Headaches and XPAP

jrfoster · Post by **jrfoster** » Mon Oct 23, 2006 4:39 pm

Before starting Xpap in June I used to wake up with headaches in the back lower region of my head. The sleep doc said it was because of the OSA and my AHI that gave me the headaches. Well, with my mask on all night long and weeks of continued therapy I still wake up with headaches. Anyone else suffer from morning headaches? Why do they exist after Xpap?

Jeff

krousseau · Post by **krousseau** » Mon Oct 23, 2006 10:24 pm

Do you know how the treatment is working? What is your AHI now? How are you feeling otherwise. Occipital headaches are typical in OSA but there can be lots of other causes. Inadequate cpap therapy is one. Muscle tension is one and many people on cpap (especially when new to cpap) hold some tension in the neck due to the mask and hose. People often don't turn or move around as much at night. They may sleep with the head tilted to one side for long periods-or hold the head/neck somewhat rigidly. We eventually seem to learn to deal with the tubing without awakening or return to our normal movements during sleep. If that sounds like a possibility as the source of your headaches-maybe attaching the hose overhead would help, or a molded pillow that would center your head and support your neck, a pillow that allows you to turn to your side, or pillow under your knees

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Oct 24, 2006 12:53 am

may be tension headaches, you have some muscles (splenius capitis muscles) back there that go down to the upper vertebrae, when there is pain associated with them it can radiate up those muscles to the back of the head. It can impact the front of the head and even behind the eyes.

sometimes it is from holding your head stiff from wearing the mask instead of just relaxing.

kteague · Post by **kteague** » Tue Oct 24, 2006 7:00 am

Hi. When your doc told you that your headaches were because of your OSA, was that after ruling out other causes or just a probability statement? I spent 3 years with repeated neurology referrals with CT Scans and MRI's of head to no avail. Finally changed docs, who asked, "Has anybody checked your neck?" MRI & MRA of neck revealed bulging cervical disks at 2 levels and also narrowing of an artery. Maybe your headaches are OSA related, but you may be waiting for results that cpap can't fix. Give it what you feel is a reasonal amount of time, just don't wait 3 years. If I understood your post correctly, these headaches are not new with your cpap treatment, so your getting used to the headgear could be contributing to the current pain (I had that happen) even if not the cause. Best wishes in feeling better.
Kathy

jrfoster · Post by **jrfoster** » Tue Oct 24, 2006 7:55 am

krousseau wrote:Do you know how the treatment is working? What is your AHI now?

No, I don't have the software to determine that, and Tricare probably would not pay for it anyway. To purchase it on CPAP.Com is $185. Right now I can't afford it. I do keep my mask on 7-9 hours each night and it is fairly comfortable.

Hi. When your doc told you that your headaches were because of your OSA, was that after ruling out other causes or just a probability statement?

It was most likely a probability statement, as I don't have a sleep doc, just a family practice physician.

may be tension headaches, you have some muscles (splenius capitis muscles) back there that go down to the upper vertebrae, when there is pain associated with them it can radiate up those muscles to the back of the head. It can impact the front of the head and even behind the eyes.

sometimes it is from holding your head stiff from wearing the mask instead of just relaxing.

That is a good possibility! I do have tension in my neck. I will just have to get used to wearing the mask and maybe one day soon the tension will leave! Thanks to all.

Jeff

bdp522 · Post by **bdp522** » Tue Oct 24, 2006 8:07 am

If the pain is from tension try a hot pack. You can fill an old sock with rice and heat it for a minute or 2 in the microwave(be sure it isn't too hot). Wrap it around the back of your neck and it should loosen up all the tight spots. Works great for a stiff neck.

Brenda

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Tue Oct 24, 2006 9:52 am

Jeff,

Don't know if it affects you, but prior to starting on my CPAP therapy, both my wife and I would get headaches (back of head/neck) when a low-pressure front would move into this area. Since I started on therapy, I hardly ever get those anymore, but she still does. One thing about it, we could always tell when the weather was changing.

Den

jrfoster · Post by **jrfoster** » Tue Oct 24, 2006 10:18 am

Wulfman wrote:Jeff,

Don't know if it affects you, but prior to starting on my CPAP therapy, both my wife and I would get headaches (back of head/neck) when a low-pressure front would move into this area. Since I started on therapy, I hardly ever get those anymore, but she still does. One thing about it, we could always tell when the weather was changing.

Den

I'll keep on eye on that! If that is the case I can open my own weather shop and compete against all the meterologists.

Jeff