What could this be?

Deckard · New User Joined: 14 Apr 2008 Posts: 2

I've had a headache that has lasted just about 3 months with no breaks at all (lasts from when I wake up to when I go to sleep) -- it's focused on my temples mainly, but is a dull ache generally all over, too. I've been to see three doctors, the first two told me it was a tension headache and the third is trying for a sinus headache with antibiotics now -- I'm four days into the course and it's none-the-better, though I do remember having a cold the whole time I have had the headache.

I don't think I have any other symptoms.

I am only 20 and I live in the UK. I am a student and am a very happy person.

I am scared to death this a tumour -- my question is, why hasn't the doctor scheduled me for an MRI after three months of a no-stop headache? Surely it should be just cause to have one?

Any advice would be greatly, greatly appreciated.

Vee Smith · Moderator Joined: 12 Feb 2006 Posts: 685 Location: UK

Headaches are a headache. Most of them are in some way related to a stress in the neck region, and they are very difficult to pin down. If a headache is the sole symptom, I suspect the doctors will consider almost everything else than a tumour. I think you need to give the medication a little longer to work in case it is a sinus problem.

You should consider carefully your posture, particularly when working - one of the biggest reasons for headaches is the way in which people sit at their computer, and laptops are notorious.

Keep in touch with any news.

Deckard · New User Joined: 14 Apr 2008 Posts: 2

Hearing that, I do spend days sitting at the computer (often for 12 hours at a time) and am quite sure my posture is awful -- head bent forwards, back curved and shoulders hunched.

How would I go about figuring out if this was the cause of my headaches, though?

Could posture really cause a constant headache without breaks lasting 3 months?

I feel like I need to get peace of mind, somehow. But maybe I am being overly dramatic. It's all very unnerving having a headache for so, so long.

brainman · Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2008 2:26 pm Post subject: Re: What could this be?

Deckard, I totally agree with Vee that it is probably something other that cancer that is causing your headaches. You should be see your own doctor to try to figure out what is causing them. Yes, bending over a computer for such a long time can either directly or indirectly (by affecting she shape of your spine) cause your headaches over such a long period of time. But only a doctor reviewing your history and ordering tests will be able to tell for sure. It could still be chronic sinus problems.
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Vee Smith · Moderator Joined: 12 Feb 2006 Posts: 685 Location: UK

[quote="Deckard"]Hearing that, I do spend days sitting at the computer (often for 12 hours at a time) and am quite sure my posture is awful -- head bent forwards, back curved and shoulders hunched.

How would I go about figuring out if this was the cause of my headaches, though?

Could posture really cause a constant headache without breaks lasting 3 months?

I feel like I need to get peace of mind, somehow. But maybe I am being overly dramatic. It's all very unnerving having a headache for so, so long.[/quote]

My sister-in-law specializes in back problems and what you describe is what she regards as a classic case of back problems and their effects. As well as continuing to look for an answer from your doctor, consider talking to a postural expert.

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