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Montana
Posts: 22048
Location: New Brunswick, Canada
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Has anyone ever had a tension headache that lasted several weeks?
I had a head cold which started several weeks ago (around 5-6 weeks) and the headache started in the front working it's way to the back of my head. Now it's been stuck there for about a month now and it just won't go away.
I've been majorly stressed lately and it feels just like a tension headache, but I've never had a headache last so long.
Just wondering if tension headaches can last this long.
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Montana
Posts: 22048
Location: New Brunswick, Canada
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I'd also like to know what over the counter meds work best for tension headaches.
I've been taking Acetaminophen ever 4-6 hours for the past few days, but it helps very little. I want to grab something at the drug store tomorrow, but there's so much stuff out there these days, I don't know what's what.
I hear Advil is good. Any suggestions?
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Butrflynet
Posts: 5170
Location: Citrus Heights (Sacramento), CA
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Where in the back of the head? At the center where the largest part of the skull is or lower down, closer to the neck? Have you taken your temperature to ensure it isn't some kind of low grade fever?
What kind of work/exertion have you been doing lately, or has anything changed in the way of ergonomics such as a new chair, a new bed pillow, or a newly repositioned chair height, or new desk height, etc?
Are you working around any strong fumes, and have you checked your house and car for excessive carbon monoxide fumes?
Here's the Mayo Clinic's write up on tension headaches.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/tension-headache/DS00304
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Montana
Posts: 22048
Location: New Brunswick, Canada
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Thanks Butterfly 
It started with a head cold in the front of my head and worked its way back, then stopped in the back. It's at the very bottom of the back of my head and top of my neck area.
It feels the same as any tension headache I've had and when I look up headaches, it falls directly under tension headaches.
I've had vast amounts of stress lately, which I think is the cause, but since it all started with the head cold, I'm thinking it may just be that lingering.
I've just never had a headache for this long and it's beginning to drive me a bit nuts.
Not exposure to any chemicals that I know of or anything like that. No recently new pillows or bed. Same as usual, except the tension has been on extra high lately.
Going to check out your link.
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Montana
Posts: 22048
Location: New Brunswick, Canada
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Very informative link Butterfly. I have been getting much less exercise as usual lately, which it says can contribute to tension headaches and I really haven't been eating right, so those things can contribute.
I'm going to try to change those things and get myself back to where I was.
Thanks again
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Phoenix32890
Posts: 24679
Location: With the birds and the alligators.
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Montana- I have no idea what it is that you have...............and neither do you. It seems to me that a headache that lasts for a month is worthy of a look-see by a medical professional.
It could be nothing at all, or it could be something more serious. If it were me, I would get myself to an internist as quickly as possible.
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Izzie
Posts: 10075
Location: Dartmoor, England!
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Hey Montana
I agree - I know you are under a lot of pressure right now and certainly having a tension headache is likely - get this interview out the way and hopefully a fresh start and see if it eases off a little. I would certainly go back to the doc tho and get it checked out. I get problems with my neck which causes pain up the back of my head - more so when I start feeling the pressure and am a little less relaxed - certainly a good massage would do you a world of good  (if only a?) but a trip to the doc maybe a wise move if it continues.
Thinking of you and know in a few hours you will be "shining" in front of prospective employers - keep strong and focused and try not to be nervous - hopefully later on you can shed some of the worries and maybe the headaches will decrease. xox Talk soon!
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Chai
Posts: 15418
Location: Austin, Tx
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I agree with Phoenix, you're self diagnosing something that has gone on way past the norm.
Could be high blood pressure, have you had yours checked?
As Izzie suggests, a massage sounds appropriate.
Tension headache = contracted muscles in head and neck.
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Montana
Posts: 22048
Location: New Brunswick, Canada
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Thanks girls. I know I need to see the doc if it keeps up, but I'm going to give it a little more time. I have a job intervier at 1:30 and of course that's my priority for the day.
The head cold lingered for about 3 weeks and worked it's way to the back of my head where it has lingered ever since, so even though I shouldn't assume, I think the combination of the head cold and the major tension I've had lately are the culprit.
I can feel the tension go right down the back of my neck right to my shoulders and that's a feeling I know well. I use to get so tight in that area years ago when I was bartending, my doc would give me valium every six months or so for a week just to loosen me up. Worked like a charm.
A massage would be heaven and if I had the $, I'd get me one. Everything is in knots.
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Noddy24
Posts: 27693
Location: Brave New World
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Montana--
Make an appointment with a doctor. Your symptoms have been going on for a month!
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Posted: Tue May 13, 2008 11:50 pm 
