Hi Mary41,
Sorry to hear of your headaches. I have experienced headaches and migraines for over 11 years now. When they got worse/change I feel very anxious and I have had 3 MRI scans which have shown no problems, just a little degenerative tissue damage in my neck.
I also have a lot of tension in my head, neck and upper back. You can trust the scans.
Just thought I'd let you know my experiences and how I am now starting to get better.
I've been on numerous meds throughout the year, Amitripyline, Topamax, Sumitriptan, Prednisolone and nothing has helped me. I have seen two different neurologists at my local private hospital and no one has helped me. I've also had Cranial Therapy, Massage, Acupuncture, Chiropractor etc.
It got to the point this year where I was absent through work every now and again and my work decided to put me on an Attendance Improvement Plan and I got given a disciplinary due to my absences.
This of course made me more anxious and upset so I went to my Doctor and said I was at the end of my tether.
He referred me to a charity clinic in London called the City of London Migraine Clinic as he had referred another patient who had success there.
I had to do 3 months of headache diaries and when I was assessed I was advised that my condition was migraine with and without aura/tension headaches and medication overuse headache.
The Doctor told me to take no painkillers with caffiene in them as that is what I was doing and to take Ibruprofen and/or Aspirin as a painkiller. I was also advised to drink 2 litres of water every day, limit my caffeine intake, eat regularly and not too late and relax more.
I followed this advice and was put on Amitripyline 10mg a day. I am now 4 weeks down the line and I feel 70% better already. Some days I don't have a headache and that's a miracle for me as it's almost unheard off and I finally feel like I am getting some sort of life.
I am also having Physiotherapy now and the Physio has advised me that my neck has basically stopped working and my back and top of my shoulders have been compensating for my neck. I had to do neck exercises on my first visit and I literally had trouble doing it. 3 weeks down the line, I feel so much better and can do this. My physio says the neck has eased up a lot and I do not feel as stiff anymore.
Just wanted to tell you you are not alone and just wanted to say things can get better if you get the right advice/help. I wish I'd had the advice I was given in the last 3 months, 10 years or so ago as may have had a better life all along!
Dawn