bad headaches

[Tracey1285]

Years ago I had an MRI due to some numbness and tingling in my fingers, and it was determined that I had cervical stenosis, DDD, a reverse curvature, a whole bunch of stuff.  Basically my neck is a mess.  I often (3 - 4 times per week) have awful headaches that start at the base of my neck.  The only thing that touches it is 1000mg of Advil.  Is there something that I could be doing to ease these headaches?  Or could they be a sign of the above conditions worsening?

[crazymae]

Yes, I was teaching at a high school for emotionally/behaviorally disturbed kids, and was assaulted by a student. My life has been ruined: financially, emotionally, you name it. Anyway, the Topirimate worked miracles for the severe headaches and facial pain-not so much for the neck in m,y case. But do follow up on it. Hope it works for you. By the way, I lost 30 lbs on it!!!

[Tracey1285]

Thank you!  I'll talk to my doc.  Hey, I'm all about losing weight, and if it comes with getting rid of these headaches, I can't go wrong!  Is your neck the result of an injury?  They told me I must have had a whiplash 30+ years ago...

[crazymae]

My neck is a wreck too-stenosis, herniated discs, blah,blah. A medication called Topomax (Topirimate) helped the headaches immeasurably. There are some possible unpleasant side-effects, but you might not experience them. One side effect is weight loss. Discuss it w/ your doctor, though neurologists typically prescribe Topomax. Good luck!