Do you take OTC pain relievers like advil, tylenol, or excedrin to help relieve your chronic tension headaches? And if so, how often do you take them?

no. i was taking amitryptiline before my doctor changed me to zolmitriptan. what do you know about chronic tension headaches? rsvp.

Well I know giving you triptans won't work because they only work on migraines, not tension headaches. I'm wondering how you diagnosed yourself as having tensions headaches which are characterized by throbbing pain in your temples with tightness across the forehead if the only thing you had soreness on a piece of your scalp. Or did a doctor diagnose you, and what type of doc was it? I ask because if it was a regular PCP, they could have diagnosed you incorrectly and perhaps that's why you haven't found relief.

Also, regardless of WHAT type of headache it originally WAS.....once it becomes chronic, it is then labeled as "chronic headache". That becomes much harder to treat than just an occasional tension headache. Since you have become chronic, you are now considered in a different category, and alternative treatment methods need to be found. That takes trial end error.

I do hope they try other meds on you. If you are just being seen by a PCP, maybe consider seeing a neurologist for help with your headaches.

I wish you the best of luck!

You need to see a Neurologist. Some specialize in chronic headaches.

Based on what you said. The pain is not severe enough to prevent you from working. It from performing Activities Of Daily Living.

What does your doctor say is causing the sore place on your scalp ? It does not sound like that is the cause of your headaches.

I take botox for my chronic headaches. As to their cause, I have multiple sclerosis. I agree you should see a neurologist. Headaches could mean a serious underlying issue.

Actually, Serotonin receptor agonists, like Triptans help to reduce both migraines and episodic tension headaches.

Just like Tricyclic antidepressants like Amitriptyline is used to prevent the headaches.

You said you "know exactly" what caused your Tension Headaches, I'm curious to know what that is?

Tension headaches are usually caused by stress, either Physical or Emotional, anxiety or a head injury.

Unfortunately as with all major chronic types of headaches, it's no always possible to "cure" them, so focus is on treating them. Headaches involve the brain, nerves, and blood vessels in the head for the most part, some also involve the Central Nervous System. The thing is these aren't things that Dr.'s can just jump in and start taking apart to see what's broke.

If you've not seen a Neurologist/Headache Specialist that would be your next step. If your taking alot of OTC NSAIDS or Tylenol, those can cause rebound headaches, so make sure your sticking to what your Dr. has you on.

I've had Cluster Migraines for 12 years now, there is no "cure" there's just treatment and managing. It sucks, but we know roughly 20% about the brains mechanics and pharmacology.....

Still interested in what you think caused your tension headaches...

Take care.

i had tiny birthmarks on by my eyes, temple, nose, other parts of face and i stressed myself out to the point where i simply developed chronic tension headache! i was diagnosed by a physician at a public county government hospital! at first i was taking amitryptiline but then it stopped working and my doctor changed my medication to zolmitriptan for whatever reason it was at her discretion. i literally stressed myself out to where i know have this chronic tension headache! what do you guys think? rsvp. thanks.

You need to see a psychologist. They can help you deal with your stress

Doctors at public hospitals are still in training. You need to see an experienced doctor.

How old are you ?

Ditto.

You need to lean coping skills to deal with the stress. Psychological stress triggers can cause very real and very painful physical pain. A Medical Dr. can't teach what you need for that, a Psychiatrist or Psychologist can.

Zolmitriptan is an "on-set" medication, not a preventative. Having said that, its doubtful that a preventative med would do anything when its Psychological Stress that's causing the headaches.

There are some more non-traditional options to try....hypnosis, acupuncture.

Whatever you choose, you need to see a Dr. who has some experience in this matter.

I don't know how often you took the triptans, but they do not work for tension headaches. They can work if you are diagnosed with BOTH tension and migraine, but not tension alone. So if you took them often, you could have put yourself into a rebound cycle which is very hard to come out of.

If these are still just tension headaches, then you have to get rid of the stress. That is the treatment protocol. Hot showers, occasional use of tylenol and advil for the pain. But you have to work on the stress. Meditation, yoga, or if this birthmark causes you so much stress, see a therapist.

But as stated previously, if you now have chronic daily headaches, that is harder to treat and will probably need to see a neurologist. However, seeing a therapist may go a very long way to put you on the road to recovery if this is about stress over your birthmark.

I wish you the very best of luck.