Car Headaches - Angleton,TX

Hope you don't have any fumes leaking in the car...like exhaust or gas...could cause bad headaches...alos....I always wear sunglasses cause of sun glare...It'll give me a headache everytime!

I have severe chemical sensitivities, and symptoms like you describe are common among those of us who can't even tolerate perfume or air fresheners in public places, or new carpeting in our homes, or the scent of many laundry products.

A car, especially a newer one, is loaded with synthetic materials that off-gas into the car's interior, especially in warm weather. Additionally, exhaust fumes from other cars or outdoor smog can contribute.

I get some relief, or at least less-intense symptoms, if I can I avoid driving, heavy traffic, and so forth. As few exposures as possible can gradually make reactions less difficult. Additionally, a little baking soda in water can neutralize the acidic state a reactive person is likely to experience. Finally, wearing a face mask that contains activated charcoal can absorb some of the chemicals and make symptoms less severe.

Good luck – if your problem is chemical sensitivity, there are very few places in modern life that recognize your problem or try to address it.

I normally don't get headaches from riding in a car, but have found that if I don't wear sunglasses during the day, I usually end up with one. I always wear them, even if it's overcast, I am just a passenger, or plan on sleeping the whole time. It might not help you, but couldn't hurt to try!

I don't have a suggestion to help, I'm sorry. But I wanted to say it is likely to be motion sickness. I do simulator research, and severe headaches can be a symptom, with or without any other symptoms. So don't give up on motion sickness drugs.

I also get migraines. I am good at catching them early, so I can often prevent them by avoiding triggers and taking excedrine migraine type OTC products. My triggers are eye strain and low blood sugar. Perhpas you are experiencing eye strain on the road. Have you seen an opthamologist?

Sorry, I can't help more. Some people are just prone to motion sickness, and it sounds like you are trying all the recommended approaches. Maybe spend some time trying to identify and track the conditions when this started happening - your age, driver/non-driver, front seat backseat, type of vehicle, length of trip, speed, straight versus curvy roads, elevation, ets. Maybe you can figure out when you do the worst and try to avoid those situations.

Does this happen in all cars? The reason I ask is, my friend had a similar problem. She had gone to several specialists- most told her she was crazy! By the grace of God, she switched ophthalmologists, and he recommended she get her windshield checked. She took it to the dealer and they tested the window for clarity and there was a flaw across the width windshield in the vision field. The window was replaced and her problem was solved. It's a long shot, but something to consider if your only experiencing the headaches in one vehicle...

Are you driving or riding when this happens?? A lot of times someone may get a headache from driving b/c you're either in a strain (not realizing it) while driving or if you're like me, concentrate on driving & trying to pay attention to the idiot drivers around me & I get real tense in my neck & shoulders which give me tension headaches. If you're riding, you have more freedom to shift your position in the seat & look around while riding but driving can put a strain on you w/o you realizing it. I usually use something like Deep Heating rub on my neck & shoulders if I get a headache, use a vibrating neck pillow, heating pad, even having to eventually take Excederin Tension Headache remedy sometimes if it gets bad enough. Just relax & try not to tense up while driving (or riding), maybe that will help. Hope this helps, good luck!

Try to stop when you can and stretch your neck and back. Wear sunglasses even if it’s not very sunny out. Make sure there are no air fresheners in the car. I would also check for any exhaust leaks, even the smallest amount of carbon monoxide can cause a headache. I would bet you have an exhaust leak causing it. Doesn’t matter how new or old the car is, a hole can form in the pipes.

Have you seen an ENT? You may want to in case it's an inner ear thing triggered by the motion, but it seems that Peg may have the right idea that it could be sensitivity to something in the car or experienced while driving. Does it happen anywhere else ever? You may want to try the face mask thing and see if it helps.

I wonder if an allergist could help? So sorry hope you can find some info that helps!

I'm sure you've already thought of this but does it happen in any car or only in your car? Could it be a severe sensitivity to something in that car? Maybe mold in the AC unit, or something?

A family member of mine suffered from vertigo in the past, she still has problems in the car (it was due to inner ear crystals breaking loose and throwing off her balance. It would even make her sick). I guess we all start to develop these crystals as we age. Although, you say you do not feel dizzy (it's probably not this but thought I'd throw it out there).

Lastly, if you can take a migrane medication about an hour before you get in the car, maybe that will help. There is one that people I know take. Can't remember what it is called but it starts with an "I." I'm sure you do not try to read or look down but don't do this. I often get headaches when I turn around to help my kids in the car. Don't do it at all. Keep your eyes on the road and look as far into the distance as you can. How frustrating this must be for you! My mind cannot help but think you could have a sensitivity to your car, however.

Is it stress? My husband used to get excruciating headaches that lingered and finally, after a lot of testing, the doctor asked about stress in his life. We didn't think he had any more than the next person, but after seeing a good therapist, the headaches were gone. Seems he was battling having to be a different person than he is to fit the mold at his job. He felt like his hands were tied at work. Once that was worked through, his headaches left.

The therapist said that people process stress differently. In my husband's body, it came out as headaches.

The other option would be to go to a naturopathic or homeopathic doctor. You may have so many drugs in your system that your body is crying out for a good cleansing. My daughter had to have all of her medications flushed out as her body was responding with a terrible cough. Just be sure to get a good referral. There are some weird ones out there.

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I get these headaches and they are related to muscle spasms in the neck and back.
I do regular neck , back exercises - and a lot of stretches for neck, back and legs, that really helps as well as swimming.