Post Punk Kitchen Forum

what the fizzle?! For the last couple of days I have had really bad intermittant (throbbing) headaches. Can't figure it out-I don't usually get them, I'm hydrated, no new dietary adventures. Any ideas?

Could it be some sort of sinus problem?

Are you around people who wear lots of perfume/cologne? I get the worst headaches when I'm in those kinds of situations, or if people have those room fresheners in their walls, but I'm really sensitive to fake smells.

Go to a doctor, for sure.

I started getting terrible headaches that wouldn't go away (not migrains, I get those sometimes, these were different). The were the throbbing kind too.

I thought it might be sinus related, so I went to the doctor. He said that I probably had TMJ/TMD and to go to my dentist. He was right...I am treating it, sort of, with exercises and wear a mouth guard to protect my teeth now when I sleep.

This. Especially if you don't usually get headaches.

SInuses are clear, and I've talked with a couple of MDs (am an RN, surrounded by the little mustards). Can't figure it out. One of the docs actually mentioned "vegans get headaches a lot". Couldn't tell me why...
It's usually when I wake up (form lying flat?!). Happened again today. Grrr.

Considering that severe headaches when you don't normally get them can be a symptom of some pretty scary stuff, it seems like you should probably have an actual appointment with your doctor?

When I started getting migraines, my first one ever lasted about two weeks, though. I don't know if that's normal at all but who knows...

Yes, please see a doctor.

It can be nothing serious but on the other hand some pretty nasty stuff starts out with just a headache. <3

Update...
Headaches seem to be gone. I recently started taking B12-could that be it?

I get some pretty awesome stress headaches. And from lack of caffeine. And from strong smells. And from everything else ever. Maybe it's one of those.

Lack of caffeine, as creep says, can be a big reason people get headaches. Hormonal reasons and sensitivities to smell are others.
And you brought up dehydration, so it's probably not that.

Another thing to consider would be muscular tension. This causes many headaches, which often come from stress or poor posture. Or maybe transferring a bunch of patients everyday in your working environment? I know nurses have a helluva time trying to keep proper body mechanics while rolling, transferring, and working with patients. Self assess if you are using good body mechanics at work. TMJ problems and jaw clenching would fit in here, as well. One thing we're seeing more of (I work in outpatient physical therapy) are neck pain and headaches when people get new smart phones or i-pads. We flex our neck forward WAYYY to much with these devices, contracting the muscles in the front of our neck and stretching the muscles in the back. This can lead to headaches.

There are many muscles that attach to the head and neck, but two in particular can be culprits when contracted. The little muscles at the base of your skull (occipitals) get tight and cause headaches that start there at the base of your skull. Your sternocleidomastoid, or SCM, on the front of your neck causes headaches that refer pain up into you forehead & behind your eyes. Massage and/or stretching can help with both these. If it's cause by SCM trigger point referral, there is trigger point work you can do to the belly of muscle that can get rid of the headache almost immediately. A Physical Therapist or good Massage therapist should be able to show you how to do that on yourself.

After I posted, I saw that your HA's are gone. I'm glad! Hopefully they won't return, but if they do, maybe the above post will help.

Tenacious-great advice, thanks!! :)
I don't really know what caused them, but glad they are gone. I am just going to pay attention to hydration,rest,and vitamins.