HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

headaches

Support Forums
>
Ulcerative Colitis
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 7/29/2012 5:37 PM (GMT 0)
Dear All, there have been tons of discussions on headaches. I can't seem to get a hold on mine. I get these pressure headaches, which are usually when I'm tired and have gas. If I don't take something immediately the headache gets worse and lasts days sometimes. I monitor my food most of the time, but find it impossible to do so all the time. I never drink wine, and have a beer about once every few months.
Any natural ways to reduce the pain?
Best, teacher
Posted 7/29/2012 5:50 PM (GMT 0)
Could is be the Apriso and Canasa/ 5-ASA drugs cause headache too!

The only thing that seems to work for my tension headaches is some caffeine. If I'm really in a jam I'll use Relpax.
Tylenol does nothing for me.
Posted 7/29/2012 5:55 PM (GMT 0)
Depends on the reason you're having them. If it's sinus related (which is quite possible), using sinus lavage such as a Neti or NeilMed (mix with water) bottle. Works really well.

If the reason you have it is tension related, then massage or chiropractics is very helpful.

You could try accupuncture, reflexology, relaxation exercises, aromatherapy...etc.

Maybe you could try using the Headache formula ones with caffeine or the one for body aches which has a muscle relaxant.

ARe you drinking enough water? Could you be hungry when they start...sometimes eating something might help.

The weather fluctuations are crazy, for many of us...that can cause headaches.

If you're female, it could be hormonal related. In that case, maybe the one for periods would help.

If you have nausea with your headaches then using an antinausea with it can help.

If it's sinus related, you could try the Tylenol sinus.

some options...
q
Posted 7/29/2012 7:44 PM (GMT 0)
Headaches can actually be a sign of food intolerance, also gas, and inflammatory bowel diseases as a whole. I would assume either you are

1. Not drinking more than enough water.
2. Have a food intolerance
3. Are deficient in certain vitamins/minerals
4. Experiencing side effects from your medicine.

I take oral mesalamines (Asacol) and have experienced these 2 day-long headaches that just don't quit.

1. Have your blood work/standard blood test done.
2. Eliminate trigger foods and possible allergens for a few days (Wheat/gluten, dairy, nuts, soy, egg, shellfish, etc)
3. Check with your doctor on the side effects of your meds.
4. Drink water. :)
Posted 7/29/2012 11:55 PM (GMT 0)
I have similar symtoms.  Try drinking plenty of water (and I mean drink at least 8 oz an hour) and applying moist hot packs to your head.  Mine are usually located on the back side of my head almost at the base of my skull and comes forward to what feels like the back of my eyes.  A dry heat pad also helps but I have found the moist packs to work a little better.  Hydrating is the key though, IMO.

 

Posted 7/30/2012 12:11 AM (GMT 0)
do you take vit D? anytime i am out of vit D, i start getting horrible headaches that put me out for days- not able to stand or function. now, i make sure to always keep it in the house.
Posted 7/30/2012 3:30 AM (GMT 0)
No one mentioned adequate sleep yet, so I am!
Posted 7/30/2012 3:57 AM (GMT 0)
I only disagree with one thing: Do not see a chiropractor for headaches if the treatment involves neck manipulation--done in such a way that it could increase blood pressure and therefore risk of stroke.
Posted 7/30/2012 5:59 AM (GMT 0)
Yes, for those who would be predisposed to probably having a stroke in the first place.

Chiropractics has many ways to deal with headaches.

q
Posted 7/30/2012 6:22 PM (GMT 0)
The only thing that works for my headaches is Aleve, which is not really good for us UCers to take since it can cause stomach ulcers...but it's the only thing that works for my headaches. My GI said it's fine for me to take once or twice a week if I don't notice any gut pain/symptoms after I take it, which I don't. Good luck...headaches suck.
Posted 7/30/2012 9:09 PM (GMT 0)
Good point Sara,

I would recommend taking extra strength Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Equaline pain reliever (also acetaminophen) non NSAIDS, they tare our stomachs apart.
Posted 8/1/2012 2:00 PM (GMT 0)

 

Try Braggs Apple cidar vinegar with mother (the mother is that settlement bit at the bottom) its a natural alternative. I take 1/2 teaspoon in a glass of water. The bottle says 1 teaspoon but try 1/2 teaspoon first and if that doesn't hurt your body then try 1 teaspoon.

 

I suffer from headaches as well, they used to be more like migranes where the pain would be this excruciating throbbing at the sides of my eyes and then work backwards straight down the centre of my head later radiating throughout my entire head. Vomiting would also follow. I wouldn't take any medications for it (as I have primary sclerosing cholangitis- liver condition, in addition to my UC).

I truly believe that the underlying cause of headaches associated with UC can also be due to indigestion. Our intestines are essentially wounded, they are living wounds within our bodies so undoubtedly they can't properly breakdown and digest our foods which is one their primary function.

The time that you eat as well I found is quite important, eating before 9:00pm helps too. I also really believe in exercise as means of preventing the onset of a headache. I'm not sure if you have access to a gym or just a walking track where you can take a jog or walk but I truly recommend it. I do group classes at a gym and really sweat, which not only has drastically helped with my UC but also my headaches.

Posted 8/5/2012 4:23 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks very much! I agree much of it is indigestion. And lack of sleep. I never seem to sleep well and I suspect that is also related to my gut. Once I'm up I can't go back to sleep and then it's time to get to work. So that's the start of a rough day and the headaches follow. Somehow, I don't know if I can ever get used to the pain.
Best!
Teacher
Posted 8/8/2012 12:15 PM (GMT 0)
You’re very welcome! I truly hope it works for you. I'm very sorry you have to endure so much pain; I truly understand how debilitating headaches are. I believe its bad enough having to deal with daily pain of UC without the extra suffering that comes specially with headaches. I also really again recommend exercise, just make sure its something that makes you really sweat. I can imagine it must be very difficult having to balance work, but maybe try on the weekends. Even if you do some exercise at home, (like star jumps or crunches, run on the spot). Exercise from my experience also helps with sleep, especially if you go for a jog or take a class at night around 6-7pm, helps regulate the blood flow.  
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply