Aches & Pains / Question
Published: August 7, 2002
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I have had a headache on just the right side of my head for three straight days now. It mostly hurts by my eye. However the pressure points on my back are also pretty sore. Is my headache coming from my back or is it coming from something else? Please tell me, I need to know.
Signed: Right-Sided Headache
Dear Right-Sided Headache,
Unfortunately, TeenHealthFX cannot make diagnoses over the Internet, so only a doctor can determine where your headache is coming from. Headaches can be caused by many things, one of which is muscle strain in the neck, upper back, or shoulder muscles, but can also come from stress, certain medications, eye strain, viral infection, not getting enough sleep or too much or too little caffeine. Usually headaches are not all that serious, and they will resolve themselves in a few days. However, you should see a doctor if you have a constant headache for several days, headaches that recur frequently or headaches that are accompanied by any of the following symptoms:
- Sudden, severe pain ("the worst headache I've ever had")
- Confusion or a change in level of consciousness or behavior
- Sudden loss of movement or muscle weakness in one part or all of one side of your body
- Sudden vision change, such as dimness, blurring, double vision, or loss of vision in one or both eyes
- Sudden, persistent difficulty speaking or difficulty understanding speech
- New or different headache with a seizure (convulsion)
- A headache with nausea and vomiting that is causing severe dehydration
- A headache that occurs with strenuous physical or sexual activity (exertional headache)
Since you have had a headache for several days, you should probably see your doctor to make sure there is no medical problem that is causing your headache. He or she might even give you some medications to control the pain and give you advice on how to avoid getting headaches in the future.
If you live in northern New Jersey and would like to meet with a doctor from the Adolescent/Young Adult Center For Health you can call 973.971.6457 for an appointment.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
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