Despression Causing Muscle Problems and Headaches?

Question

Hi. I am a 22 year old male and a recent college graduate. However, over the past 2 years, I have been experiencing varying levels of headaches and muscle pain. It has seemed to get worse over time and rest and relaxation does not seem to provide much help. I generally suffer from stiff neck and shoulder muscles and tension in the muscles in my temples and jaw. I can quite literally feel these sore muscles tensed. In addition, these problems have been coupled with problems in reading comprehension and memory/recall, especially when the stiffness/soreness flares up.

When these problems first started, I tried both getting help from both my primary care phy. and a neurologist specialist. After a CT scan, EEG, and blood tests, nothing has turned up. My primary care phy. was worried that I might be suffering from mild depression and put me on a 100mg of zoloft. 6 monthes later, I tried to slowly come off it because I didn't like the "even-keel, carefree" feeling it gave me. Also, it seemed to just mask the discomfort and make me not worried about my inability to focus.

2 monthes later, I had to get back on the zoloft after not being able to deal with the discomfort back at school and the pressure of trying to do well in school when I felt I couldn't remember/think correctly and recall info well. Since then, I have continued on the zoloft, taken fewer credits and taken it easy on myself physically, but I still suffer from discomfort in my neck, temples, and shoulders/back.

I often feel better if I have not been reading/using a computer, by exercising in the mornings, massaging my own back/temples, and short naps when the discomfort has built up.

My doctor has tried very hard to convince me that my problems are psychological (chemical?) and that everything he has seen has pointed towards me being a physically healthy individual. I have sought out mental help (therapists) in the past but now think it may be time to see a psychiatrist to manage other medications to help me out (but I really dislike being on any kind of antidepressants/etc!)

What do you think? Could my problems really be depression related? Other mental problems? I have also considered going to a physical therapist (although my doc disagrees). Thoughts?

Thanks for your help!

This discussion is related to Depression causing headaches?.

aba1280 · Answer

just to add to the discussion and find some answers.. my partner has just been prescribed anti depressants saying it is to treat tension headaches problem is we believe it is something different as he started getting these headaches after a possible injury. The headaches are constant and rate about a 8/10 in pain level, the headaches have been continuous for 3.5weeks now he has had a lumber puncture and it returned high levels of protein.  In the 2nd week we were old that it was not tension headaches purely because the pain is constant and is only managable when he is flat on his back.  He is only able to be up on his feet for a maximum of 2hrs a day but this is only in short bursts ranging from 5 to 20 minutes at a time.  Anyonw with any advice or answers to our delema would be appreciated greatly.

DrNoopurMD · Answer

Hi,

How are you?
Some of your symptoms could be due to bad posture especially since you mentioned sitting in front of your computer causes neck stiffness and shoulder tension.
It is possible that you may have a slight disc herniation or cervical spondylosis. 
I would suggest you to do some neck exercises every day and continue with the neck massage.
Just take it easy for a while and make sure you get enough physical exercise during the day. This will help reduce your anxiety and depression.
Take care!