NWR: Sinus Pain!!

I don't know if anyone else is suffering with this right now, but my sinus pain is SO bad right now I want to cry. I literally feel like this is happening to me. So, anyone have any good remedies/medications to recommend to me? I have some SERIOUS pain between my eyes/eyebrows.

Re: NWR: Sinus Pain!!

I have suffered terrible headaches for years that I always thought were sinus headaches. I thought they were sinus related because the pain would come about with a change in the weather and be right between my eyes or near one eye and if I put pressure on that one spot, I could actually relieve the pain.

No over the counter remedies worked however, so I finally went to a neurologist. He diagnosed me with migraines! He said there is no such thing as a sinus headache. People can have sinus infections that include a headache, but he says people can't get a sinus headache without an infection or congestion. He gave me an article to read that addressed this. Apparently, migraines can be caused by a change in the weather! It is quite common!

He prescribed Imitrex for me and it has made my life a LOT better. Now if I could only figure out how to stop the weather from changing!

Try going to a neurologist. Have yourself checked out if you get these headaches a lot. Good luck!

Re: NWR: Sinus Pain!!

I think I am going to check out a neurologist..I can't take it anymore! Do you have an LI dr. to recommend?

Re: NWR: Sinus Pain!!

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Posted by Nautical bride

He said there is no such thing as a sinus headache. People can have sinus infections that include a headache, but he says people can't get a sinus headache without an infection or congestion.

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quite true, I work for an ENT.

Re: NWR: Sinus Pain!!

I work for a Primary Dr. and we always refer our patients to South Shore Neurology. I dont have their # on hand b/c Im not there today but I can FM if your interested.

Re: NWR: Sinus Pain!!

If you could FM, that would be great. I am sniffling & sneezing a bit, so I guess I could have a cold, but I'd like to get the situation checked out!

Re: NWR: Sinus Pain!!

I have both migraines and chronic sinusitis which causes HORRIBLE headaches...

It's really a toss up to what I use on any given day.. I buy sudefed in bulk, im on Naseral a nasal steroid.. AND have my migraine meds if the pain get really really bad... (maxalt mlt)...

Def. go to the doctor.. headaches are horrible to live with .. .Just reminded me to go too! I need another round of antibiotics for the sinus infection i got going on..
My sinuses were so bad once I was on IV meds that i had to carry aroudn in a bag attacheed to a pump..
get it checked out soon, cause lots of things can happen (my eye swelled shut.. )
Its been a nightmare.. but def. get to an ENT first, talk to him about the neurologist... between those two you shoudl have a good idea of how to handle...

Re: NWR: Sinus Pain!!

We have been treating patients very successfully who suffer from chronic migraines with Botox injections.

I have been able to pre-authorize the injections with a few different insurance companies so the injections are covered.

Re: NWR: Sinus Pain!!

Those other suggestions are probably much better than mine but, when I get really bad sinus pressure that causes pain, I usually take Sudafed non drying sinus in the light blue capsule and it helps to relieve some of the pressure.

Re: NWR: Sinus Pain!!

I think if it happens often you should go see the Dr. I get headaches from sinus pressure as well. What I do is boil some water and let my face steam - it opens everything right up and relieves all the pressure. Plus I get a good facial!

Good luck, I know they are so painful...

Re: NWR: Sinus Pain!!

I once read something that said to relieve a headache to hold a pencil btw your teeth. I've done it and I don't know how it works, but it does! I think it helps realign your face muscles and takes the pressure off your sinuses. Try it!! Hope you feel better!

Re: NWR: Sinus Pain!!

Ginny 26 you have FM

Re: NWR: Sinus Pain!!

go see an ENT also.

I had the same problems and turned out I had severe and chronic sinusitis. I had sinus surgery and it made a world of difference for me - I am so much better now. No more migraines and no more terrible sinus infections / sinus pain!

My ENT is in RVC - if you want his info FM me.

Re: NWR: Sinus Pain!!

went to a neurologist who took an MRI to see what was causing my headaches.... he saw that my sinuses were inflammed, not infected which is why 3 different drs. including a well to do ENT said there was nothing wrong with my sinuses... inflammation is not visable from just looking down a throat. Now I'm a big dork and use nose spray everyday, the only way to completely get rid of sinus problems is to go on a long term antibotic, which i opted not to do

Re: NWR: Sinus Pain!!

I have a microwavable sinus mask (eye mask really) that is eucalyptus and mint scented. I put it over my eyes when I get migraines or tension headaches (what I used to think were sinus headaches). It is so soothing and the scent really opens up my sinuses.

I was on Fiorcet and Imitrex but they didn't work for me. I now take Fiornol and I love it. It helps me so much.

This is from the web:

Migraine:
-throbbing, intense pain, generally moderate to severe
-usually one-sided, though the pain can move from side to side, and sometimes affects both sides
-pain is often near the eye of the affected side
-often disabling
-may last hours, days, or even weeks
-in some instances, the Migraine may continue long enough to require an emergency room visit, or even hospitalization, so that stronger medications can be given to break the cycle. (status migrainous)
-often accompanied by visual disturbances and/or extreme sensitivity to light, sound, and odors
-'classic Migraine,' experienced by about 20% of Migraineurs is preceded by warning signs called an 'aura' Migraines without the aura are termed 'common Migraine'

Tension Headache:
-constant, dull pain, usually mild to moderate pain
-not incapacitating
-pain is often accompanied by muscle tightness in the shoulders and neck
-often on both sides of the head
-may last an hour, a week, or anywhere in between
-the pain is often described as a band of pain around the head or 'like a vise'

Sinus/Allergy Headache:
-pain generally mild to moderate
-centered around sinuses, above and below eyes
-pressure often makes teeth ache as well
-may be accompanied by feeling of pressure behind the eyes
-often relieved by decongestants, antihistimines, or other allergy medications.
-often seasonal
-studies have shown that the majority of self-diagnosed sinus headaches are actually Migraine.

Cluster Headache:
-severe, sharp, stabbing pain
-usually on one side of the head, centered around the eye
-almost always severely incapacitating
-occur in clusters of 1 - 4 headaches a day for several weeks, lasting 10 minutes to two hours each, then stopping for months
-on the affected side, the eye tears, and the nose is often stuffy or runny
-most frequent among men
-occur most often in the fall and spring

Re: NWR: Sinus Pain!!

TY all sooo much--makes me feel good that I'm not alone at least!! For my temporary solution, I'm heading home to do that steam remedy!!!
TY again

Re: NWR: Sinus Pain!!

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Posted by LBride

the only way to completely get rid of sinus problems is to go on a long term antibotic, which i opted not to do

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This is not always the case I have severe chronic sinusitus. I've done 2 rounds of LONG term antibiotics , I've been on sprays, I've used almost EVERYTHING possible and nothing has helped. I've opted not to have the surgery yet b/c as far as I've read and heard from patients and Dr.'s it is not a 100% cure and it does not work the same for everyone.

Go see an ENT and/or a neurologist, its your best best for help. good luck

Re: NWR: Sinus Pain!!

I love this thread...the story of my life! So glad to know I'm not the only one spending thousands of dollars on meds to control these damn headaches!
Ok...here's my story...
Went to my PCP about 1 1/2 years ago.
He recommended I go to a Neurologist. I had an MRI that only showed a sinus infection. He put me on a couple of meds one preventative and another for attacks. I find the Zomig ZMT nasal spray works best for me when I have attacks. The preventative meds he put me on also helped aid my weight gain. (Oh goodie!)
After he noticed my weight gain and still many headaches he put me on the Mother of all migraine preventative meds...Topamax a/k/a 'Dopamax'...this med $UCKS! Don't take it! I seriously wouldn't recommend this med to my worst enemy! When I went for the follow-up appt I said I wanted off. I apparently had every side effect. I asked to be off meds after that. I still take the Zomig ZMT for attacks, but thankfully I haven't had much.
Recently at my PCP she suggested I go to an ENT specialist. The ENT specialist said the MRI will ALWAYS show a sinus infection whether you have one or not. After he stuck the scope up my nose and down my throat, then did several other tests he's got me going to a CT Scan for the sinuses. Then he has me going to see the Allergist because it's possible these headaches are Mold related. I lived in an apt with major mold for over 2 years...nice huh?!
Oh...and he diagnosed me with Musculoskeletal Cephalgia...yeah...just a fancy name for Girl with many headaches! He's got me on this regimen with nose spray, etc. until I see the allergist.
I'm to the point where I feel they (ENT Spec/Neuro) have no freakin' clue!

ETA: Oh yeah...one of the side effects for Topamax is weight loss...I wasn't lucky enough to get that side effect!

Re: NWR: Sinus Pain!!

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Posted by 103005FallBride
I'm to the point where I feel they (ENT Spec/Neuro) have no freakin' clue!

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they usually don't

Re: NWR: Sinus Pain!!

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Posted by StreetDoc6531

I work for a Primary Dr. and we always refer our patients to South Shore Neurology. I dont have their # on hand b/c Im not there today but I can FM if your interested.

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