Headaches caused by back pain?

Guys, I have a problem that is absolutely KILLING me. Out of nowhere, my back starts acting up roughly every six or seven days, and the pain just wanders all over the place throughout the day. It starts with these muscle aches right along my spine, just above my glutes, and then it migrates up to my shoulder blade, eventually hitting my right shoulder and that specific neck muscle—always on the right side, mind you, not the bone, but that muscle that runs up toward my neck. I could probably deal with the back stuff if it didn't trigger this insane tension that travels straight to my head! It hits my eye area and temple so hard that I feel like I'm going to pass out. When that headache kicks in, I honestly can't function at all; the whole day is just a total wash because of the agony. I work at a computer, but I make sure to get up every fifteen minutes or so—I don't just sit in an office chair all day. I even play soccer recreationally, and I'm out on the field almost every single day, but somehow that doesn't help one bit. What's weird is that it isn't a daily thing, but this cycle every week or so has become so frequent and exhausting that I just can't take it anymore.
Does anyone else deal with a syndrome where back pain triggers these absolutely brutal headaches? It’s always the right side that destroys me. And it’s not even a typical headache; it’s this intense, tightening sensation that makes me feel incredibly drowsy and weak for a few hours while it's crushing me.

Just keep training, keep pushing, and everything will eventually fall into place... your muscles are currently in that critical phase where they actually need to build up strength. A lot of people get it wrong and decide to quit the moment they feel a bit of soreness, but that’s exactly when you need to lean in and work even harder once those muscles start feeling that inflammation.

There’s absolutely no way I’m staying bedridden. Like I already told you, I’m out on the track almost every single day.
I’ve started walking, at least 3 2.5 miles, every damn day. So we’ll just have to wait and see how things play out, right?

Maybe get an MRI of your spine (not that it's actually hurting 🙂 ) but honestly, you should probably run it by your doctor first, because if they tell you there isn't any structural damage or anything mechanical going on, then I guess you could just focus on things like regular exercise, staying active, maybe some yoga, or getting a massage—basically just anything else that seems to help.

Neck massage and some exercises might help... honestly, soccer and walking aren't doing much for you there... if the tension gets too bad, maybe just take a muscle relaxant to loosen things up...

Go see a doctor and maybe a physical therapist... honestly, what have you got to lose?
I deal with constant neck and back pain myself—usually because I'm hunched over like a gargoyle or just sitting at my desk for way too long...

Dealing with the exact same thing. I went to see a physical therapist who suggested things like specialized exercises, hydrotherapy, and electrical stimulation, but honestly, it barely made a dent. For me, nothing really hits the spot quite like regular massage sessions and, personally, sticking to a Pilates routine keeps me sane enough to function.
best,

Personally, a chiropractor did wonders for me—after just a few sessions, I felt like a whole new person... It wasn't anything major, but I had relief for several years afterward... Plus, staying active is everything...

You’re dealing with those tension headaches caused by muscle tightness. Since you stay active and hit the gym, I’d actually suggest trying some yoga—specifically the relaxation side of things. Any tension you carry in your muscles after a workout isn't great for you. It’s pretty important to actually unwind once you're done exercising.
Also, your posture matters a lot if you’re sitting for long stretches. I know sitting bolt upright at a desk feels like a chore, but a decent ergonomic chair can
make a huge difference.

So, it’s been a little while, but over the last two months I’ve been walking at least 2.5 miles every single day, though I did take a break maybe three or four times—I even braved the snow and ice a few times, haha!

And honestly? It's still the exact same thing. I’d go see a doctor if I could, but right now the waiting rooms are absolutely packed with people catching the flu, and god forbid, I don't want to pick up some nasty virus just to deal with this.

Regarding the massage thing, should I actually have it massaged when it hurts, or can I get one even when there isn't any pain?

By the way, the other day I got hit so hard by this pain that I felt totally nauseous; first, of course, it was above the (_i_) area, then it stopped there and just slammed into my right side. I was dying from the pain in bed—it hurt so much it actually woke me up. And then, get this, my muscles felt completely relaxed the next morning, like nothing had even happened (though when it's actually happening, it is UNBELIEVABLY uncomfortable).

It’s awful 😢

Stretching, maybe some yoga, or even just chilling in a hot tub. And honestly, if you feel a migraine coming on, just grab some Excedrin Migraine (the specific kind made for that).

Oh, and a back massage helps a ton too! 👍

Thanks for getting back to me so fast. Honestly though, I’m a little sketched out by taking something like Excedrin Migraine—is it going to wreck my stomach like Advil does? Does it actually eat away at your stomach lining?

Also, about those muscle relaxant pills... do they make you drowsy? I’ve got some Diazepam on hand right now, but man, when I take it, the sleepiness hits me like a freight train! I can't take it while I'm at work because I end up feeling like a total zombie 🙂 so I just have to sit there and suffer through the pain instead.

It’s not just regular aspirin, I use Excedrin Migraine—those fizzy tablets for migraines. I can't really do plain aspirin because it always gives me a nosebleed, but I handle this stuff just fine. It’s got a mild taste too, and it doesn't mess with my stomach much at all.

hm... I’m dealing with something pretty similar... honestly, I've been struggling with back pain for a while now, and at the same time, I'm getting these headaches too... right on the side, near my eye. I have no clue what to do about it... but the thing with the back pain is that it keeps shifting around; it's never in the exact same spot.