sinus headache or migraine

[chelle545]

After visiting with the doctor yesterday due to a sinus infection I decided to confess to her about my headaches.  :)  Headaches that start behind my left eye, always the left.  After several of these headaches, starting about 10 years ago, I finally found that Benedryl with a decongestant takes care of it.  However, the longer I wait to take the Benedryl the longer it takes to get it under control.  So then it radiates to the back of my head and into my shoulder.  I have noticed a severe change in weather or altitude is a major culprit.  I thought it was allergies due to the fact that I get alot of them in the spring even though I'm taking Zyrtec and Singulair.  Ibuprofen does nothing for the headache, like I said it's Benedryl and nothing else.  My doctor said something interesting.  She said it's probably tension migraines due to arthritis somewhere in my shoulder or neck.  When the weather changes, the arthritis flares up and pulls on the muscle that runs from my shoulder to the front of my face making me think it's sinus.  The Benedryl works because the antihistamine acts a a muscle relaxer.  Anyone ever experience this or hear of such a thing?  

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
Aside from physical therapy, massages and high doses of ibuprofen, anti-inflammatory medications and muscle relaxants can help.  Try to avoid stress and you can also try relaxation techniques such as biofeedback or  psychotherapy and other relaxation techniques. With regards to ibuprofen, make sure that you have food intake and that you only take it as prescribed to prevent long term problems with your liver. Take care and do keep us posted.

[chelle545]

Thank you so much for your feedback.  I'm actually glad to hear this as I live in Oregon and if it was sinus related then I don't really have a chance!  lol  But then again, Oregon is not very friendly to arthritis either.  :)  So a couple of options that were presented to me were: PT which I don't think my insurance covers, messages, Glucosamine and high doses of ibuprofen during the times when the weather is very unstable, which is Spring time.  These options are not effective immediately but will help in the long run, hopefully.  Any other suggestions?

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
There are indeed headaches associated with arthritis which present with pain at the back of head or neck. This usually intensifies on movement and may be caused by inflammation of the blood vessels of the head or bony changes in the structures of the neck.  This can easily affect the muscles and other structures in the area. And this can be concomitant with tension headaches which is due to stress from the condition. Take care and regards.

[Eddie1994]

Interesting!  Didn't know this and here is somemore info:  ORPHENADRINE - Discussion:  Initial FDA approval was in 1959.  It is structurally similar to the antihistamine "diphenhydramine" (AKA Benadryl)!  Sorry, it won't help with your sneezing though.

I'll ask my wife if she wants to try OTC Benedryl (if its available that way.)  But you also helped me find another avenue for treating my wife's migraines.  I'm will ask my wife's neurologist whether a TENS unit might be tried to alleviate the pain.  At this point we'll try most anything leagal and safe.  Good luck!