I have mentioned in my previous blogs that sensitisation of the brainstem has been demonstrated in migraine, tension headache, menstrual migraine and cluster headache. What I may not have made clear is that this sensitised state is present even when you are free of your headache or migraine, that is, your brainstem is sensitised constantly. Then what happens is that you eat or drink something, your hormonal levels change, you smell a perfume – and this triggers your headache or migraine. These events lead to increased (but normal) activity of structures (including blood vessels) inside your head. This increased activity is wrongly interpreted as being much more than what it actually is and pain results. If it wasn’t for your sensitised brainstem, what you eat, drink, smell or hormonal fluctuations would not result in the disabling headache or migraine.
If you are going to be free of your headache or migraine, the source of sensitisation has to be determined. Whilst the triptans desensitise the brainstem and are effective for many of you, they do not eliminate the cause of the sensitisation. Information from neck disorders can sensitise the brainstem and of all the various investigations you may have for your headache of migraine, a skilled examination of your upper neck is relatively inexpensive and non invasive, and may change your life
significantly.
====
YourHeadacheSoultions.co.uk is one voice of the Watson Headache Institute. The Watson Headache Institute was established to increase the awareness of cervicogenic (neck) disorders in headache and migraine by imparting my (and that of others) clinical experience and knowledge; to present and discuss past and present relevant research and to undertake and support rigorous clinical and scientific research in this specialty. Appropriate and up-to-date knowledge is self-empowering; I believe that every headache sufferer has the right to know their headache diagnosis as precisely as possible (and what it means), to know the nature of their headache disorder, its outcome and possible types of
treatment.
What has yet to gain acceptance is my (and that of others) belief, supported by my unparalleled clinical experience and a significant body of international research, that it is incorrect to consider headache and migraine types as totally different entities and that cervicogenic (neck) disorders can be instrumental in the headache and migraine process. Although Physiotherapy, Chiropractic and Osteopathy are different disciplines, we are supporters of the idea that headache and migraine sufferers, no matter what their diagnoses, can be helped to live their lives more effectively through appropriate neck treatment. However, because treatment of the neck does not fit the medical model of headache and migraine, the model has demonstrated little interest in exploring this as an option. It is
essential that all factors, which have the potential to sensitise the brainstem, be investigated equally. Currently this is not the situation – the neck is largely disregarded.
So, whilst YourHeadacheSolutions.com is also about Education, it is also a directory for headache and migraine sufferers to source practitioners who have a particular interest in and are skilled in examination of the neck as a source of your headache or migraine – to create a more comprehensive approach and provide an alternative, medication-free treatment. Over the past 15 years I have developed a series of techniques, which, by way of temporary reproduction of headache and easing of the headache as a technique is sustained, confirm that a neck disorder is the cause of or a significant factor in the mechanism of the headache or migraine – this a key diagnostic criterion for cervicogenic or neck involvement in headache according to the International Headache Society – importantly for the disorder to be related to the headache or migraine process the headache has to ease as the technique is maintained. If both reproduction and lessening are not possible then the neck may not be
the source of the headache or migraine. Furthermore my experience has shown that if the techniques are performed in a specific manner it is possible to determine which spinal segment is the cause of or contributing significantly to headache and migraine. Having determined which spinal segment (or segments — there may be more than one) is involved then this significantly increases the chance of the treatment being successful because treatment can be directed at specific, relevant spinal segments.
The application of these techniques in Europe, United Kingdom and Australia has become known as the ‘Watson Headache Approach’ and forms the basis of courses I present for physiotherapists, chiropractors and osteopaths in Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Singapore, United Kingdom, Northern Ireland, Belgium, The Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany, Norway and Spain — refer www.headacheeducation.com The Watson Headache Institute was established to increase the awareness of cervicogenic (neck) disorders in headache and migraine by: imparting my (and that of others) clinical experience and knowledge and, undertaking and supporting rigorous clinical and scientific research in this specialty.
Dean Watson
Consultant Headache and Migraine Physiotherapist; Adjunct Lecturer, Masters Program, School
of Physiotherapy, University of South Australia; PhD Candidate, Murdoch University, Western
Australia
Types of Headache
Headache is one of the most common health related conditions in Australia, with around 15 per cent of us taking painkillers for a headache at any given time.
Below lists some of the major headache types:
* Migraine
* Muscle Contraction Headache/Acute Tension Type Headache
* Chronic Daily Headache
* Cluster Headache
* Ice Pick/Ice Cream Headache
* Sinister Headache: Meningitis/Subarachnoid Haemorrhage/Cranial Arteritis
* Facial Headache: Acute Sinusitis, Post Herpetic Neuralgia, Trigeminal Neuralgia, Temporomandibular Joint
Today, despite the toll headaches still take on millions of people around the world, we have made enormous progress in treating them. New medications, combined with nondrug therapies, are preventing, stopping or managing some of the toughest headaches around.
Tension headache
Tension headache is the most common type of headache. Two out of three people will have at least one tension headache in their lifetime.
Sinus headaches: Sinus headaches are associated with a deep and constant pain in the cheekbones, forehead or bridge of the nose.
Ice-cream headache
Eating something very cold can cause a sharp pain in the middle of your forehead or over one temple. People who get migraines may be more likely to get an ice-cream headache — so-named because it comes on immediately after eating ice-cream.
Migraine headache
Three times as many women (15 per cent) as men (5 per cent) suffer from migraine, and hormones are thought to play a significant role.
Cluster headache
Cluster headaches are relatively uncommon and tend to mainly affect men.
Vascular headaches
Vascular headaches are related to blood vessels; includes migraines and cluster headaches.
Secondary headaches
A secondary headache is a side effect of another disorder.
Hormone headache
Some women experience severe headaches including migraines at times when their hormones fluctuate, for example, around the time of their period each month or around the time of ovulation.
Chronic progressive headaches
Also called traction or inflammatory headaches, chronic progressive headaches get worse and happen more often over time.
Eye strain headache
If you have visual problems that have not been addressed by prescription glasses or contact lenses, you can get an eye strain headache, which typically causes pain and a weighty feeling around the eyes.
Temporo-mandibular joint headache
Some people may get muscle tension and pain related to a disorder of the temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ), the joint just in front of each ear, where your jaw bone connects to your skull.
Acute headaches
Seen in children, these are headaches that occur suddenly and for the first time and have symptoms that subside after a relatively short period of time.
Mixed headache syndrome
Also called transformed migraines, this is a combination of migraine and tension headaches. Both adults and children experience this type of headache.
Below lists some of the major headache types:
* Migraine
* Muscle Contraction Headache/Acute Tension Type Headache
* Chronic Daily Headache
* Cluster Headache
* Ice Pick/Ice Cream Headache
* Sinister Headache: Meningitis/Subarachnoid Haemorrhage/Cranial Arteritis
* Facial Headache: Acute Sinusitis, Post Herpetic Neuralgia, Trigeminal Neuralgia, Temporomandibular Joint
Today, despite the toll headaches still take on millions of people around the world, we have made enormous progress in treating them. New medications, combined with nondrug therapies, are preventing, stopping or managing some of the toughest headaches around.
Tension headache
Tension headache is the most common type of headache. Two out of three people will have at least one tension headache in their lifetime.
Sinus headaches: Sinus headaches are associated with a deep and constant pain in the cheekbones, forehead or bridge of the nose.
Ice-cream headache
Eating something very cold can cause a sharp pain in the middle of your forehead or over one temple. People who get migraines may be more likely to get an ice-cream headache — so-named because it comes on immediately after eating ice-cream.
Migraine headache
Three times as many women (15 per cent) as men (5 per cent) suffer from migraine, and hormones are thought to play a significant role.
Cluster headache
Cluster headaches are relatively uncommon and tend to mainly affect men.
Vascular headaches
Vascular headaches are related to blood vessels; includes migraines and cluster headaches.
Secondary headaches
A secondary headache is a side effect of another disorder.
Hormone headache
Some women experience severe headaches including migraines at times when their hormones fluctuate, for example, around the time of their period each month or around the time of ovulation.
Chronic progressive headaches
Also called traction or inflammatory headaches, chronic progressive headaches get worse and happen more often over time.
Eye strain headache
If you have visual problems that have not been addressed by prescription glasses or contact lenses, you can get an eye strain headache, which typically causes pain and a weighty feeling around the eyes.
Temporo-mandibular joint headache
Some people may get muscle tension and pain related to a disorder of the temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ), the joint just in front of each ear, where your jaw bone connects to your skull.
Acute headaches
Seen in children, these are headaches that occur suddenly and for the first time and have symptoms that subside after a relatively short period of time.
Mixed headache syndrome
Also called transformed migraines, this is a combination of migraine and tension headaches. Both adults and children experience this type of headache.
Learn more about headache
Everyone gets affected with headache at some point in his or her life. However, if headache occurs quite frequently it may be a cause of concern and person must seek treatment immediately. This article discusses various types of headaches, causes, common symptoms associated with headache and also offers information on herbal remedies for headache. By making yourself informed about headache, you'll be able to treat it better.
How is headache classified?
The International Headache Society has classified various types of headaches based on the cause of headache. The classification is made to help health practitioners' treat headaches in a better way. The 3 major categories of headaches are:
1. Primary headaches - These headaches include migraine, tension and cluster headaches besides a variety of other less common types of headache.
2. Secondary headaches - These headaches are due to an underlying structural problem in the head or neck. Some of the common causes of secondary headache include bleeding in the brain, tumour, meningitis and encephalitis.
3. Cranial neuralgias, facial pain and other headaches - Such type of headaches are those that occur because of an inflammation of nerves in the head and upper neck. Facial pain and a variety of other causes for headache are included in this group of headaches.
Common causes of headache
Headache may result from a wide variety of causes. Some of the common causes of headache include inflammation of the sinuses, eyestrain, hunger, dehydration and reactions to certain foods including chocolate, cheese and monosodium glutamate (MSG). Headache may also be caused by life-threatening conditions such as encephalitis, brain cancer and cerebral aneurysms. Head injury may also cause headache. According to the traditional theory, tension-type headaches are caused due to muscle contraction while migraine and cluster headaches are caused due to blood vessel dilation.
Other serious symptoms associated with headache
Sometimes headache may be accompanied with nausea and vomiting, visual impairment such as blurred vision, hearing impairment, loss of memory, irritability, confusion, malaise or a general feeling of discomfort. Medical help should be taken in such situations.
According to experts, a severe headache that appears suddenly, or one that continues for more than a week following a head injury, or one that worsens instead of getting better with time, should not be taken lightly and must be reported to a doctor. In the case, headache is accompanied by fever and a stiff neck one should immediately consult a physician to rule out meningitis or another serious infection.
Herbal remedies for headache
If you are hit by headache, you may try some of the following tested and tried herbal remedies:
How is headache classified?
The International Headache Society has classified various types of headaches based on the cause of headache. The classification is made to help health practitioners' treat headaches in a better way. The 3 major categories of headaches are:
1. Primary headaches - These headaches include migraine, tension and cluster headaches besides a variety of other less common types of headache.
2. Secondary headaches - These headaches are due to an underlying structural problem in the head or neck. Some of the common causes of secondary headache include bleeding in the brain, tumour, meningitis and encephalitis.
3. Cranial neuralgias, facial pain and other headaches - Such type of headaches are those that occur because of an inflammation of nerves in the head and upper neck. Facial pain and a variety of other causes for headache are included in this group of headaches.
Common causes of headache
Headache may result from a wide variety of causes. Some of the common causes of headache include inflammation of the sinuses, eyestrain, hunger, dehydration and reactions to certain foods including chocolate, cheese and monosodium glutamate (MSG). Headache may also be caused by life-threatening conditions such as encephalitis, brain cancer and cerebral aneurysms. Head injury may also cause headache. According to the traditional theory, tension-type headaches are caused due to muscle contraction while migraine and cluster headaches are caused due to blood vessel dilation.
Other serious symptoms associated with headache
Sometimes headache may be accompanied with nausea and vomiting, visual impairment such as blurred vision, hearing impairment, loss of memory, irritability, confusion, malaise or a general feeling of discomfort. Medical help should be taken in such situations.
According to experts, a severe headache that appears suddenly, or one that continues for more than a week following a head injury, or one that worsens instead of getting better with time, should not be taken lightly and must be reported to a doctor. In the case, headache is accompanied by fever and a stiff neck one should immediately consult a physician to rule out meningitis or another serious infection.
Herbal remedies for headache
If you are hit by headache, you may try some of the following tested and tried herbal remedies:
- Eat a ripe apple with little salt in morning on an empty stomach continuously for a week
- If you suffer from sinus headache, boil fresh ginger or dried ginger powder in water and inhale it
- For headache caused by heat, pound lemon crusts into a fine paste and apply it as plaster on the forehead
- If you suffer from chronic headache then keep your legs in a bucket filled with hot water for 15 minutes every night before sleeping. Continue it for 2 to 3 weeks
- If you have migraine headache, prepare a juice by adding 200ml of spinach juice with 300ml of carrot juice. Drink it regularly
Headaches Symptoms, Causes and Natural Home remedies for migraine headaches
Headaches are the most common forms of pain which every individual without exception experiences in life. The causes of headaches are usually very simple. Tension, a bad day at work, eye strain and lack of water or dehydration are some common causes. Sometimes, even when people are hungry for a prolonged period, they may suffer a headache. Women offer suffer from headaches when the level of oestrogen, a female sex hormone fluctuates in the body. This happens usually before, during or after the menstrual period.
Read more on Home Remedies for Headache and Headache Treatment. Also visit on Migraine headaches
Causes of Headache or Migraine
Migraines – It usually occurs on one side of the head due to abnormal expansion and contraction of the blood vessels in and around the brain.
It starts with a distortion in the vision. Environmental changes (changes in weather, strong odors and glaring lights), emotional factors, substances in foods and hormonal changes are factors that can aggravate migraine.
Depression Headaches – They are persistent, muscle-contraction headache that are accompanied by suicidal thoughts, sleeplessness and lethargy.
Tension Headaches – These are also called stress or muscle contraction headaches. It mild and everyone experiences it. It may be caused by restricted blood flow or sustained muscle tension.
Too much or too little sleep, fatigue, tensing head and neck muscles, grinding your teeth and gum chewing are the factors that influence tension headache.
Cluster Headache – These occur daily for days, weeks or months and strike in a group. Pain is centered on one side of the head. The pain is steady and piercing. Heavy drinking and smoking are other contributing factors. Poor posture, hangover, poor lighting, eyestrain and blood pressure are other causes.
Symptoms of Headache
1. Throughout the head, at the temples, forehead or at the back of the neck, there maybe dull steady pain (Tension Headache).
2. Pulsating pain with recurrent headaches; and accompanied by runny nose, vomiting, visual disturbances, light-headedness and nausea. These headaches may occur 1 to 4 times a month and last from 4 to 72 hours (Depression Headache).
3. Usually strikes at night or in the early morning; Steady piercing pain, located behind or around one eye or in one temple.
Home Remedies for Headache
1. Deep breathing . If headaches are stress-related, just doing some deep breathing might get rid of the pain.
2. Exercise. Slight exercise like going for a walk might lessen the length of time the headache will last for.
3. Massage. Getting a massage of the upper shoulders and neck will lessen the pressure on the head. Also, pressing the area on your hand between the thumb and the forefinger can relieve a headache.
4. Drink tea. Herbal teas are good for getting rid of a headache. It is a combination of the hot, steaming drink and the herbal ingredients in the tea. Chamomile and peppermint teas are two of the better ones to relieve headaches.
5. Steam. Filling a basin with boiling water and leaning over it can help get rid of a sinus headache. Cover your head with a towel to get the maximum benefit of the steam. If you like, you can add some essential oils such as peppermint.
6. Cold/hot pack. Either an ice pack or a hot pack can be placed on your forehead or over your eyes.
7. Take a nap. Sometimes lying down in a dark room for a few minutes is all you need to get rid of a headache.
8. Soak your feet. Soaking your feet in warm water and place a cold cloth on your forehead is supposed to get rid of headaches quickly.
9. Drink vinegar. Mix two tablespoonfuls of apple cider vinegar with 8oz of water, then add a spoonful of raw honey. Drink it up and your headache supposedly will disappear quickly.
10. Eat some spicy food. If you have a sinus headache, eat spicy food. It will make your nose run and may relieve the pain.
Read more on Home Remedies for Headache and Headache Treatment. Also visit on Migraine headaches
Causes of Headache or Migraine
Migraines – It usually occurs on one side of the head due to abnormal expansion and contraction of the blood vessels in and around the brain.
It starts with a distortion in the vision. Environmental changes (changes in weather, strong odors and glaring lights), emotional factors, substances in foods and hormonal changes are factors that can aggravate migraine.
Depression Headaches – They are persistent, muscle-contraction headache that are accompanied by suicidal thoughts, sleeplessness and lethargy.
Tension Headaches – These are also called stress or muscle contraction headaches. It mild and everyone experiences it. It may be caused by restricted blood flow or sustained muscle tension.
Too much or too little sleep, fatigue, tensing head and neck muscles, grinding your teeth and gum chewing are the factors that influence tension headache.
Cluster Headache – These occur daily for days, weeks or months and strike in a group. Pain is centered on one side of the head. The pain is steady and piercing. Heavy drinking and smoking are other contributing factors. Poor posture, hangover, poor lighting, eyestrain and blood pressure are other causes.
Symptoms of Headache
1. Throughout the head, at the temples, forehead or at the back of the neck, there maybe dull steady pain (Tension Headache).
2. Pulsating pain with recurrent headaches; and accompanied by runny nose, vomiting, visual disturbances, light-headedness and nausea. These headaches may occur 1 to 4 times a month and last from 4 to 72 hours (Depression Headache).
3. Usually strikes at night or in the early morning; Steady piercing pain, located behind or around one eye or in one temple.
Home Remedies for Headache
1. Deep breathing . If headaches are stress-related, just doing some deep breathing might get rid of the pain.
2. Exercise. Slight exercise like going for a walk might lessen the length of time the headache will last for.
3. Massage. Getting a massage of the upper shoulders and neck will lessen the pressure on the head. Also, pressing the area on your hand between the thumb and the forefinger can relieve a headache.
4. Drink tea. Herbal teas are good for getting rid of a headache. It is a combination of the hot, steaming drink and the herbal ingredients in the tea. Chamomile and peppermint teas are two of the better ones to relieve headaches.
5. Steam. Filling a basin with boiling water and leaning over it can help get rid of a sinus headache. Cover your head with a towel to get the maximum benefit of the steam. If you like, you can add some essential oils such as peppermint.
6. Cold/hot pack. Either an ice pack or a hot pack can be placed on your forehead or over your eyes.
7. Take a nap. Sometimes lying down in a dark room for a few minutes is all you need to get rid of a headache.
8. Soak your feet. Soaking your feet in warm water and place a cold cloth on your forehead is supposed to get rid of headaches quickly.
9. Drink vinegar. Mix two tablespoonfuls of apple cider vinegar with 8oz of water, then add a spoonful of raw honey. Drink it up and your headache supposedly will disappear quickly.
10. Eat some spicy food. If you have a sinus headache, eat spicy food. It will make your nose run and may relieve the pain.
Headache In Back of Head
Headaches, besides cold are most probably the most common sickness experienced by human being.
Headaches usually can be easily cured. It can fade off by consuming aspirin or by just taking a nap.
However, not all headaches can be easily cured. There are many types of headache out there, and headache in back of head is one of the tension headache symptoms experienced mostly by tension headache sufferers.
Headaches, despite of advance in technology, left some mystery for the scientists. Till now, the true causes of headaches are still not fully understood by patient.
Headaches can be classified into three simple categories, mainly tension, migraine and cluster headache. These are the majority of headaches. However, at times, there are overlapping of symptoms and in response of headache that makes it harder to be clearly identified.
Tension headache is a type of headache in back of head. It is also commonly known as stress headache or muscle contraction. Tension headache is experienced occasionally by many people, especially when a person deals with stress, fatigue or lack of sleep.
Normally, tension headache appears after a person's stress has ended. It is a dull, mild pain felt in the forehead, temple, and of course, headache in back of head, especially areas which are connected to the neck.
Apart from the above, the sufferers also feel tightness around the head and neck. The real reason of headache in back of head is still unknown. It can be due to muscle tension or due to the restriction of blood flow. If it is due to the former, then it is also known as muscle tension headaches.
Tension headache can also happen when a person is not in his or her correct posture for a long period of time. This incorrect posture stiffens the muscle and leads to the triggering of correspondent receptors which then causes headache in back of head.
The second type of headache is migraine. The word "migraine" derived from Greek, which means half a skull, explaining what migraine really is – experiencing headache on one side of head and headache in back of head.
Migraines are more severe than tension headache. It is normally associated with nausea and vomiting. The classic typical of migraines give some kind of signs before it actually happens. The sufferer may receive warning signs such as flashing light, blind spot or worst, numbness on one side of the body.
The last type of headache is known as cluster headache. These headaches strike in a group or a cluster. It can be up to a few hours, or even for days, for weeks or up to months.
However, it can continue for several months. The sufferer experiences a few months of freedom before the pain begins.
Cluster headache is very similar to migraine; some may even mistreat them as the same type. This is because both headaches focus on one side of the head only and it is not uncommon that patients experience headache in back of head.
Unlike migraine, the pain brought by cluster headache is steady and piercing. It strikes either at night or early in the morning, where the pain is felt somewhere around one eye or around one of the temple.
In summary, among the three type of headaches, tension headache is the minor one as there is only headache in back of head. Unlike the other two or barometric pressure headache, it will not affect the lifestyle or daily activities of a person.
Patient who suffers from migraine and cluster headache needs more attention than tension headache patients itself as it can be easily cured.
Headaches usually can be easily cured. It can fade off by consuming aspirin or by just taking a nap.
However, not all headaches can be easily cured. There are many types of headache out there, and headache in back of head is one of the tension headache symptoms experienced mostly by tension headache sufferers.
Headaches, despite of advance in technology, left some mystery for the scientists. Till now, the true causes of headaches are still not fully understood by patient.
Headaches can be classified into three simple categories, mainly tension, migraine and cluster headache. These are the majority of headaches. However, at times, there are overlapping of symptoms and in response of headache that makes it harder to be clearly identified.
Tension headache is a type of headache in back of head. It is also commonly known as stress headache or muscle contraction. Tension headache is experienced occasionally by many people, especially when a person deals with stress, fatigue or lack of sleep.
Normally, tension headache appears after a person's stress has ended. It is a dull, mild pain felt in the forehead, temple, and of course, headache in back of head, especially areas which are connected to the neck.
Apart from the above, the sufferers also feel tightness around the head and neck. The real reason of headache in back of head is still unknown. It can be due to muscle tension or due to the restriction of blood flow. If it is due to the former, then it is also known as muscle tension headaches.
Tension headache can also happen when a person is not in his or her correct posture for a long period of time. This incorrect posture stiffens the muscle and leads to the triggering of correspondent receptors which then causes headache in back of head.
The second type of headache is migraine. The word "migraine" derived from Greek, which means half a skull, explaining what migraine really is – experiencing headache on one side of head and headache in back of head.
Migraines are more severe than tension headache. It is normally associated with nausea and vomiting. The classic typical of migraines give some kind of signs before it actually happens. The sufferer may receive warning signs such as flashing light, blind spot or worst, numbness on one side of the body.
The last type of headache is known as cluster headache. These headaches strike in a group or a cluster. It can be up to a few hours, or even for days, for weeks or up to months.
However, it can continue for several months. The sufferer experiences a few months of freedom before the pain begins.
Cluster headache is very similar to migraine; some may even mistreat them as the same type. This is because both headaches focus on one side of the head only and it is not uncommon that patients experience headache in back of head.
Unlike migraine, the pain brought by cluster headache is steady and piercing. It strikes either at night or early in the morning, where the pain is felt somewhere around one eye or around one of the temple.
In summary, among the three type of headaches, tension headache is the minor one as there is only headache in back of head. Unlike the other two or barometric pressure headache, it will not affect the lifestyle or daily activities of a person.
Patient who suffers from migraine and cluster headache needs more attention than tension headache patients itself as it can be easily cured.
Types and Treatment for Chronic Headaches
It is estimated that between 40 and 50 million Americans suffer from chronic headaches. Headaches are believed to be the result of an electrical and chemical imbalance at centers in the brain that regulate blood vessels around the head and neck. Headaches may be caused by a wide variety of factors including stress, reactions to certain foods, hormonal imbalances, genetic predisposition, fatigue, noise, and glare.
Tension headaches are the most common type and are typically caused by muscle contraction in the head and neck. Lasting between five and six hours, a tension headache is characterized by dull, steady pain that feels like a band tightening around your head. Vascular headaches, which include cluster and migraine headaches, are the result of overactive blood vessels. A migraine can last between 12 and 24 hours and is often accompanied by nausea and other symptoms. Cluster headaches, which typically affect men, are accompanied by throbbing pain around one red, watery eye, and nasal congestion. A sinus headache is characterized by congestion and steady pain behind your face that worsens if you bend forward.
A headache may involve pain in the head, visual impairment such as blurred vision, nausea and vomiting, hearing impairment, irritability, confusion, malaise, or a general feeling of discomfort. Tension-type headaches are often brought on by stress, overexertion, loud noise, and other external factors. The typical tension-type headache is described as a tightening around the head and neck, and an accompanying dull ache.
Types of Chronic Headaches
Chronic headaches may be caused by other chronic pain diagnoses, but the three most common types are migraines, muscle tension headaches and cluster headaches.
Migraines. The exact cause of migraine headaches are still under debate, but most researchers agree that they are neurological in nature. In addition to head pain, migraines are usually accompanied by other symptoms such as visual disturbances, nausea or a funny taste in the mouth.
Tension Headaches. Formerly believed to be caused by muscle tension in the neck and shoulders, tension headaches may actually be a result of the pain control center in the spine receiving too much input from muscles of the head. A tension headache often feels like a band of pressure around the head, and may be accompanied by pain in the neck and shoulders.
Cluster Headaches. Cluster headaches are a bit of a medical mystery. They may be caused by vascular changes in the brain, or by a series of activations in certain areas in the brain. Cluster headaches are distinct in that they occur in short bursts over time.
Treating Chronic Headaches With Medications
Depending on the type of headache, a number of different medications are effective in treating migraines, tension headaches and cluster headaches. Some medications are prophylactic, meaning they are taken regularly to ward off a headache before it happens. Others are abortive medications, which are designed to control headache pain once it has begun.
Many chronic headache medications are available over-the-counter, however some require a doctor's prescription. Also, not all of them are taken orally: some chronic headache treatments are available in topical form, such as pain creams or patches.
Find powerful herbal remedies
Botox Headache
Migraines are intense throbbing headaches occurring on one or both sides of the head. The pain is accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, and aversion to light, sound, and movement. Migraines are often triggered by food items, such as red wine, chocolate, and aged cheeses. For women, a hormonal connection is likely, since headaches occur at specific points in the menstrual cycle, with use of oral contraceptives, or the use of hormone replacement therapy after menopause.
Cluster headaches cause excruciating pain. The severe, stabbing pain centers around one eye, and eye tearing and nasal congestion occur on the same side. The headache lasts from 15 minutes to 4 hours and may recur several times in a day. Heavy smokers are more likely to suffer cluster headaches, which are also associated with alcohol consumption.
Tension headaches are the most common type and are typically caused by muscle contraction in the head and neck. Lasting between five and six hours, a tension headache is characterized by dull, steady pain that feels like a band tightening around your head. Vascular headaches, which include cluster and migraine headaches, are the result of overactive blood vessels. A migraine can last between 12 and 24 hours and is often accompanied by nausea and other symptoms. Cluster headaches, which typically affect men, are accompanied by throbbing pain around one red, watery eye, and nasal congestion. A sinus headache is characterized by congestion and steady pain behind your face that worsens if you bend forward.
A headache may involve pain in the head, visual impairment such as blurred vision, nausea and vomiting, hearing impairment, irritability, confusion, malaise, or a general feeling of discomfort. Tension-type headaches are often brought on by stress, overexertion, loud noise, and other external factors. The typical tension-type headache is described as a tightening around the head and neck, and an accompanying dull ache.
Types of Chronic Headaches
Chronic headaches may be caused by other chronic pain diagnoses, but the three most common types are migraines, muscle tension headaches and cluster headaches.
Migraines. The exact cause of migraine headaches are still under debate, but most researchers agree that they are neurological in nature. In addition to head pain, migraines are usually accompanied by other symptoms such as visual disturbances, nausea or a funny taste in the mouth.
Tension Headaches. Formerly believed to be caused by muscle tension in the neck and shoulders, tension headaches may actually be a result of the pain control center in the spine receiving too much input from muscles of the head. A tension headache often feels like a band of pressure around the head, and may be accompanied by pain in the neck and shoulders.
Cluster Headaches. Cluster headaches are a bit of a medical mystery. They may be caused by vascular changes in the brain, or by a series of activations in certain areas in the brain. Cluster headaches are distinct in that they occur in short bursts over time.
Treating Chronic Headaches With Medications
Depending on the type of headache, a number of different medications are effective in treating migraines, tension headaches and cluster headaches. Some medications are prophylactic, meaning they are taken regularly to ward off a headache before it happens. Others are abortive medications, which are designed to control headache pain once it has begun.
Many chronic headache medications are available over-the-counter, however some require a doctor's prescription. Also, not all of them are taken orally: some chronic headache treatments are available in topical form, such as pain creams or patches.
Find powerful herbal remedies
Botox Headache
Migraines are intense throbbing headaches occurring on one or both sides of the head. The pain is accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, and aversion to light, sound, and movement. Migraines are often triggered by food items, such as red wine, chocolate, and aged cheeses. For women, a hormonal connection is likely, since headaches occur at specific points in the menstrual cycle, with use of oral contraceptives, or the use of hormone replacement therapy after menopause.
Cluster headaches cause excruciating pain. The severe, stabbing pain centers around one eye, and eye tearing and nasal congestion occur on the same side. The headache lasts from 15 minutes to 4 hours and may recur several times in a day. Heavy smokers are more likely to suffer cluster headaches, which are also associated with alcohol consumption.
Stop Headache - Treatment Methods
Headache is defined as pain in the head that is located above the eyes or the ears, behind the head (occipital), or in the back of the upper neck. Headache is common problem in men and women.The main challenge to affording relief from various forms of "cephalgia," or "head pain," is categorizing a headache by type, and then proceeding with the therapy most likely to help. There are two types of headaches: primary headaches and secondary headaches. Primary headaches are not associated with (caused by) other diseases. The most common type of headache is a tension headache.Tension headaches are the most common type of primary headache. As many as 90% of adults have tension headaches. Tension headaches are more common among women than men. Migraine headaches are the second most common type of primary headache. An estimated 28 million people in the US have migraine headaches. Migraine headaches affect children as well as adults. Before puberty, boys and girls are affected equally by migraine headaches, but after puberty more women than men have them. Migraine often goes undiagnosed or is misdiagnosed as tension or sinus headaches. Several areas of the head can hurt, including a network of nerves which extends over the scalp and certain nerves in the face, mouth, and throat. The meninges and the blood vessels do have pain perception. Headaches often result from traction to or irritation of the meninges and blood vessels. The muscles of the head may similarly be sensitive to pain.
Headache associated with specific symptoms may warrant urgent medical attention. Headaches are a common cause of suffering, but all headaches are not created equal. Migraine headaches are severe, recurrent headaches generally accompanied by other symptoms like visual disturbances or nausea. Cluster headaches occur daily over a period of weeks, sometimes months.Cluster headaches are the least common type of primary headaches, affecting about 0.4% of adult males in the United States and 0.08% of adult females. Cyclic vomiting also occurs in young kids and involves repeated episodes of vomiting. Some patients describe the pain as feeling like a hot poker in the eye. Tension headaches typically result from tightening of the muscles of the face, neck, and scalp as a result of emotional stress. Tension headaches are caused by stress, muscular tension, vascular dilation, postural changes, protracted coughing or sneezing, and fever. Sinus headaches cause pain in the front of your head and face.Sinus headaches are associated with a swelling of the membranes lining the sinuses (spaces adjacent to the nasal passages). They are due to inflammation in the sinus passages that lie behind the cheeks, nose, and eyes. The pain tends to be worse when you bend forward and when you first wake up in the morning. Postnasal drip, sore throat, and nasal discharge usually occur with these headaches. Headaches associated with fever, convulsions, or accompanied by confusion or loss of consciousness; headaches following a blow to the head, or associated with pain in the eye or ear; persistent headache in a person with no previous history of headaches; and recurring headache in children.
Treatment of the headache depends on the type and severity of the headache and on other factors such as the age of the patient. Tension-type headaches can usually be soothed by using relaxation techniques, or using over-the-counter painkillers taken at the time of the headache. Codeine can be used with caution because of the increased chance of causing medicine overuse headache and addiction.Taking ibuprofen (an anti-inflammatory painkiller) is an alternative. Anti-inflammatories may be more effective than paracetamol for some people.Taking a painkiller such as paracetamol usually works well to relieve a tension-type headache. It is best to take a full dose as soon as a headache starts, a second dose can be taken after 4 hours if necessary. Headaches that are caused by brain tumors, post-injury hematomas, dental problems, or disorders affecting the spinal disks usually require surgical treatment. Surgery may also be used to treat cases of idiopathic intracranial hypertension that do not respond to treatment with steroids. Psychotherapy may be helpful to patients with chronic headaches by interrupting the "feedback loop" between emotional upset and the physical symptoms of headaches. Some psychotherapists teach relaxation techniques, biofeedback, or other approaches to stress management as well as cognitive restructuring.
Headache associated with specific symptoms may warrant urgent medical attention. Headaches are a common cause of suffering, but all headaches are not created equal. Migraine headaches are severe, recurrent headaches generally accompanied by other symptoms like visual disturbances or nausea. Cluster headaches occur daily over a period of weeks, sometimes months.Cluster headaches are the least common type of primary headaches, affecting about 0.4% of adult males in the United States and 0.08% of adult females. Cyclic vomiting also occurs in young kids and involves repeated episodes of vomiting. Some patients describe the pain as feeling like a hot poker in the eye. Tension headaches typically result from tightening of the muscles of the face, neck, and scalp as a result of emotional stress. Tension headaches are caused by stress, muscular tension, vascular dilation, postural changes, protracted coughing or sneezing, and fever. Sinus headaches cause pain in the front of your head and face.Sinus headaches are associated with a swelling of the membranes lining the sinuses (spaces adjacent to the nasal passages). They are due to inflammation in the sinus passages that lie behind the cheeks, nose, and eyes. The pain tends to be worse when you bend forward and when you first wake up in the morning. Postnasal drip, sore throat, and nasal discharge usually occur with these headaches. Headaches associated with fever, convulsions, or accompanied by confusion or loss of consciousness; headaches following a blow to the head, or associated with pain in the eye or ear; persistent headache in a person with no previous history of headaches; and recurring headache in children.
Treatment of the headache depends on the type and severity of the headache and on other factors such as the age of the patient. Tension-type headaches can usually be soothed by using relaxation techniques, or using over-the-counter painkillers taken at the time of the headache. Codeine can be used with caution because of the increased chance of causing medicine overuse headache and addiction.Taking ibuprofen (an anti-inflammatory painkiller) is an alternative. Anti-inflammatories may be more effective than paracetamol for some people.Taking a painkiller such as paracetamol usually works well to relieve a tension-type headache. It is best to take a full dose as soon as a headache starts, a second dose can be taken after 4 hours if necessary. Headaches that are caused by brain tumors, post-injury hematomas, dental problems, or disorders affecting the spinal disks usually require surgical treatment. Surgery may also be used to treat cases of idiopathic intracranial hypertension that do not respond to treatment with steroids. Psychotherapy may be helpful to patients with chronic headaches by interrupting the "feedback loop" between emotional upset and the physical symptoms of headaches. Some psychotherapists teach relaxation techniques, biofeedback, or other approaches to stress management as well as cognitive restructuring.
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