I too went YEARS thinking sinus headaches instead of migraines. Now I know I only get sinus headaches in the spring allergy season, so if it’s March/April and I get a headache that doesn’t seem to be a hormonal one, I take sinus medication instead. But otherwise I know. Of course, I can get the occasional migraine that goes with neck pain/strain/stress too.
Before I had my migraine prescriptions medication I got these vicegrip headaches and the only way I could get momentary relief was by having DH squeeze my head between his hands (like Rhett Butler did to Scarlet in Gone With The Wind…:teehee:). But as soon as he let go I was in agony again. I bet it looked pretty weird to anyone peaking in our windows.
:roflhard:
I have too! LOL! I’ve had headaches that make my head feel like its pounding and the only thing that seems to make it feel like it isn’t throbbing anymore is to squeeze my head…lol…
The vice grip thing is so funny. I started getting migraines when I was in high school and my mom used to sit with me and hold my head like that when I had a bad one! I still saw a pediatrician at that point and he was the one who recognized that they were migraines. I don’t think I’ve ever had a doctor who was as good as him since.
The reason I started with the injectable version of Imitrex is that’s the only way it came when it was first introduced (1992 or so). The nasal spray and pills came out later. I just never found them to work as well as the injections. The injection thingy is like a ballpoint pen, you just hold it to your thigh and press the button and it jabs you. I was already used to injections since I’m allergic to bees and have an Epi-pen.
It sucks you have gone so long not having a diagnosis, Demonica! At least with all the problems I’ve had, I know what is going on!
I have seen a few ppl mention migraines in connections with neck/shoulder/back pain…I get this too…I think they are actually tension headaches…that mimick migraines…
I also get migraines with pressure shifting in the atmosphere…
I don’t get headaches with the pressure changes, but, my knees begin to hurt terribly! Man, I’m only 31 and already a wreck! With the way I feel now, I’m not really looking forward to getting any older :teehee:
My sister and I figured out that as you get into old age you either lose all feeling or you just don’t care any more.
At the rate I’m going I’d be moaning just to take a breath by the time I’m 60.
I haven’t read through the entire thread yet, but you may be experiencing cluster headaches. Can feel similar to migraines but don’t have the neurological symptoms and nausea that are often associated with them.
Also, frequent headaches can also be a sign that your blood pressure is high. Even pre-hypertensive pressures can cause headaches- and blood pressure ranges have changed as far as what is considered normal. Anything over 120/80 is now considered pre-hypertensive; 140/90 hypertensive and most providers will start medications.
I was already used to injections since I’m allergic to bees and have an Epi-pen.