The one symptom over and above all others that you report here on the discussion forum are the headaches, including migraine and nausea, that you suffer from.
How do you manage your headache pain? Let's put together a list of self-help tips to share.
Let me start with:
What are your "go to" self-help remedies?
Feel welcome to include medications that work for you as not everyone has heard of the drug treatments available from their doctors.
I went on line last night to find home remedies and found one with apple cider vinegar. Put two teaspoon in a glass of water and honey if desired, drink this three times a day. This seemed to subside my headaches quite considerably. Been doing this for two days.
My neurologist said never fight a headache. Sleep it off and I find that to be my 1st line of defense. Then ice packs. If that fails, I then take medication prescribed for migraines.
Darken your bedroom. Soothing music helps.
As most chiarians know, sinus and colds increase pressure and makes headaches worse.
Sometimes nothing helps at all.
Neurologist suggested magnesium for inflammation and omega 3s and a non habit forming sleeping pill.
Treatments might work for some, but again each one is different so always check with your doctors for treatment that is best for you.
Some of our doctors prescribe anti seizure medications and some pretty strong drugs. I do not do well with the strong stuff so try to use a milder form of pain treatment.
Nausea medications again your doctors will determine which ones work, with your medical history of what you can or can’t take. A nausea suppository will make you sleepy so therefore can help with both
Don’t be afraid to speak up and let them know what works best for you.
Hands down to help with headaches has been muscle trigger work. One can read up about it being a treatment for migraine headaches but I have yet to have any medical professional actually tell me how to do it. So… I bought a book.
It is titled “The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook” by Clair Davies and sells on Amazon for $15. Fifteen dollars! How much are drugs! (Not saying to stop your medication but jeese - they often do not even work very well). Chapter 4 is where it is at. The book makes many claims on the wonky things that muscle trigger release can help, but Chiari itself is wonky too so I embraced it. Plus, I have a history of car accidents, concussions, and falls which can all place strain on the musculature system. I did all the points in that chapter 2-3 times a day and found a whole lot of pain in my head that I did not know about.
Back up a bit. 3 months ago, I was starting to have headaches on my temple, occiput, and eyebrow. No fun. Stress, activity, and inactivity were mitigating factors. Now, before my surgery I had headaches that kind of felt the same but who knows. Can that crazy Chiari pain activate muscle triggers. Who knows. I don’t. But, I am always up for trying something new - especially cheap and I do not have to suffer the scoffing and disbelief of someone who thinks that I am depressed.
Anyways, a month later of daily workouts (it takes time and effort so you will need to buckle down!) I would say that my head feels much better, lighter, more free in movement without fear. I want to live in my head again rather than my knee where there is no pain. I can sing without my throat hurting after one song, I have gone dancing, watched a movie, written this…
Cons - it is easy to work the muscles too hard and make everything sore. Rest a couple of days then start up again. It takes time and effort.
Ask your trusty medical person it there is any reason why you cannot give it a go and start up!
Good luck if you decide to give it a go and you are welcome to give me a shout if you have any questions
My specialist prescribed me a sleep aid, I understand that that’ll help at night time but I work full time during the day. I can’t be taking something for sleeping because it affects me in the morning. I’ve asked numerous times for something more day time related but nothing.
I’m the type of person who will try anything to help, my solutions might not be the ones for you but this is what always helps me.
Hydrocodone, tramadol, naproxen with another pain reliever, or, if your state permits, medical marijuana for headaches.
Like I said it may not be for everyone but those are what I do when I can it help drastically