Anxiety and Tension headaches
Posted , 3 users are following.
Hello,
So for the last 3 months or so I have had tension headaches that just won't shift - It's definitely anxiety caused. Everymorning I just wake up exhausted and have quite bad neck and shoulder pain.
Lately though the muscle pain has gotten worse and I am getting dizzy spells. It just feels like I have a lot of pressure around my head as in a tight band pressing in and my ears feel completely blocked. My movements sometimes just feel so surreal, it's strange. It knocks me sick some mornings! The dizzy spells are getting worse and more frequent. It's horrible trying to act normal in work, but the room is spinning with every step! 
I have also started getting leg tension as well now (probably standing to stand firmly to hold ground when dizzy), especially in the calves. I am limping around with the tension and it's driving me insane.
Has anyone got any tips to ease this tension please? OTC meds just aren't touching it anymore 
0 likes, 6 replies
Sillymop thomas96833
Posted
I have this too be instead of dizzy spells I have vertigo... I think the only thing you can do is accept it is anxiety and try to remain calm... If possible. Like you I also have headaches - but a few months ago I had a headache that went on and off for a week - it was awful. I found resting as much as possible helped, as did warm baths and I also tried to meditation. In the end the headache broke and now I just get the odd annoying one that sometimes lingers.
You hold yourself so different when tense - but I have learnt this year that you hold yourself differently when dizzy, too. Like you some days my body just aches. I try to stay warm and use hot water bottles on achey areas. Warm drinks help as they make me feel soothed.
I think you just have to really give yourself some TLC. It's not so easy at work, though.
If you find anything that helps with either your dizzyness or aches please let me know
thomas96833 Sillymop
Posted
Thanks Sillymop.
I know what you mean. I can feel how tensed up I am when out and about on my own. Trying to correct and stay calm is often easier said than done though sadly
Some days though in work it's literally all day, there is no repsite. I try to keep as busy as possible but it's exhuasting. I have just reduced my hours from 12 to 8 hour days now. See if that helps this week.
Weird I find I am worse on the quiet days in the office. Just sititng around with nothing to distact me is hell when you're whole body is screaming to run out the room haha.
It's a pain, but it always seems to be just one thing after another with this Anxiety rollercoaster.
Warm baths and muscle soak help to an extent. The only thing I have found for the tension is Nurofen tension headache relief. It's Iburprofen with Lysine. I only take this when it's pretty bad though and it's no long term cure.
The doctor wants to start me on Sertraline and I do agree I need it. However just reluctant to start it after a bad experience with Fluoxetine.
Thanks for the help
Sillymop thomas96833
Posted
I tried Sertraline but found I couldn't take it myself But I know plenty who get on with it just fine. I believe it is just a case of finding what works for you.
I can relate to you in terms of being tired and dealing with anxiety. Some days it's almost unbearable and I find it actually makes you feel ill. This, combined with the aches and tension headaches....ugh.
I will keep what you recommended for tension headaches in mind. Currently I've only been taking pain killers if it feels particularly bad as I mostly find that pain killers don't really help. The only thing that does is calming down. At the moment my anxiety seems to be high again and so the headaches return...
I yes, anxiety is a roller coaster
lisalisa67 thomas96833
Posted
thomas96833 lisalisa67
Posted
Hello,
Thank you for your suggestion!
Sure enough I went to my dentist this morning, explained what was up and I have evidence of grinding my teeth apparently. Pretty badly on the back, need a filling or two now. He has confirmed TMJ. My jaw also cracks when opened which is a sign of to much strain apparently and is what is causing the headaches through the pressure of which builds up. Typical of Anxiety and stress really.
He is making me a mouth guard to help at night, it should protect my teeth and cushion the grinding apparently.
Also spoke to the doctor (again - they must have be coming in)
He has prescribed amitriptyline at 10mg. It's another antidepressant but at such a low dose. He said it will help sleep as it's sedating (currently averaging 3/4 hours!), ease the muscle tension and prevent tension headaches / the leg pain. The side effects as always seem horrendous but will give them a go tonight and see how I am. He assured me at such a low dose, you won't get many side effects other than tiredness as it should wear off by the morning when taken early evening.
Feeling a little more re-assured now. Hope these tablets work miracles haha. Sleep is half the battle in itself!
Thank you both
NervousNelly25 thomas96833
Posted
Hi thomas I also have been having a lot of anxiety and gettting headaches that won't go away. I have had mine for 2 weeks and they have left me for 1 minute. I went to the doctors and he checked me and an said everything is fine and you are just to tense. Since i went i havn't been to anxious but they are still here. I feel the same way you do, I feel like nothing works i have tried diffrent meds. So your not alone and we will push through this together and we will be fine. Good luck, I also just read down below that your doc has given you antdepressnats hope they work for you.