Two Days of Migraine and Spine Pain When Jumping? (30F)
Hello everyone, I’m reaching out because I’m experiencing a migraine that has persisted for two days now, and while it may resemble meningitis, I don’t believe that’s the case since I’m not running a fever, nor do I have any additional symptoms, and my neck feels normal. This headache is quite unusual; the pain is relentless and slightly alleviates when I lie down. However, transitioning from lying to standing or moving from a standing position to sitting triggers this sharp, pulsating pain in my head that subsides shortly after, leaving me with the standard migraine. An additional peculiar symptom is that my spine feels as though it is swollen while I’m walking. That’s genuinely the best way I can articulate it. When I jump, the discomfort in my spine becomes significantly noticeable—any jarring movements cause discomfort. It doesn’t feel like typical back pain, and I find it hard to describe further. 😭 Three years ago, I had a similar episode where I ended up in the emergency room, and after evaluation, they diagnosed me with a tension headache attributed to a “viral illness,” though they never specified which one as they were unable to pinpoint it. I’m at a loss regarding what might have triggered this; I haven’t experienced any injuries or consumed anything unusual. The only relief I’ve found is through combining Ibuprofen 800 mg with Benadryl. Does anyone have any insights on what this could be? I’m somewhat reluctant to visit the ER again since my last experience resulted in a hefty $2,000 bill just for a diagnosis of a tension headache… 😭 Last time, this issue resolved itself in about a week, though the recovery at home was quite challenging. I truly appreciate any guidance or suggestions you might have; I’m feeling quite perplexed and distressed as it’s affecting my ability to spend time with my family or go to work.
Answers (1)
3/24/2025, 9:10:47 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear that you're experiencing such debilitating symptoms. It sounds quite challenging to manage a persistent migraine along with unusual spine pain. Here are some key points to consider regarding your situation and steps you can take:
Main Points
- Your symptoms—persistent migraine, spine discomfort, and the response to changes in position—are concerning but may not necessarily indicate a severe condition like meningitis, especially if no fever is present.
- There could be various contributing factors, including tension headaches, muscular issues, or potential migraine triggers.
Explanation
Migraines can be exacerbated by several factors, including stress, lack of sleep, dehydration, or changes in routine. The fact that your migraine improves with rest suggests it could be tension-related. The discomfort in your spine and the sensitivity to movement when jumping might be linked to muscle tension, spasms, or even nerve irritation, especially if you're noticing swelling or discomfort that feels different from typical pain.
Next Steps
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Hydration and Rest: Make sure you're drinking plenty of fluids and resting in a quiet, dark room when possible. Staying hydrated can also help with headache relief.
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Pain Management: Continue using Ibuprofen as you've found it helpful, but limit your use to the recommended dosage and frequency. Be careful with Benadryl, as it can cause drowsiness; use it only if you find it helps with your symptoms without affecting your daily routine too much.
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Gentle Movement: While it may feel uncomfortable, gentle stretches and very light exercises might help alleviate muscle tension in your back. Focus on slow, controlled movements to avoid exacerbating the pain.
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Apply Heat or Cold: Consider using a heating pad or ice pack on your spine to help relieve discomfort. Heat generally helps with muscle tension, while cold can reduce inflammation.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a diary of your symptoms, noting any triggers, the intensity of pain, and any new symptoms. This can be helpful if you need to follow up with a healthcare provider later.
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Consider Lifestyle Factors: Reflect on any changes in your daily routine or stress levels that might have contributed to this episode. Addressing these factors could help mitigate future incidences.
If your symptoms persist, worsen, or if you develop new symptoms like fever or coordination issues, it's important to seek medical attention sooner rather than later. While I understand your reluctance to return to the ER, sometimes further evaluation is necessary to rule out other causes beyond tension headaches.
Take care, and I'm here to support you as you navigate this. Please keep me updated on your progress!
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