neck pain and headache

[lorasaur]

For the past week I have had a strange headache. It starts at the base of my skull on the left back side and feels like something is pushing up under my skull and on my neck, and radiates upward into my head, staying on the same side. The pain starts usually at bedtime, when I lay down to go to sleep. During the day the pain is barely there, but I feel groggy all day and my eyes feel like i've been staring at a computer screen all day (which I don't). Today and yesterday the tiredness has been worse and the pain has been around all day. naps and rest don't help at all.
If anyone has any clues as to what could be wrong, they would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Lora

[patricias213]

Maybe its migraines headache that you are getting, im not sure. You should go see your doctor about it. Hope you feel better.

[Still Nobody]

For the past week I have had a strange headache. It starts at the base of my skull on the left back side and feels like something is pushing up under my skull and on my neck, and radiates upward into my head, staying on the same side. The pain starts usually at bedtime, when I lay down to go to sleep. During the day the pain is barely there, but I feel groggy all day and my eyes feel like i've been staring at a computer screen all day (which I don't). Today and yesterday the tiredness has been worse and the pain has been around all day. naps and rest don't help at all.
If anyone has any clues as to what could be wrong, they would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Lora

That sounds like the severe tension (stress) headaches that I get. Every doctor that I've been to has diagnosed them as either tension or cluster headaches. From your description, some of symptoms sound like a tension headache and other symptoms sound like a cluster.

There is plenty of info on the web about different headaches, the symptoms and potential treatments, but one thing they both have in common for me is stress.

Are you under a lot stress?

When I get them I use all kinds of things to get rid of them. I usually start with the Excedrin Tension headache, and then I get an icepack out of the freezer and then I turn on my heating pad. Going back and forth between the cold and hot really seems to help, believe it or not.

The most important thing for me, though, is trying to relax, and just getting my mind off of the things that are causing the stress.
I try to meditate, but I don't do it like they do in the movies, sitting with my legs crossed and with my hands resting on my knees, or anything like that. I make sure my back and my neck are straight, with no slouching, because that just hurts more. I just try to get my mind on things away from me and my life.
I hope you feel better.