The all-over-body "headache"--anyone else?

For many years now, I occasionally get what I call a sort of "all over the body" headache--meaning it always starts with a headache and within a few hours, it seems to spread.

I get the usual pressure in my head, behind my eyes, and a general dull throb--not as bad as a really bad headache, but annoyingly constant. Lying down can sometimes help and sometimes make it worse. The headache isn't too bad, but steady enough to make my stomach feel a little disturbed, though not too bad.

It usually lasts about 2 days before it disappears suddenly. I'll sometimes get a tired/drained feeling later, almost like my body is nearly weak with relief!

My doctor's specialty is headaches, but he wasn't overly helpful. He seemed to think it was some type of migraine. I've tried acetaminophen and that relieves it temporarily, usually. Other times I tried sinus tablets which didn't do much and other times my Neurontin, but evidently it's not nerve related, though it can feel like it. My scalp can feel weird and 'hurt' and my doctor said when your hair (scalp) hurts, it's generally nerve pain. But I wonder.

Another odd thing is that I'll often feel chilled, like I have a fever, but when I take my temperature, it's normal. And even in warm weather, putting on a sweater helps a little, as does covering my ears with something. Yes, weird, and why does that help??

Just had another bout of this. It doesn't happen very often; sometimes months apart, and seems more inclined to hit me in cold weather, generally. I get a little relief when I put a really warm wash cloth on my face, do nasal rinses and also steam over boiling water. It's like something is 'stuck' in my head, yet it affects my whole body.

I sure didn't accomplish much the last few days! Even trying to read was tough. I finally ate some really spicy chips last evening and for some reason, felt just fine today! Maybe the spices got things moving out?

Can anyone relate? If so, what helps you?

Thanks for the reply and the link, Sherrine!

That's an interesting article. It sort of dovetails with what you said--sounds like migraines show up in all sorts of ways. Strange how they can go from no pain, to major pain, or something in-between. I generally get the "middle" one, though sometimes the pain can flare.

Yes, a cool cloth and ibuprofen and maybe just slowing the day down sounds like a great remedy! I sometimes turn on super mellow music which relaxes me everywhere!

I think that's good advice, Sharon. Some years back I developed gastritis after surgery (doctor thinks it was caused by the naproxen I took after surgery; not definite, though). I then had to switch to acetaminophen for pain. But--this was several years ago, and I think it's time to give ibuprofen another try. I rarely take any pain reliever so I would guess it's safe to try occasionally.

Excedrin Migraine sounds like it would work well. I do recall taking something with caffeine quite a few years ago for premenstrual headaches, and it did help.

Thanks for you suggestions!