Constant headaches for young person

Angj812

New Member

Joined : Sep 2009

Posts : 1

Posted 9/13/2009 2:39 PM (GMT 0)

Hi everyone I'm new to the forum so a quick intro; I am a 19 year old full time university student just starting my second year. For the past few years that I can remember I've had headaches pretty much every day. Last year I finally went to the optometrist and got glasses which I was supposed to wear during classes and whenever I read. I got into the habit of wearing them all day at school and then not at home and for a short time the headaches became lest frequent but then started up on a regular basis again. I am also working part-time at Wal-Mart and will get a headache within an hour of being at work (although whether or not thats from customers i'll never know!). Lately i've been experiencing very painful migraines that are making me nauseous and unable to get out of bed. The pain comes all across my forhead and in my temples and I will experience the pounding sensation that is sometimes unbearable.
The only medication I take is ibuprofen or acetaminophen that my mom has around the house and they barely work most of the time. I havn't gone to my doctor yet because I didn't think it was too serious but any information would be greatly helpful!

korbnep

Regular Member

Joined : May 2007

Posts : 330

Posted 9/13/2009 7:01 PM (GMT 0)

Welcome.

All else aside, daily or near daily headaches for an extended period of time is more than serious enough to warrant seeing a physician. That's not to say that you should worry about some severe underlying problem, but the effect of chronic daily headache on quality of life alone is more than enough cause to make an appointment. There's just no reason for you to continue to live with chronic pain with some many effective headache treatment options available.

Other than that you might consider trying to pinpoint specific headache triggers, possibly by keeping a headache log. It sounds like eye strain, work-related stress and possibly the harsh lighting that you probably stand under every day at work could be a few. If you can isolate specific triggers then you can take steps to remove them from your life.

Another very important thing to keep in mind is the ever present risk of rebound headaches. Taking painkillers (like acetaminophen and ibuprofen) more than a few times a week can exacerbate your existing headaches and even trigger more.

I really hope you decide to see a doctor--I know how crummy it is to live with chronic headaches and if you can control or eliminate them then you really owe it to yourself to do so. Good luck!

Ben

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