MHAM Blog Challenge, Day 20: Star Trek Generations

What role do Migraine / Headache Disorders play in your family history? Do others live with it? Does this make a difference in how you talk about it?

I'm kind of failing the blog challenge right now, guys. Hopefully this weekend I will be able to play some catch-up.

I know most everyone in my family (particularly on my mom's side) have experienced migraine once or twice in their lives, but my uncle and I seem to be the only two who have continued to experience them on a more frequent basis.

We've both been through a lot of the same things: Neck issues, sleep issues, jaw issues, and so on. We've seen the same chiropractors and reflexologists in the past, and we've been able to share some experiences. My aunt (his wife) and I usually discuss my and his progress when we're together, and share ideas and advice with each other.

In one way, having an older family member also go through the same experiences has been nice. For instance, my uncle was offered a twin-sized Tempurpedic bed because someone knew he had sleep / neck / headache problems. Since it was a twin, he wasn't really interested, but I was the first person he thought of who might want it (and I did). It was like sleeping on a very comfy cloud for several years, and I highly recommend them if you ever get the chance. They are worth the price, I think.

Anyway, it's nice to have someone else in the family who relates, and who can empathize with me.

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June, Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, is dedicated to Unmasking the Mystery of Chronic Headache Disorders. The Migraine and Headache Awareness Month Blog Challenge is issued by FightingHeadacheDisorders.com.

Jaw Tension Massage

This isn't a technique I've yet, but it's also one I've never seen before. It may be worth giving a shot next time my jaw is sore or I feel an oncoming tension headache.


What are some massages and techniques that you've tried for tension pain?

My Story - Where it All Started, Part 3

I've been spending the past few months sleeping with a splint at night and having my TMJ dentist polish my teeth to get a proper alignment. I rarely find my jaw sore after talking or smiling anymore, and I don't seem to be getting nearly as many random, middle of the day headaches as I used to.

I'm continuing to see my chiropractor and I moderate my caffeine intake. I can honestly say that I feel the healthiest I've felt in years.

I still fight the battle with Excedrin some mornings, but it is an uphill struggle. I know I can do get past this, but I refuse to do what I did last time. I'll find a healthier way, I'm sure.

I don't think my battle against brain-pain is over for good... I don't think it ever will be (maybe post-menopause?). But better is always better than worst.

But that's enough about me. What about you? What's your story? Do you or someone you know struggle with headaches and their causes? My goal is to make this blog a community where everyone can share their stories and solutions, in the hope that others will be able to share that same great feeling. Together, maybe we can make this community the cure :)

My Story, Part 2 (the uphill climb)

I think the cover of Heal Your Headache is what initially captured my attention, and David Buchholz seemed to know exactly what I was going through. The first I thing I learned was that I needed to cut caffeine and fix my diet (surprise!), and eventually, my headaches would become manageable.

After cutting my high caffeine intake cold-turkey and living through the worst (and only) withdrawal-related, three day migraine of my life, I took Buchholz's next suggestion. I went back to the doctor for preventative medications and received Topamax (later to become my worst enemy).

For a couple years, I did okay. Everything seemed to be going well enough. Then, when I transferred schools, things started acting up again. I restarted the battle with Excedrin, and saw my Imitrex counts rise again. Finally, after my first senior year, I saw a neurologist.

The neurologist helped with nothing. He put me on a higher dosage of Topamax and gave me cortisone shots (aka occipital nerve blockers) in the back of my skull and neck in an attempt to relieve the tension. Soon after, my periods became incredibly irregular, my hair started falling out, and the headaches seemed to be getting worse. Now what?? Ignoring what the neurologist recommended, I cut the Topamax and continued to see a chiropractor. I haven't seen the inside of a neurology clinic since.

It was said chiropractor who seemed to be doing me the most good. After transferring schools, it'd been a year or so before I settled down and realized I should start seeing a chiro again. Not only did she adjust my spine, she worked hard to ensure I was eating well and staying as stress-free as possible - key elements to staying happy and healthy.

For a while, I was feeling pretty good - despite my complaints of jaw pain. It was my mother who suggested I ask my dentist for ideas. At a routine cleaning, I told my dentist of my jaw issues, and he referred me to another local dentist who specialized in TMJ problems. I learned that not only was I grinding my teeth on a nightly basis, but my bite was also misaligned. This was causing my jaw to overwork itself, and jaw problems can lead to headaches. 

There's one more shorter chapter to this story. Click here to continue on to Part 3, or here to reread Part 1.