Expert: Steven C. Scherr, D.D.S. - 3/11/2009

Question
Hi,
  I do not know if my conditions are normal, but i have never had tention headaches until i went to china for a visit during the summer of 2008. I stayed with relatives which was a huge mistake. The condition i was in really stressed me out both physically and mentally. I started to become sleepy throughout the day with constant heaches lack of energy, drowsiness and lack of interests oh and short term memory loss. I am a very fragile person, i have a very weak immune system and is very easy to get sick. After i came back to the state, my headache stayed with me. I went to acupuncture, chiropractor and doctor, so far nothing helped. If i dont get enough sleep even for one night, my neck becomes stiff and it makes crunchy sound as i move my head around. Today i suddenly start to get a stimulation of migraines that last for a sec than goes away. It repeated around 7 times today. I am currently in college, i do have a lot of stress but before i went to China, i never had this serious of a headache. Can a stressful situation you were in create permanent headaches? Any advice on what i should do with my stiff neck and headaces? Thanks

Answer
Cindy,

Stress is a major contributor to many kinds of headache pain.  Stress is like throwing fuel on a fire, it doesn't typically cause the fire, but can make it rage out of control.  Stress results in overworked and sore muscles, places strain on joints, and may cause the nervous system to compensate in a way that can prolong pain even after the original cause has been eliminated.

I recommend you see your doctor.  This is an important first step to determine the nature of your problem.  Only then can the appropriate treatment be offered.  The longer you go without addressing the pain, the more opportunity is present for the nervous system to adapt in a way that prolongs pain.

Hope you are feeling better soon.

Steve