Chronic Tension Headaches again!

[Hephzibar]

Hi, I have a long standing history of bouts of chronic tension headaches and am now in another bout. Have cervical spondolosis and in the past the muscle spasms have affected my vertebrae so much that it was seen on X-ray!

Having osteopathy and Accupuncture which is helping a bit, but no discernible improvement. Have had amytriptiline in the past which has helped, but now on Bisoprolol for a fast heart rate so I think this may be contraindicated now.

Has anyone any thoughts before I try and get a GP appointment?

[Scotsman53]

For anyone with stress/anxiety type issues I cannot recommend mindfulness meditation highly enough. It does take time though, patient persistence is essential. There are many videos and apps.

[Arnhem]

Hello......I have a pacemaker and take 2,5mg Bisoprolol in the morning, with reducing Pred for a GCA flare and Amitriptyline 10mg at night for my spondylitis. No reactions or side effects....I also have to take Ramipril for BP and simvastatin for cholesterol. On top of that esomeprazole to protect stomach lining......Apart from some days tired, no side effects of note.....try a pharmacist for advice if like most of us getting a GP appt is like finding gold in the street !.

[Hephzibar in reply to Arnhem]

That is reassuring to hear as Amytriptyline has worked in the past and I can see that I am going to need it! The chronic daily headaches are so tiring.

[Arnhem in reply to Hephzibar]

I can imagine that.....It was having them that first got me diagnosed with GCA in 2020 and have had a couple of flares since....the the cervical spondylitis came into the frame as well, felt rubbish a lot of days....,I also agree with Scotsman53 above, mindful meditation is great but like he says it is hard work too but worth it if you stick at it. I get sick of taking pills but they are necessary and do bring some relief.I really do find my pharmacist brilliant....since I saw him for advice once with an appointment, he regularly chats and keeps an eye on repeat prescriptions and tells me if anything changes, how they will affect me if all.

My GP is good too, but just so damn difficult to get hold of....when I'm 31 in a phone queue at 0803 I give up.

[Hephzibar in reply to Arnhem]

Working hard on the osteopathy exercises, using an acupressure pillow, doing Tai Chi and trying to keep stress levels low - anything to stop my neck and shoulders from tensing up. Will look up mindfulness meditation xx

[Arnhem]

Good luck, I'm sure you'll be in a good place soon....xx

[Hidden]

I also have cervical spondylitis and have one of those nasty headaches now. I get nerve compression from my neck due to osteoarthritis. Pain radiates down my arm with tingling in my fingers. Anyone else get pinched nerves from cervical spondylitis?

[Smilesalot]

I'm sorry you have constant headaches like me.

I even get them so intense during the night.

I've found keeping nice and warm with scarf and hot water bottle during the day helps. Don't bother with pills unless you already know what will work.

I find the pain includes my shoulders and back and jaw. I actually broke a slither of tooth off yesterday meh. By clenching my teeth . Avoid that lol!.

Definitely go to Gp as it could be anything.

Hugs sweetie Dawn 🤗

[Hephzibar in reply to Smilesalot]

They are so tiring aren’t they? I have grain heat pads all over the house 😁

Yesterday was much better and I felt ‘normal’ , but today we are back to the aches 😔 Amytryptiline has worked in the past and I really don’t want to go down that route, but if we can’t really shift it then that is the only thing left!