CONSTANT HEADACHE INCREASES

[hope2456]

My constant headache since MARCH 2015 severely increases in intensity when riding in a car. Does anyone have the same symptom?  How do you prevent or deal with the increased pain?   Any tips would be appreciated.  I have CM1 with a tonsil projects 6.1mm left and 5.3mm right with syrinx 5mm at t-3 t-4 with constant pain around my ribs and back.  Since Apr I'm taking 30mg of Nortriptyline at night.  I have heartburn all the time.  I enjoy this site and the information

[selmaS]

  Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum.

I am glad you enjoy the site and even happier that you decided to jooin in and post!

Yes, a car ride does bounce us around causing HA's to increase in severity....for me using a fluffy bed pillow behind my head with the  seat slightly reclined....with the pillow I was still upright...and this helped keep my head from bobbling all over  and helped me with the Headaches that grew worse in the car....I took frequent car rides to NY to see my Drs and to see my daughter who was living in NYC at the time...I no longer need the pillow....but it is helpful pre and post op .

Many with Chiari have GERD /acid reflux issues....and we also tend to have post nasal drip as we over produce histamines....using an antihistamine has helped me not only with the PND but the reflux and sleeping at night !

The rib pain can be due to another related condition Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome...this can cause all sorts of pain and discomfort....

Since you do have a syrinx it can also be your syrinx that is causing your rib pain...

Best tip I ever got  and will always give is find a true Chiari specialist...educate yourself on Chiari and ALL related conditions....and getting the right Dr is Key !

Know you are not alone <3

[Bamagirl40]

Hey there, I saw your post and wanted to let you know that YES, I experience headaches like that too.  My problems are not as bad as yours though but I have headaches 24/7 all day and all night.  I have had them for almost 12 years.  I couldn't tell you what it feels like to not have a headache or some form of pain.  Since my CSF blockage occurred, I have experienced bad back problems, numbness and tingling in extremities, tailbone pain, and now I have been dealing with bruising on my lower back for several months now, from unknown cause.  I hope you get to feeling better.  I will send prayer warriors your way.