Was wanting to get some opinions on my situation. Any time i loose weight (espesially low carb or high cardio) or when ive started bench pressing heavy i go into a ch cycle. A guy i used to power lift with said he had the same thing and that it was a bulging disc in his neck from pushing back with your head while benching. They fused his c4 an c5 and he's been headache free since. My doc has been treating me for ch with imitrex but after the last diet i went up to 4 a day then elavil that left me tired and depresed and now topamax but the side effects sound scary. Can ch be caused by neck damage, ive read where people complain about a bulge in their neck i have one all the time and my pain always starts there. My doc says its ch i dont know what to think? Sorry this was so long and thanks for any input.

Neck problems can often cause tension headaches, however the cause of CHs seems to be strongly associated with the hypathalamus area of the brain itself.

Have you been diagnosed with CHs by a neurologist who specializes in headaches? There are many possible reasons for CH like symptoms and it takes a skilled, experienced neurologist to give an accurate diagnosis.

Ive only been diagnosed by my gp but i  finally have a appointment with a head and neck pain clinic next week. I had to go dr shopping to get an mri done and since it came back with issues i get to go to the clinic. I have most ch symptoms once a cycle starts   attacks at night, if i drink, imitrex even at half dose knocks it out within ten mins, always one side, once bad my right eye will get blurry want to close and cry. Im kinda hoping i do have ch now and not a neck issue (scared of surgery) if o2 works as good as every one on here says im sick of these other drugs this tomax has got me wacked out tonight.

Personally, I'd still be hoping for a diagnosis of a neck injury - especially[b][/b] one that could be cured by surgery. And I've only had CH for 5 months - I'm sure that when the long-time CHers get on here, they'll say the same!

Im sorry if you have found no relief ive been lucky so far. When this started 8 years ago they were sporadic but 6 years ago ifound imitrx. They kept getting worse but i had great insurance, at one point 3 1/2 years ago i had over 120 injections in my closet. As far as the surgery goes ive known two people to have had spinal surgery one turned out fine the other was a cousin who moved ok before but was in constant pain after and ended up a junkie then dead so im probably more afraid than i should be. As far as the pain your own mind or body can generate on its self for no discernible reason i know that all to well far and away the worst ive ever felt

You do describe cluster-like symptoms though without a diagnosis from a knowledgable headache specialist you might be experiencing something completly other. The kind of workout you describe would probably trigger an attack for me, as will almost any exertion. Then again, so will a bit of afternoon rest. At any rate, you are going to see a head and neck pain specialist and I suspect they will treat exactly what you describe...pain begun or caused by a cervical issue. Should they be successful in eliminating what you now think are CHs...great! You didn't have CHs. If they are not successful, your next stop really ought to be a CH specialist in your area. Best of luck and let us know how you make out. Blessings. lance

cervicogenic headache can be caused by neck injury.