QUESTION:
Dear Dr. Heller,
I was involved in an auto accident 2 ½ years ago and have had severe migraine headaches since. I have also been taking Paxil for about 8 years since being diagnosed with "clinical depression". My questions have to do with the idea that I am locked into a vicious cycle of depression - pain - depression. I have recently had injections in my head and am constantly on pain medication (Vicodin & Imitrex). Of course, I try to explain to my doctors that when I am in pain 24/7 I might be "depressed"!
How can I convince the doctors that if I were not in pain constantly, then I would not be more depressed than when I was originally diagnosed? Is there a better medication for chronic migraine pain than what I am doing? Please help, I realize my questions may be general but the pain is unbearable and the depression leads my mind to the unthinkable. No one seems to know what causes the migraines so they blame it on the depression.
Thank you for your answer.
ANSWER:
Chronic headaches can be a huge problem. You are correct - chronic pain can cause a
chronic depression. I have a section on my website
about
headaches.
I strongly recommend you learn about craniosacral therapy and osteopathic manipulation. It
could have a phenomenal effect on your headaches. "Spontaneous Healing" by Dr.
Andrew Weil is a must read book for you.
Posture also plays a huge role in chronic headaches. The antidepressant Effexor can also
be extremely effective for chronic pain.
