Migraine

Do you have suggestions about how to reduce tension headaches?

Like some of you, my tension headaches seem to trigger migraines. So I do my best to avoid them or at least treat them before they do.

There's a lot of stress in our lives for now, which is unavoidable. These are the things I currently have in my bag of tricks to reduce stress and treat my tension headaches:

* I have a massage scheduled.
* I have a biofeedback CD that is good.
* There's a yoga class I can try, if I can get away to attend it.
* I'm consistent with my sleep schedule.

In addition to neck and shoulder tension, I've noticed tension increasing in my jaw from gritting my teeth. I'd appreciate any suggestions you may have regarding how you deal with tension and tension headaches.

Ask your doc about a muscle relaxer. A lot of my migraines start out as neck and scalp tension. I'm to take Skelaxin when the pain is from 1 to 3. Sometimes that stops the progression to full-blown migraine.

Check into physical therapy. I saw a PT for myofascial release for a couple of years. It relaxed my neck and shoulder tension.

As to the jaw clenching, I wear a mouthguard that my dentist makes for me. It fits over my bottom teeth and is slightly springy. It keeps my teeth from meeting each other.

And I have Botox in my neck and shoulders and scalp every 3 months.

Have you tried ice or heat? I have several ice wraps that wrap around my head and fasten with Velcro> I got them at the drugstore> (my keyboard is messing up> I guess it"s time to reboot)

Gretchen in mississippi

If you are sitting for a long period of time while you work, use the computer, or read, watch your posture. It's easy to start hunching over and get your neck and shoulders into an awkward position.

Gretchen,
Thanks for the tips. I met with my dentist to discuss the jaw tension and popping. He suggested warm, moist heat and a vacation. I'll keep the PT info. in mind for future reference. I have an OTC mouthguard that I'm not fond of really.

Nutcracker,
As I read your post, I had to straighten my posture. You have a good point.

Liz -

Sounds like all those things will help relax you. I use yoga and massage and when I use them regularly it helps with the stress and the tension headaches. I've done a little biofeedback but I find relaxation exercises and tapes work just as well for me. I'm just like you, tension headaches frequently morph into migraine. I just put some relaxation exercises on my blog if you want to look at some things you can do on your own (without getting out to the yoga class or whatever). You can see them Here.

- Megs

Megs, Thanks for the link. That's great. It's good to have some more "tools" to use.

Hi Liz,

I use a TENS unit sometimes for my tension-type headaches. My doctor gave me a prescription for this and my local pharmacy filled it for me.

Nancy,

Thanks for the TENS unit suggestion. I should add that to my list of questions for my upcoming appointment.

I always feel awkward suggesting RXs to doctors, like the muscle relaxers or the TENS unit. Something new to stress over However, I like my new doctor, and he is a good listener.

No stressing allowed.

You can always say you were wondering if a TENS unit has helped other patients, and you'd like to try one!

I always phrase my suggestions as questions. Such as, "Could I try some magnesium?" That way, if my doctor objects for some reason, she can say no and explain why. I know my doctor has some valid reasons for not wanting to consider certain treatment options for me.

Nancy & Nutcracker:
Excellent suggestions. Perhaps I'll even add your phrases to my list of questions. It will be like taking you along for support!

Hi Liz,

It can be scary when you first start really getting involved with your health care, but you'll get used to it! I've used "I was curious about... " over and over again with a lot of success. It lets the doctor tell me what they know about whatever medication or test I'm asking about (feed the ego!) after which most of the time they'll suggest trying it out.

On a side note for preparing for your doctor, I've found it to be really helpful to 1. keep a running list on your computer at home or work, wherever you think of the most questions for each of your doctors. I have three currently for different upcoming appts. 2. Take a print out with you every time (you'll regret it if you don't... I always forget one!) If you're feeling really ambitious you can put together a binder with all of your test results and medical records too... I haven't gotten there, but I sure have wanted it more than once. I've found that being prepared pays off though, and most doctors are more attentive to my questions when they see that I came prepared with a list.

Candace,

You're just like me! I have to write all my questions down ahead of time. I use the form I downloaded from this site: migraine diary. I usually jot down my questions on a post-it note and then write them all again on the question form. It saves me from missing a question for the doctor. Great minds think alike, huh?

quote:

On a side note for preparing for your doctor, I've found it to be really helpful to 1. keep a running list on your computer at home or work, wherever you think of the most questions for each of your doctors. I have three currently for different upcoming appts. 2. Take a print out with you every time (you'll regret it if you don't... I always forget one!)

I know for me any kind of aerobic activity like running,biking, pilates, for at least half an hour relieves a lot of muscle tension and stress for me. I've had extreme pain in my right shoulder and neck for the last 20 years, and all doctors have done about it have suggested muscle relaxants(which I don't like), and stretching exercises. I know this tension is related to my migraines, and exercise seems to be the only thing that helps.

Valerie