Headaches- Stress or possibly herniated disk?

[domestictech]

Hello,
I have suffered with dull achy to short severe headaches off and on for years now. Recently I was tested for allergy's  and had a CT scan of the sinus by my ENT.  CT scan was clear.  I take allergy meds for allergies that seem to help for sinus headache. Both Dr.`s concluded that the headaches I get coming from the BASE OF MY SKULL THROUGH TO BEHIND MY EYES AND ON TOP OF MY HEAD were NOT due to sinus problems.  I am seeing a chiropractor now.He says the top part of my spine is stiff right now so it is hard to work with. He recently put me on a "stretching" machine where he was attempting to loosen up my upper back and neck area.  He also tried a neck traction device.  One or a combination of the machines just gave me another headache. I have recently read about a Cerviogenic headache (along with all the others like migraine,tension(stress in my current relationship ect.) I was led to believe a cerviogenic headache is used as a last resort when diagnosing a headache. I do NOT have typical migraine symptoms(one sided,light sensitive,aura ect.) all though when I get a VERY painful headache my primary Dr. classifies them as that. I was told a neurologist and an MRI may be able to help but it is very expensive as I have no insurance. I have seen a massage therapist who claims my problem is a herniated disk! I found that odd as I have no other symptoms like numbness in limbs or pain DOWN my spine. Could this be stress related where as one would get indirect pain from something muscle related? I wondered what other TYPE of Dr.or therapy could help me?
Khrysta

[who_is_this]

A massage therapist can't tell you that your problem is a herniated disc.  In fact, a massage therapist can't really do anything but give you a massage.  If the chiropractic hasn't helped you, you probably could stop that and save yourself that money, at least.

Continue to follow up with your doctor.  Look at what meds you are taking (if any). If you are taking a lot of analgesics on a daily basis, you can suffer from a syndrome known as rebound headaches.  

If you really can't get in to see a neurologist or a headache specialist, I don't really have any ideas to help you.  Wish you the best.

[domestictech]

I have  basic pain meds and cox-2(anti-inflammatorys). I do not take them all the time to rule out rebound headaches. I won`t be going back to the chiropractor because I`m afraid he may make things worse. I can`t seem to find a headache specialist near me. I believe I will need a neurologist to perscribe an MRI?

[who_is_this]

Not necessarily, but it would certainly be helpful to have a neurologist.

  Radiologists can interpret an MRI and give your local doc a report, but neurologists actually look at the films themselves, and can do a better job of interpreting it in light of your symptoms.
Plus there are some neuro's that specialize in intractable headaches.  That would probably be the way to go.  You could try a pain clinic too, as long as physical problems have been completely ruled out.  

If you have no other choice, keep following up with your local doctor.

[domestictech]

No, I have not been in an accident. I have not knowingly hurt myself either. I myself never thought about my pain coming from a herniated disk. I DO have a physical repetitive job. I have been in the housekeeping business for 18 years. The therapist is the one who told me allot of people including himself get a herniated disk from things other than an accident.The chiropractor says my posture is bad. I have read that with a herniated disk also comes pain or numbness in the arms and sometimes pain down the back thru the legs. I have none of that. I always thought my headaches were just coming from my allergies or stress in my home. Maybe an orthopedic Dr. can help me out,I`m just exhausted and not sure what direction to turn at this point.
Thank you everyone for your advise. It helps to know someone is out there who listens.

[have 2 kids]

I have suffered from disc problems now for 7 mths due to a car accident.  A massage therapist cannot tell you if that is what it is.  Your chiropractor may be able to give you more info. I was working with a chiropractor and not getting any better. He then referred me to an orthopedic specialist.  3 wks ago I received cervical facet injections.  Have you had an accident or gotten hurt?
Why do you think it is a herniated disc?

[2tenE]

To the people saying a massage therapist cannot tell you if it is a herniated disc, you are wrong!

After going to countless doctors and getting nowhere, I went to a massage therapist after getting a voucher as a birthday present. He told me that he wouldn't continue to massage my lower back as he suspected I had a herniated disk and that I should go back to the doctors and request a ct scan.

I did that the next day and he was spot on, where numerous doctors had missed it.

I unfortunately suffer the same symptoms as the original poster and have yet to find a cure. I had not been in an accident or anything, this was work related. Moving bulk powders around.