Reoccuring Headache

[Chrissy18]

Two days ago, I got a throbbing headache on the right side of my temple that traces  down to the same side of my neck. I believe it was every 10 minutes or an hour the headache would stop after I sit still and press my fingers against my temple to ease the pain. That method worked for a moment and I honestly thought my headache had stopped. But shortly after, it started up again. So, I took some Ibuprofen with a glass of water. I didn't have anymore headaches that day. However, the next day, the headache came back and I took Ibuprofen again with the same result. Now, today, the headache has returned when I woke up this morning. When I breathe through my nose, it seems to agitate my headache a little. But every now and then it would seem the headache would vanish after pressing my fingers against my temple for a while. Yet that method isn't even working now.

I thought this might be tension headache, but I'm not sure. It's a little painful behind the eyes as well.

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

Thanks for the update.
Yes it is possible to get tension headache from bad posture. Bad neck posture, frequent bending forwards can lead to neck pain and tension headache.
If your job requires you to be in one position for long please make sure you practice good posture. Avoid bending forwards, leaning on one side and do gentle head and neck exercises.
Since you do clench your teeth at night, it will be a good idea to try out mouth guard.

Hope this helps!

[Chrissy18]

Sorry for not replying sooner, Dr. Noopur. I had a few issues that set me back for a while. However, as far as chewing gum, I hardly get gum. But the possibility of clenching my teeth is more probable for me, especially when I'm sleeping. My Dentist told me he could tell I clench my teeth at least when I'm sleeping, but I honestly can't tell unless I'm in the first or second stage of my sleep mode and I try to catch myself by then. However, during the day -- as far as I know, I don't make a habit of clenching my teeth. In addition, I honestly do have a habit of chewing on the inside cheeks of my mouth; it's a bad habit I'm trying to stop.

As far as my headaches, they have successfully subsided with a combination of the steam method you suggested, a neck/shoulder massage and more water -- along with some posture exercise. A day after doing that and I no longer had any trace of my headache.

Is it possible to get a tension headache from posture?

Oh and thank you so much for your help so far.

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

Thanks for writing back.
Another possibility that needs to be excluded is TMJ. Are you in a habit of clenching your teeth or chewing gum?
TMJ or temporomandibular joint disorder also causes pain in the temple region and in the head.  Using a mouth guard usually helps in this condition.

[Chrissy18]

I'll definitely give that a try. The headaches stopped for at least a day and every now and then I get a little twinge on my right temple or at the base of my skull. Should I really be worried if a headache persists for a week or more? I want to go to the doctor to get it checked out thoroughly, but the payment is a bit of a problem for me right now since I don't have Health Insurance.

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

Thanks for writing in.
Your symptoms are very suggestive of sinusitis. The headache due to sinusitis is usually relieved by applying pressure on the affected part and causes ache behind the eyes as well.
I would suggest you to take steam inhalation 3-4 times a day and see if it helps. Oral decongestants will also provide relief.
Do keep us posted!