was then referred to neurologist who suggested me to try meditation and give some sleeping pills too. But none of these was’t giving me satisfactory results. Finally I visited a Chiropractor who changed my life!

    Reply
  46. sophie

    So sorry you’re dealing with this. I don’t get migraines, but a friend does and she has to take prescription meds or ends up in the hospital with nonstop vomiting. One thing that really helps her is avoiding red wine, chocolate and hard cheeses. I know, all the good things in life!

    Reply
  47. Kristin

    Botox! It sounds crazy, but it was a miracle cure for me. I was like you from the time I was 12. I would get terrible migraines that would last week, complete with all of the symptoms. A few years ago I went to a headache specialist who tried every migraine drug on the market. They either made me sick from side effects or didn’t work. We then tried Botox. They inject it into your temples, forehead, and temple. You get it every 3 months, and it works like magic. I get maybe a migraine a month now, but most months not even that. Every insurance I have had has covered it, but it does take a little while at first to get it approved. I hope you find something that works!

    Reply
  48. sona

    I suffered from terrible blinding migraines in my teens. I found some advice in a book from herbalist called Maria Treben. I am not sure if she is known in US or only here in Europe. But I found some web page describing this herb I was using. It is called Yarrow. My migrainw wasn´t weather related as they write there, and after few days of drinking it migraines stopped and never returned.
    http://www.mariatrebenherbs.com/?pid=55&sid=74:YARROW

    I hope you´ll feel better soon.

    Reply
  49. Ashley

    I have constant migraines as well, i ended up being prescribed Propranolol, which is normally for blood pressure and i figure it helps with the blood vessels in my head. I have found that taking it definitely makes them go away, but it is a preventative, so if i forget it they may come back and then i’m popping Ibuprofen.

    Reply
  50. Andrea

    I have a family member who has suffered from migraines her entire life, and she is now in her 40’s. She tried everything from medications, to cutting out gluten, cutting out all processed foods, and many other diets and treatment options. The only thing that has ever worked for her, which sounds crazy and was definitely a last resort, was getting botox in her forehead. No more migraines and no wrinkles either, it’s a win win! I had chronic headaches when I was younger from very poor sleeping and eating habits and it really takes a toll when you never feel well, so I feel your pain! I hope you get some answers soon!

    Reply
  51. Jimmy @ Drill Bike Reviews

    Really a helpful post for me as I have been suffering headaches from 8. I still suffering it. Is there any way that I can get cured of this pathetic experience.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.