Sinus Headaches - Describe what they feel like to you

[grinningghost]

I have a headache today that doesn't much feel like my normal migraines.

It hurts alot more on the top of my head and in between my eyes - more of a nagging ache than the throbbing horror of a migraine.

Could it be a sinus headache?

If you get sinus headaches, what do they feel like?

 

[Christine]

A heavy, dull feeling in my forehead, across my nose and under my eyes (also behind the eyes). If I happen to bend over, the sensation is stronger. Often times, though, the "what I thought was sinus" pain often goes into a migraine-like headache.

 

[Kay1]

Maybe, especially if there's a lot of pressure. The first time I got one I didn't realize what it was until I told my friend I had a "face ache." Since then I've found I can't get rid of them without antibiotics, though over-the-counter sinus meds relieve the symptoms.

 

[AuntieM03]

I have one right now. It's pretty much what everyone else has said. Pressure across my nose, forehead, under my eyes and upper cheek bones.

 

[CathrynRose]

Just a smidge beyond death - thats a sinus headache.

As someone else mentioned - bending over makes it - worse and (for me) dizzy!!!!

Also - the boney area below your eyes right above the apples of your cheeks - of you press there, odds are you'll never press there again, if it's a sinus headache..... ZOWIE!

 

[Figment2]

You feel like you want to rip your head off (at least that's what I have been known to ask my Dr. to do).

Cyn

 

[monarchsfan16]

I've become far too familiar with them this year. Pretty much if I can't function I have one
Mega pressure across my forehead, nose, and the boney area under my eyes. I also tend to get kind of dizzy when I have them. Bending over makes it hurt worse, and I have to be really careful not to stand up to fast. Also, laying down increases the pressure, which stinks because I've found that a nap combined with a whole cocktail of meds is the only way to get rid of them (or at least make them improve). If it's really bad even my top teeth will hurt.

 

[mrsv98]

My teeth hurt, cheeks hurt, eyeballs feel like they are going to pop out of my head. I also feel "distant" from everything, like I am 3 feet away from where I want to be and I am very sleepy. *sigh* It stinks....

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

Hey, you guys are pretty much describing how I feel right now.

I tend to start to get them at night & if I don't nip them in the bud I've got them for the day (sometimes longer). I also get like a popping feeling behind my eyes & nose

Things that help me relieve the pressure:

* saline solution to spray in the nose -- no medication & good for draining
* I sometimes put a little vicks in my nose - the mentholatum clears up my passages & sometimes relieve the pressure
*A hot as I can take it shower & let the water run on my forehead & over my face
*starting at the center - rub my fingers out to the brow ... same thing for the cheeks from the nose out --- to help drain those passages
* altoids chewing gum
* drink a lot of water. I think dehydration contributes to sinus pain

usually I also take a couple of sinus pain pills, wait an hour or two & then take Excedrin. This helps me get through the day will an ache instead of the all-out pain I get.

 

[CheshireVal]

I just finished a round of antibiotics for a sinus infection. To me, sinus pain isn't so much a headache as it is just *extremely* uncomfortable pressure. A lot on the bridge of my nose, behind my eyes, sometimes even behind my ears and the back of my head.

 

[budbeerlady]

It allergy season and I get one pretty often. If you feel like ripping your head off you've got it. I dont know whats worse these or a migraine? Maybe these, since my migraines go away if I sleep it off.

 

[liamsaunt]

Just reading this thread is making my sinuses ache! I hate sinus headaches, and I get them often, especially this time of year when all of the pollen is coming out. I find that the best thing to relieve pressure is sudafed, and not the sudafed pe--I prefer the kind you have to ask for at the phamacist's counter (at least here in MA).

 

[RadioNate]

Like you want someone to punch you in the face so the pain goes away. Or rip your eyes out. Can you tell I'm starting to get one! I've had them daily for about a week now. I need the pressure system sitting over us to move on!

If left untreated mine can turn into 2 day migraines.

 

[TheOtherVillainess]

Ditto what Christine said. It feels like somebody has shoved a huge lump of modeling clay between my eyes and my eyes feel like round razorblades. Ugh.

TOV

 

[Crankyshank]

Mine normally starts with an overall feeling of pressure on my sinuses, then progresses to feeling like someone is jabbing a hot pin behind one of my eyes. Then I feel like someone is squeezing half of my brain like they are wringing a sponge.
mine go from a dull roar to the most intense searing pain rather quickly. bending over makes it worse and makes me incredibly nauseous.

 

[Snowysmom]

My sinus headaches tend to hurt across my cheekbones, above my eyes, and the top of my head. I usually take advil and decongestant. Also, I find that cold helps me. I take a facecloth with ice in it and press it onto the painful areas. It helps a bit. It also hurts more when I bend over or move too quickly.

 

[eclectics]

Add me to the "misery" list. Same symptoms as everybody else. I find though if I can nip it in the bud (sorry Barney Fife) I can escape the worst. I have to do it at the first inkling of a throb. If I let it slide, it's too late. Advil, hot shower, saline spray with menthol, maybe a xanax to relax and lots of water. I just got over a sinus infection needing antibiotics last month and I can feel it starting all over again! Flonase every day helps but it upsets my stomach. Can't win!

 

[CJK]

I agree with everyone's descriptions of the pain.

Question though.... Do any of you feel the pain more behind one eye than the other? I usually get it behind my left eye, but not the right.

 

[christineann]

I have found that peppermint herbal tea works wonders on a sinus headache. My teeth hurt, my ears hurt, and I feel like my head is going to explode. Never had sinus problems until I had a benign mass removed in 2001, which had taken over 3 sinuses on my left side. The surgeon had to "destroy" the entrances to the sinuses to remove the tumor, and now I get sinus headaches and infections. But I can live with that!

 

[dvcfamily41801]

I get the feeling like someone has punched me right between the eyes and top of my nose. Its horrible. Hope everyone is feeling better!