Pea of Sweetness

What are Cervicogenic Headaches?

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I know I’ve posted quite a bit about my health issues. Unfortunately, it’s just part of my life. A BIG part of my life right now. Between chronic pain from Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue, it can get overwhelming, but the most debilitating of all has been chronic headaches. It wasn’t until recently I learned they are cervicogenic headahces.
What are cervicogenic headaches?
I have been battling my headaches for over 5 years now. Over the past couple of years they have just gotten unbearable. I went from having a couple days a month where the headaches were so intense I basically couldn’t function at all to having headaches at this level at least 5 days or more. What’s worse is my headaches never really go away. I always seem to have at least a headache of some intensity. The debilitating headaches started taking over my life.
What are Cervicogenic Headaches
The worst part is I went all these years without a clear answer. Doctors tried various medications from migraine preventatives to the migraine quick relief medications like Triptans (which I couldn’t take because of the side effects). Almost no medications helped. I would go to Urgent Care at least once every three months when I just absolutely couldn’t take it anymore, and the “headache cocktail,” which usually included Toradol was the only thing that helped. Even that became less effective over time.
Regardless, I still didn’t know why I was getting these headaches, and I’m a firm believer in treating the problems and not just the symptoms. Some doctors said they were tension headaches, some said migraines, and some said they were tension headaches that triggered migraines. It was so confusing.
Enough was enough. I need to function, and my level of functioning was way too low. So I knew we needed to get to the bottom of this. My husband still has consistent medical problems as a result of his chemotherapy, and our kids still have challenges with their special needs, but we were finally at a place where we could balance it all, and I could start really getting the answers I need.
Off to the neurologist I went, and it didn’t take long to discover I have pinched nerves in my neck. I admit I wasn’t too surprised because when I do have the headaches I almost always have pain in my neck and around the back of my skull. An MRI revealed I have a few bulging disks in my cervical spine that were causing some compression on my spinal cord and, yes, affecting my nerves. I am blessed there is no permanent damage to my nerves, but it obviously causes a lot of problems!

What are Cervicogenic Headaches?

So what are cervicogenic headaches? The American Migraine Foundation refers to cervicogenic headaches this way:

Cervicogenic headache, in a way, is one of the most unusual headache disorders because the pain truly isn’t in the head. Cervicogenic headache is referred pain (pain perceived as occurring in a part of the body other than its true source) perceived in the head from a source in the neck. Cervicogenic headache is a secondary headache, which means that it is caused by another illness or physical issue. In the case of cervicogenic headache, the cause is a neck disorder or lesion.

Because cervicogenic headaches are caused by issues in the neck, they are often misdiagnosed. Hence why mine were misdiagnosed for so long. I even had doctors take X-Rays of my neck and not notice the problems. It wasn’t until I had an MRI that the problems became so clear. It also explains why all the remedies I was trying weren’t working. In addition to medicine I tried many natural remedies which offered some relief, but, of course, it couldn’t address the actual problem.
Yes, my cervicogenic headaches range in severity, but they can be absolutely debilitating. When trying to pinpoint triggers, I started avoiding common headaches triggers and eating natural, whole foods. I noticed, though, that activity definitely aggravated my headaches, which has really been discouraging. Now that we know what they are, though, we can start trying to just treat the symptoms and actually work on the problem at hand!

Treating Cervicogenic Headaches

Treatment for cervicogenic headaches are going to vary based on what is going on in the neck. In some cases surgery may be needed. In my case, we are starting with physical therapy. It’s been a rough start, but I’m confident it will continue to get better. There is already improvement in my posture overall. I see Pain Management in a few weeks, which is where I will most likely start with injections.
This post contains affiliate links. Regardless, I only share what I personally recommend.
In the meantime, I stick to the few remedies that really do help. They don’t take away the pain completely, and I was even in Urgent Care again the other day, but any help counts. My best friend is heat. Some people say ice helps, but ice always makes my pain worse. Here are a few things that help me:

  • Heat. I don’t know what I would do without heat! Some people say ice helps, but ice always makes my pain worse. I use a heating pad under my neck and microwave rice heat pack on my head. I’m looking into a moist heat pack as well.
  • Cervical Neck Traction. They use a fancy machine for me in Physical Therapy, but use an Inflatable Neck Pillow for some relief around home as well. It sure isn’t as good, but it helps, and it’s easy and convenient.
  • TENS Unit. I use a TENS Unit on the back of my neck. Even better is I use the TENS Unit under the heat!
  • Relaxing. Tension and stress definitely make my issues worse, so it’s important to relax as much as I can. I love using Aroma Siez for a nice, relaxing massage.

Please note, these are things that help me, personally. I am not a healthcare professional. I’m simply sharing my personal experience.
Getting a diagnosis (and relief) for cervicogenic headaches can most definitely be frustrating (and may take a long time). I definitely suggest being an advocate for yourself. If you don’t feel confident in your headache diagnosis and/or treatment, speak up. Ask for more answers. When it comes to cervicogenic headaches, I’ve definitely learned the answer is treating the problem and not just treating the symptoms.
 

Migralex Review and Giveaway (ends 10/30)

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Migralex severe headache relief
I know I have mentioned I get terrible headaches. My headaches are complex because sometimes they have more than one cause! Sometimes it’s a combination of tension headaches and menstrual headaches or exertion headaches it’s two without the other, all 3, or just one. Well, you get the picture. It’s NOT FUN. As far as medications go – they don’t generally help. The biggest concern I’ve had with medications is the medications that do help (slightly) contain caffeine, which is something I have to be very cautious with because of my heart. So, when the opportunity to review Migralex presented itself I definitely jumped on it! I was excited that it doesn’t contain caffeine!
Upon visiting the Migralex Website I learned more about the development of Migralex. I learned that it was developed by a doctor, Dr. Alexander Mauskop, who is a board certified neurologist and one of the first headache specialists in the country to become board certified in Headache Medicine. How it works is very unique as well!
The unique combination of ingredients found in Dr. Mauskop’s Migralex blocks headaches in five ways:

  • Relieves pain
  • Reduces inflammation
  • Inhibits the clumping together of platelets
  • Relaxes blood vessels
  • Normalizes dozens of chemical reactions that help ward off headaches

Headache Medicine
So did it work for me? Well, I was able to start trying it right away because I get my headaches almost daily, and sure enough, I had one the day it arrived! I was ready to put it to the test immediately! I am happy to say it DOES help my headaches! What a relief! I have to admit I try to keep an open mind without getting my hopes too high, but Migralex really delivered! I was also surprised I didn’t have to keep taking it over and over again! I would take it at the onset of my headache and would have relief in about 30-45 minutes and wouldn’t have to take it again until I’d get another headache, which I noticed weren’t coming daily anymore either! Generally I’d be taking medication every 4-6 hours sometimes for days in a row! I don’t like to take that much medication! I’m so glad that with Migralex it not only helps my headaches, but I’m taking FAR less! I’m definitely very excited to have discovered Migralex!

For More Information:

Visit the Migralex Website

 

 
 

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and Subscribe to Migralex on YouTube

*Giveaway!!!*

Migralex is offering a giveaway of a 6 month supply of Migralex! Enter using the Rafflecopter below or visit the Migralex Giveaway Page for more information!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Disclosure: I received the above mentioned product in exchange for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation. Regardless, I only share my honest opinion. My opinion is my own and may differ from yours. Please read my Discosure Policy for more information. Pea of Sweetness is not responsible for prize shipment.*

Announcement and giveaway *Giveaway CLOSED*

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OK, it’s time for the next giveaway – my own! I haven’t yet shared this one here, and I will be posting another under construction page with my link soon! I will eventually add content to my business pages instead of just the link to my websites with those companies, but with that big Expo coming up I have to make sure I’m totally prepared. Ultimately, though, I will always direct you to the websites provided by the companies because THAT is where you will get the most information and be able to purchase products. 🙂
So I know I’ve mentioned I have Fibromyalgia – a chronic pain disorder with chronic fatigue. A year and half ago I discovered what better nutrition and fitness could do for natural management! I started drinking a whole foods shake regularly, and it made a world of difference! I started watching more documentaries about nutrition such as Food, Inc., Food Matters, King Corn, Forks Over Knives, etc. It was all so eye opening! I also started learning more about what super foods can do for us! After my husband got cancer we also became more aware of what we were eating and how we were overall caring for ourselves (more on this later)! I was so excited because I finally felt like I “got my life back.” I stopped taking medications I was taking for the pain, which was such a blessing because who wants to take a lot of medication? I wasn’t completely void of flareups because it is a chronic condition, and there are still flare-ups but nothing like I used to have. I was convinced I would have to use a wheelchair on some days because my legs hurt so badly I could barely walk! Now I’m not only back to “normal,” but I’m working on building up to the fitness level I was prior to having 3 kids! It’s been an exciting journey!
There was something that was still plaguing me – chronic headaches almost daily. I looked again to my nutrition first since I was now aware of how it can affect you. To be honest it wasn’t perfect, but it was MUCH improved. I started cutting out certain things that I knew were triggers and looked at ingredients more closely. Do you know how many products contain artificial sweeteners like Sucralose? Yikes, it’s a BIG trigger for me! I made sure I was staying away from the artificial sweeteners, preservatives, etc. to no avail. I turned to my friends with Fibromyalgia to see if chronic headaches plagued them as well and how they handle it. I went to the doctors and they simply said they’re tension headaches with a “migraine-like component.” I started a supplement of D-Ribose in hopes that it would help (because I was assuming the headaches were related to the FMS), and I noticed I was having even fewer flare-ups, so it’s definitely something I recommend for people with chronic pain. My headaches, though, still persisted. I tried other natural products with super foods, anti-inflammatory supplements, etc., still nothing. I was convinced it was just the one thing that I really would “have to live with.” I happened to notice a post in a networking group I was in on Facebook about a company that sells whole food supplements. I looked more into it (because I’m always interested in looking into whole food supplements and super foods), and I was intrigued by a product called Inspirin. I read the testimonials, watched the video, read the ingredients, etc. Wow, did it look impressive! It had the key D-Ribose I was looking to continue in my daily routine as well as a wonderful list of ingredients. With anything I figured it wouldn’t hurt to try it! If it doesn’t help my flare ups or headaches I will still get a big dose of nutrition. Visit this link for the full information on Inspirin. There is a brochure, testimonials, etc.
 
Antioxidants, Essential Fatty Acids, Amino Acids, our secret Virtual Massage blend, all in a convenient single-serving Whole Food Delivery!
Whole juicy Raspberry puree, Blackberry puree, Resveratrol from Grapes, Essential Oil of Black Cumin Seed, Essential Oil of Black Raspberry Seed, Hulled Hemp Seeds and Marine Phytoplankton all carry our secret Virtual Massage blend!
Hence… Lose the stress, Ease the pain!
No embalming fluids! INSPIRIN is naturally preserved!
Make Health a Habit, Not an Event… Pleasurable!
 
So, the news? Yes, I am now an Independent Distributor for Forever Green! What a difference it made for my headaches! The ONLY thing that has ever helped! I ran out of the Inspirin before I thought to order more, and I was plagued with the horrendous headaches again, so I knew it was no coincidence! I have it on auto-ship now, so I won’t have to experience that again! haha When a product has helped that much it was natural that I would want to share it, so now I will! 🙂 (And it didn’t cost anything to become a Distributor! Bonus!!) Forever Green also offers other great whole food supplements and nutrition products, essential oils, natural beauty, personal and household care products.
 

The Giveaway has ended, but search our current reviews and giveaways for more!

For the giveaway I am giving away a 10-pack of Inspirin!

To enter the giveaway you must simply do the following:

  • Visit my Forever Green website at http://tiny.ly/E1Fd then comment on this blog post letting me know what product(s) you would like to try the most besides Inspirin, though do mention if you’re excited to try Inspirin! 😉 (or have tried and is your favorite)
  • You must be a fan of Pea of Sweetness Facebook Page where you’ll be kept up-to-date on all giveaways and reviews and notified when this giveaway will be coming to an end – in 2 weeks!

*Congrats Jessy G. for winning the 10-pack of Inspirin!*