Occipital Neuralgia Headache: Terrible pain lasting weeks, what helps?

@suszy39 So sorry - I am quite afraid of many medications.

@suszy39 And it hit us quickly. God Bless you and heal you.

@sherminator I tried XCymbelta made me sick, shaky and could not sleep.
Finished with that!!!!

@sherminator Yes that clinical massage is amazing as far as I am concerned. If it works I
will continue monthly. Also doing more exercise strenth my neck, head, lower back.
We are dealing with something we must learn to live with. My Sis called me from Alaska and
asked "when did we get old" it just came up behind us.

@suszy39
Deloxitine (sp) also made me feel like I wanted to crawl out of my skin! One pill was all I took.
Has anyone tried acupuncture?

@suszy39 Thank you Suzy, I appreciate your input very much. I am afraid of Botox and side effects from some of the other medications indicated for this condition as I usually get them from most of the medications I take. I have been studying ON as per your suggestion and I think the blocks and massage sound like they would be acceptable. I have a cervical fusion and arthritis in the area as well. Hell getting older.. Anyway thank you!

@rnlorena I really fo not want medication that put me down and out. I have bad enough problems with SIBOBfrom gastroparesis I beleive I hot from anti depressants. Also, the pain is not constant just so disruptive.

@onpainsufferer Oh MG you have run the difficult race. I am so sorry to hear this, it can be such a challenge. I would like your answer on taking Duloxetinena? They started me on it but I am feeling mild nausea , shakey & I cannot sleep. My Dr. sent me to a wonderful treatment
Clincial Massage 45 min. on my head, shoulders, lower back. I had 6-7 headach (for weeks) when
I left I was pain free 5hrs. Headach did return maybe 3-4 and with 2 days of resting it is gone.
now I know it will be back but I will go straight to the Massage again. I also feel the pillows I have been sleeping on are part of my problems, so I bought a round rolled pillow, because I
sleep on my side. Today waiting to hear fr. Dr. on these pills I quite taking them .I also had one
ablation no change; perhaps I should try my new Pain Dr? have you ever done Botox? I am wishing you the best, I know how awful this pain is beyond description. The Best to you, thanks

@sherminator my headachs started long time ago, however, the older I get the worse they have
become. My Pain Dr. is planning on Botox as soon as my Insurance allows. I believe mine are
muscle related so I have started my own exercise program. Everyday head stretched, Posture,
and a rolled pillow, my pillows were making my Flair Time aswful. This last time lasted 3weeks
Holiday time my Dr. was out of the country. He usually gives me trigger shots (which helps)
few months. I suggest get as eduated as you can before you have your appointment. This group
has proved so helpful to me. I recently went to a Clinical Massage (fabulous) worked on my Head, shoulders, upper back, Pain was gone 5hrs. it returned but under countrol now. she told
me Hot water bottles work best deeper, Ice pack. Best to you, we do understand the awful state we are iin at times.