Constant Headaches

Ryanna · December 2021

Hi there

My husband suffers with constant severe headaches that pain killers have no or little effect on. Just wanted to share ideas for easing pain if anyone has any?

The only thing that gives any relief seems to be a hot shower, he's literally sat in the shower for hours at times trying to get some relief.

His pain is mostly likely from his severe anxiety.

woodbine · December 2021

Hi is he getting any help with this from his GP?

Ryanna · December 2021

@woodbine, not at the moment, no, as our GPs keep changing or leaving and he struggles to keep going to a new person who he doesn't know.

He asked to be referred to a specialist, but hasn't heard back for a few years now.

There doesn't seem much the Dr can do to stop the pain. Having CBT may have helped, but the service is limited and he's had all the sessions he's entitled to now.

woodbine · December 2021

Thats shocking that he hasn't been referred to a specialist a few years after asking.
I must admit to not being a fan of CBT, has he considered asking for a referral to a pain clinic?

mia97 · December 2021

Hey there!

may I suggest homeopathic remedies or Bach flower remedies, they are natural forms of medicine (legal and can purchased in the shops. Have a research as there are a wide range of options, depending on symptoms, it varies.

also, sometimes headaches can be caused my something to do with diet. Maybe your husband is eating something which does not suits him, or his DNA. Headaches are sometimes caused by posture, does your husband have good posture. This can be solved by wearing good quality and sturdy shoe, shoes which support his back and whole body.

in regards to anxiety, something which I highly recommend (based on personal use) is Rescue remedy. It's a Bach flower remedy, helps with anxiety. It has helped me many times throughout my life and managed to get my mum through the 10 years of grief.

I understand you may be very wary of these suggestions, as not everyone is open to natural/alternative medicine, so no pressure at all, I just thought I would share my ideas and experience, I hope of helping. I know sometimes the GP can be the 1st port of call, but they don't always know what's best and sometimes don't have the resources (time or money) to help...it's very sad, but unfortunately true.

hope I have given you some hope. It'd be good to hear your thoughts or some updates...hope your husband feels better soon, and starts to see some improvement. Good luck?

Ryanna · December 2021

Thank you @mia97

I also use Rescue Remedy myself, and it does help to pick me up during my worst anxiety attacks, so I would agree with you there. But it's not something hubby would try.

Very interesting what you say about diet and posture though and this may well be related to his severe headaches.

Posture: he is lying in bed most of the time as his meds are making him constantly sleepy, so he has other aches and pains from lying in one position for hours.

And food is a major issue for both of us. As I work and he doesn't, he wants to contribute by doing all the cooking and I have agreed to give him this opportunity to contribute by not cooking myself... He's actually got a phobia of me cooking and the kitchen is his domain.

But that's only when he's up to cooking, which is only once a week at the moment. So we have to eat sandwiches or takeaway most days. (Costs a fortune..)

We both have food intolerances too, so it's all extremely difficult.

I've managed to convince him to try some ready meals, ordered and delivered by a specialist company... Not cheap, but half the price of the takeaway we are having, so that's a start.

Thanks for your suggestions, much appreciated... I'll report back on how the ready meals go.

MarkM88 · December 2021

Firstly, my first hand experience is a GP can do a lot more than you imagine.

Mine ran some tests and tried me on different medication to see if any worked.

For me it didn’t so I needed specialist input.

Secondly, I saw a neurologist and he worked with me to get the treatment right. I was diagnosed with migraines and now have medication that works.

Please do pursue the GP or register with another practice and in the meantime waiting for a referral ask the GP to be tried on some medication.

L_Volunteer · December 2021

Hi @Ryanna

I am sorry to hear your husband is struggling. Thanks for reaching out to us for support though.

In terms of the anxiety, I would echo what has already been said in terms of making sure you keep chasing up with the GP. In the meantime, I am wondering if external services could be useful? Two useful resources I know for anxiety include Mind (https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/anxiety-and-panic-attacks/about-anxiety/) and Anxiety UK (https://www.anxietyuk.org.uk/get-help/). Other than this, I would recommend identifying any triggers for his anxiety and strategies for coping with each.

Additionally, other potential strategies for managing headaches include:

Appropriate rest and sleep
Staying hydrated
Ensuring his vision is at the right level or supported
Reducing screen time to reduce potential visual stress
Ensuring he does at least one thing a day he enjoys

I hope this helps! We are here for you both

Libby_Alumni · December 2021

Hey @Ryanna

As @mia97 suggested, natural remedies are not for everyone, but I like to use them in my own pain management strategies. I like to use essential oils (lavender) on my temples and that sometimes helps. I also have a headache and migraine relief cap, like this one, which is really helpful when I start to experience a migraine.

I also think it's important to get to the root cause of the anxiety and that is something that can be discussed with yours or your husband's GP. @L_Volunteer has also listed some great Mental Health resources above, that might helpful too

I hope that helps and let us know if anything in particular relieves your husband's headaches.

Libby

Constant Headaches

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