Margarite,

The situation you are referring to with pain killers is called "rebound head ache" or Medication overuse headaches (MOH). They are due to constant use of pain killers. Some will use painkillers constantly and even over dose slightly in the constant use of the pain killers. This is a common risk of persistent migraines.

Taking pain killers only when the pain exceeds a certain level with time off the painkiller is considered safe.

My headaches tend to be in clusters. I can go days without a head ache but then have a week with daily head aches. I use Tylenol or Tylenol/aspirin in combination for these on again off again head aches.

Some will find ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin) helps or naproxen sodium (Aleve). Ibuprofen is contra-indicated if one takes an SSRI or SNRI.

There is great value to learning to rest or relax to reduce the severity of a head ache. Every body/brain is different and responds to pain/painkillers differently.

I don't presume to have the answer for any individual's head aches. I have a friend whose headaches/migraines often do not respond to anything. He ends up in the ER or such from the nausea and dehydration.

keep in mind that overdoing it so that one needs bed rest delays recovery according to some researchers. I went through this cycle myself. i would work hard, get into miserable condition, sleep for most of a week or two, get better and repeat. I did not imp[rove until I slowed down and let the recovery last.

But you mileage may vary.

Getting a bachelor's degree finished is worth some sacrifices. A BRN or RN-B is not an easy course to complete. Your efforts are commendable.

The slow progression concept is a valuable way to work through PCS. It is based on the concept that exercise is good but overdoing it is counterproductive. So, if one can be disciplined to stay within the comfort level with exercise but slowly continue to stretch that comfort level, one can see improvement.

PCSMcgee was referring to cranial sacral therapy that as a whole is based on bad science. There are individual bits of benefit received from some CST work, specifically the spinal massage/manipulation. The cranial plate therapy is very controversial and without scientific basis. Spinal massage/manipulation can be a result of CST, regular physical therapy, chiropractic, and upper cervical chiropractic.

I have benefited from spinal massage/manipulation form both a chiropractor and PT. I usually experience a slight increase in head ache immediately then a over-all reduction in head ache intensity a day later or so.

My best to you.