Dull headache with no other symptoms

[tcamardo2]

I rarely ever get headaches. I started a new job a few months ago and started getting headaches within the past couple of months.  The new job is a LOT of computer time.  Usually the headaches start toward the end of the day and get better.  I also think I need a new prescription for my contacts.

However, a few days ago I started getting a headache that has not gone away.  It feels like a mild dull headache with some pressure all around my head.  There are no other symptoms.  In the past couple of days I've also felt pinching around my cheecks and bridge of my nose.  Ibuprofen and sinus headache meds do nothing to help.  The pain is not worsened by bending over or physical activity.

I started getting sinus headaches last year, usually corresponding with changes in weather.  Both of my parents get sinus headaches with no other symptoms, but usually during the summer.

Any comments/suggestions would be appreciated.  And please no "scare" messages either about brain tumors or anyeurisms.

[tcamardo2]

Hello and thank you for taking the time out to respond!  I will DEFINITELY try those eyestrain tips!

My headache ended up mostly going away after a few nights of wearing a mouthguard that I grabbed from CVS (both my mom and sister have had bouts with TMJ).  I found that I was clenching my teeth occasionally, and since I counsel patients (I'm a dietitian) when I'm not staring at the computer, I feel like jaw pain is inevitable with all the talking.

Various headaches and neckaches continue so I really think an eye exam, the mouth guard, and figuring some exercises for my neck would help.  Any suggestions.

Again, thanks again - this helped a lot!!

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
How are you? I agree with you and marilee that you need to have your eyes checked by an eye doctor to rule out error of refraction. Eye strain is considered because of the nature of your work. The exercises that marilee mentioned are very helpful and may help with the strain. Short eye breaks and frequent blinking will also help. Tension headaches present with pressure around the head with tightness in the scalp or neck.  These are often associated with stress also. Pain medications, relaxation techniques and stress management may also help. Take care and do keep us posted with your eye check-up.

[marileew]

Hi tcamardo2,

Since your headache has not gone away, I think that you should see both your family doctor as well as your eye doctor. You are probably right about needing to check your contacts prescription.

Eye strain is a common cause of headaches. To avoid eyestrain at work, take short breaks where you are not looking at the computer. Instead, look far off into the distance and then back at something closer and then again far off into the distance. Another exercise is to follow the "seconds" hand of a clock with your eyes all the way around in a full circle. It is also good to close your eyes for a few moments every now and again. Doing these exercises won't take much time out of your work day at all, as you only need to do them about every half an hour and they only take a few seconds each. Also, your productivity at work will be better overall if you take these short breaks, so your employers should not mind you doing this.

Since you wear contacts, make sure that they are properly lubricated at all times. Use eye drops for contact wearers, and clean your contacts normally as your eye doctor instructed. If you do not find that this helps, then you might want to consider switching to glasses, at least while you are at work.

Something important to note is that "sinus headaches" are usually misdiagnosed migraines. Migraines tend to have a lot of the same feelings that people think a "sinus headache" should have, such as pain in the sinus area, pain in and around the eyes, watery eyes, red/blood shot eyes, running/stuffed up nose, etc. These are all normal migraine symptoms and do not indicate a sinus infection.

Migraines can also be triggered or made worse by eye strain, as well as bright lights such as a computer screen.

Over-the-counter medication can sometimes help a mild migraine headache but they rarely help a moderate to bad migraine headache, and if over-the-counter medications are taken too much, then many over-the-counter medication can actually trigger more migraines! If the pain won't go away with over-the-counter medication, you might want to ask your doctor if it is possible that you are getting migraine headaches. If you are getting migraine headaches, your doctor will be able to prescribe prescription medication specifically for migraine headaches.

Hope this information is helpful. Keep in touch to let us know how you are doing.

Thank you for writing,
marilee