Posted by Bennie Sue (63.16.4.177) on February 04, 2000 at 19:13:46:
In Reply to: My Trigger, muscle skeletal positioning posted by Steve on February 04, 2000 at 17:43:14:
Although an attack can catch me wherever I happen to be during a cycle (shopping, driving, etc.) I especailly fear putting pressure on the lower part of the back of my head on the right side. I cannot go to a dental appointment because I cannot rest my head against the chair's head rest. I was terrified of bringing on an attack during my MRI, carotid artery scan, echogram, etc. (I had to get these done before I got medication. Fortunately I made it.)
When I am in the basic pattern of 3 a night - 1,3,5 almost on the hour - I do not try to lie down. Between attacks I read in a reclining chair with my head turned slightly to avoid pressing the right side against the very soft chair. Prolonged pressure in this area will surely bring on a killer. It's like lighting a fuse that will blow the rest of my head off.
There is no swelling or obvious sign that something is wrong here (and my artery scan showed very good flow.) Often my pain starts here and application of heat (in my case) is very beneficial, especially if I start early. If I have been asleep I'm in big trouble.
I do find that very strong massage of that "sore"
spot can be soothing if not abortive. Once the pain has spread I massage my entire head on the right side. I also sometimes spread toothache liquid over this area. It seems to help a little.
I can't help you with advice about chiro etc.