9 months of chronic headaches/ neck pain

I am 24 and have been experiencing chronic headaches for 9 months. The frequency and severity of these headaches has become much worse and I am concerned. The headaches occur at least 5 times each week, and range from a 2/10 (which I won't take pain meds for) to an 8/10 (at which time I realize that I must take 3 ibruprofen to get it under control). I saw my doctor about this in september. The only answer I received was that it was likely tension headaches, caused by stress, and that they would subside if I could control my stress levels. I called back in October, when the pain was so constant and unbearable that it was compromising my ability to perform at school. After coaxing, the doctor had me get a CT scan, which came back normal. In November I had x-rays done by another physician; they too were normal. She suggested I see a chiropractor. I am very concerned because in the past three weeks, I have had pain all but 5 days. The only way to stop the pain is to take ibruprofen, and sometimes I have to ice the back of my head for 30 minutes or more. I have noticed that I get a mild headache when I exercise, which makes me concerned. I recently graduated, and no longer have insurance. Any suggestions?

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

Thanks for writing in.
A chronic headache requires further evaluation. There are various possibilities that need to be looked into like High BP, cervical spine issues like disc prolapse or disc herniation. The possibility of exertional headache also needs to be ruled out. I would suggest you to get your BP checked, do some gentle neck exercises everyday, drink plenty of water before and during exercise and make sure you eat and sleep on time.
If the pain still persists please get a repeat evaluation done by your GP.

Thanks

[danigirl1984]

Hi,

I appreciate your advice and I will do everything possible to follow that advice - I still have to find a way to obtain health insurance, or at least see someone. What neck exercises should I be doing?

I will track my bp over the next few weeks more consistently. I have been checking it when I get headaches, but an overall picture would be good. What BP might merit a headache (over 120/ 80? over 150/90?)

Thank you again

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

Thanks for writing back.
BP higher than 120/80mmmHg will cause headaches, basically anything above normal will cause headaches.
Please check the link below you will find information on easy neck exercises that you can do on a daily basis.
http://www.des.umd.edu/os/erg/neck.html

Hope this helps!