Thanks for bringing up this topic. Someone who is not my wife (SWINMW) suffers from chronic headaches, the really crippling kind, and someone who is not me (SWINM) believes they fall into 2 categories: Classic Migraines and "cluster" type stress headaches, where the muscles in her neck and shoulders tighten to the point that they feel like steel cables or 'sheets' of hard material, depending on the muscle type. (SWINM) tries for hours to massage them, starting off slowly, as the merest touch (to (SWINMW), anyway - (SWINM) is 6'6" and 250#. no bruiser by any standard but he does have strong hands,) at first causes (SWINMW) such pain that she cries out - and she's no baby. Evenhtually the massaging does provide some relief, but not enough, and not for long, The only thing that helps are narcotics - in large doses - which we well know is a road to be avoided if at all possible. Imitrex helps with the migraine type, but it knocks her out, and insurance will only pay for 6 doses per month (she's had a headache rated 7+ on a 0-10 scale, she hits 10+ maybe 80% of the time) the doctors script is for 12 doses/month, but we have ot pay cash for more than 6 - @ $90 each, and she often needs 2. Soma helps a good bit but it just knocks her loopy - there's no way she could take it & drive safely or do her job (not a 1st grade teacher w/ 20 kids, at least 5 of whom are screaming or having a fit at any given time.) I really believe that an effective muscle relaxer, whether oral or injections into individual muscles (with a good chart/scan/map for guidance,) would reduce the need for narcotic pain control, possibly completely. Unbelievably tight muscles in her neck/shoulders definitely seem to be the root of the problem, if they could be managed I really believe the headache problem would be SIGNIFICANTLY reduced..
Does anyone know of any med that works specifically on the muscles of the neck, shoulders & upper back, or something that can be injected into specific muscles or areas to reduce tension / relax the muscles in the area?
Thanks,
nunk
I have the same issue since my injury with the muscles of neck and shoulders do the same thing and cause migraines that just won't stay away. It's like you're describing me when you describe the muscles and headaches. They tried all the things on me people have mentioned above.
I had an allergic reaction to Imitrex (rare 1% have it) and almost died, so I can't take it.
They tried Flexeril and Baclofen for the muscle spasms with little effect.
Baclofen is like water. Does absolutely nothing for me.
Flexeril helped slightly for a while but then my body became used to it and didn't work very well after that.
You will probably have to fight the insurance to get this, but has she ever received
Botox injections in the muscles of her neck and scalp for her migraines and muscle spasms?
Nationally known specialist physician group worked with me and doctor gave me Botox injections (they last 3-4 months avg, up to even 6 mos for some people) with lot of jokes about which actress did I want to look like.....
BOTOX INJECTIONS WORKED. I received them 3 times over about 18 month time period - I could really tell a difference of up to 75% less headaches after receiving these treatments (I was having headaches almost constantly, avg 3-5 days/week). The Botox works by slightly paralyzing the muscles that are having spasms. I didn't have any side effects from the Botox, don't think there are any bad ones. The bad part is they are expensive and wear off after several months. Then the headaches probably will return.
But the good news - my doctor told me sometimes while the muscles are under Botox's effect, physcial therapy can do certain exercises with the muscles causing the problem, so that by end of 3 injection treatments, the muscle spasms and headaches are permanently improved or even gone.
Migraines are one of his specialties and that's how he does it - Botox injections to muscles for migraines. Botox and physical therapy over about 1-2 yr period of time, during which she is having less headaches and less muscle spasms because of the Botox. If I was her I would fight for referral to a doctor who specializes in this and try it.
Has she kept a 'food diary' to see if certain foods are aggravating the condition?
I know a woman who was having migraines due to food preservatives (nitrates). She had to start eating all natural foods without preservatives..... she started her own herb garden to season fresh food, etc. Her migraines went away almost 100% but it was difficult lifestyle until she had done it for a while.
Cheese is my downfall. I love it - every kind. But it can cause migraines.
Google - foods that cause migraines, and look at Web Doctor's list to get a start.
Caffeine is supposed to help decrease migraines or stop them if you get to the caffeine in time. Never helped me.
She has probably already done all these things, but as a fellow sufferer of almost exact same problem, I'm offering info I found when I researched it.
Now, can I tell you what I've learned about the muscles that might really help her? I use it on myself with success.
Instead of rubbing around on the muscles, it helps more to gently start at the base of skull and
push with slight pressure each vertebrae and kinda between them - as you go down her spine (probably immediately) you will find extremely sore spots called "trigger points" - that's where one of the spasming muscles is attached to her spine. She'll probably yell 'ouch' or flinch and then you know you have the right area.
Then instead of massaging around, try applying
steady, constant, slightly firm pressure to that sore spot, (you can also try
barely moving in a small circular motion over the 'trigger point') - it will eventually cause the muscle to "release" and stop its spasm. She'll be able to tell because it won't be as painful in that one spot when you push on it, she may notice a difference in headache but probably not until you release most or all the muscles having spasms. You may even feel it relax.
It takes patience and some experimenting, but a physical therapist who worked with me on my migraines and was personally trained by my migraine specialist, showed this to me. It helps me. A lot.
Once one of the 'trigger points' releases a muscle, continue working your way down each area on her neck, you'll find more 'trigger spots'. Repeat what you did with the first area - the constant slightly firm but gentle pressure, with very small circular motion. Keep 'releasing' those muscles all the way to her waist to ensure you release all the muscles that were having spasms. By then she will feel better.
This is how the professional showed me to do this treatment for migraines/muscle spasms and I've done my best to describe it since I can't demonstrate it in person. You will see what I mean - when you find the 1st 'trigger' point and she yells 'ouch' - you know you've found it. Then start the procedure I described.
It's a matter of finding where the muscle connects and somehow this gentle, firm pressure or slight circular pressure on it stops the spasm - there is immediate relief (my neck muscles spasm so hard they pull my vertebrae out of place and after I get the muscles 'released', I have to pop my neck back into place - the doctor teased me and told me I was my own chiropractor LOL.)
While you are doing this, the spot you're pushing may hurt very slightly more at the very beginning - that's normal. You're pushing on a muscle in spasm. But they
always release if you persist with the gentle but firm constant pressure or slight circular pressure on the muscle's attachment point. And when the muscles release, her headache will begin to improve.
Do you live near one of the "Spine and Sports Institute" physician groups? There are several in the nation, all in large cities. They really know what they are doing with migraines. They won't let her suffer since they understand the reality of her pain. Since her problem seems mostly muscular in nature, I believe they would be great to help her. They'll advocate for her with her insurance company, too. Mine did a lot for me, but because I had an injury and neuromuscular problem added to the mix, I couldn't be 'cured'. It's permanent problem for me.
Accupressure points can also help migraines - just google 'how to use accupressure points for migraine headaches'
A good friend of mine goes to a Reiki Master for treatments and swears it has cured her. I can't verify that one.
I hope she finds an answer. I know the agony she suffers. They just ended up putting me on muscle relaxers, time-released pain med, and I do my own releasing of the muscle triggers best I can (since I have no one to help me now).
Migraines are hell on earth.
